Sodalite & Nepheline (excellent display piece)

Item Description

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A VERY RARE, colorful and exceptional combination from this historic skarn deposit locale, where lapis lazuli has probably been worked for 9000 years (MINDAT)! Sharp, lustrous, moderately translucent royal-blue sodalite crystals, to 3.6 cm, are very aesthetically clustered on the sculptural matrix. RARE, large for the locale, sharp bone-white nepheline crystals, to 3.3 cm, are an outstanding accessory and contrast. The nepheline crystals fluroesce white under LW UV light and the modest bit of bruising to the sodalite crystals reveals that the interiors of the sodalite crystals fluoresce orange. The BACKSIDE is another story! Here the bright orange sodalite interiors really jump out along with the white of the nepheline crystals. AND the glassy brown Phlogopite crystals fluoresce yellow under SW UV light. It is possible that the fluorescence also helps indicate different zoning and other species present. The piece displays dramatically without aid. This impressive combination rarity has it all, including striking fluorescence. Valued at $1500-2500 for rarity and quality.