Shattuckite (Rare Crystals Ps. After Malachite) Ex. Charlie Key

Item Description

Click here for a video of this specimen!

A rare, crystallized shattuckite specimen! Crystals such as this are much more uncommonly seen from any deposit where this species is found, than druses and globular growths. These are actually pseudomorphs after malachite, I was informed. Nevertheless, this is one of the BEST locale for the species, for large crystals - and this specimen would host some of the larger ones that I know of. The crystals, to 3 cm, form an upside-down spray of elongated, acicular crystals atop a contrasting quartz matrix. THESE ARE very 3-DIMENSIONAL in person. The cluster is complete around the backside as well (showing crystals to 2 cm on the reverse, admixed with malachite). A major specimen, for both significance and display, this piece was illustrated in the JAN-FEB 2010 issue of ROCKS & MINERALS magazine, in the "Connoisseurs' Choice" Column on Shattuckite, a recurring feature on a particular species and some of its significant known specimens. This was from the collection of noted dealer and soure miner, Charlie Key, also then in the Marshall Sussman collection. Charlie had not one but TWO species named after him, and is considered the godfather of Namibian mineral dealing (he also helped invent radiated blue topaz - another story!). A fine, UNIQUE specimen valued $2000-2500. Although many specimens have come out of velvety or rounded shattuckite - this remains unique now 12 years after Sussman and I bought Charlie's collection. This is probably 20 years old, itself. When in doubt, buy what is UNIQUE because...nature does not make more of it!