Scapolite (WATER CLEAR) (38.41 carats) (ex Irv Brown Collection)

Item Description

The name Scapolite is actually a group name, but it's still commonly used with individual mineral specimens and gems today as it is well-known to collectors. For clarity, the two species of Scapolite are Meionite and Marialite, but you won't often seen them on labels. This piece is a wonderful example of the Tanzanian material that has come out over the last 15+ years. It is a notably sharp and well-formed prism of glowing yellow Scapolite, but perhaps the most impressive aspect of the piece is the fact that it is WATER CLEAR throughout. The combination of the lustrous prism and termination faces just allows the internal clarity to shine through with no backlighting required. The color combined with the fact that the crystal is completely transparent makes it so enticing. For the most part, the crystal is in great shape, but it is contacted on the back where it was removed from the pocket wall. It should be noted that the best color in this crystal is seen when viewing it down the "c" axis, as Scapolite is pleochroic and shows the best hue from this direction. A great piece for anybody who loves thumbnails, gem crystals or minerals of Tanzania. Specimen weight is 38.41 carats. From the worldwide thumbnail / miniature collection of Irv Brown. Valued at $450.