Sphalerite pseudomorph after Willemite (SUPERB!) (ex Dr. Wouter van Tichelen Collection)

Item Description

The Poudrette Quarry at Mont Saint-Hilaire in Québec, Canada is one of the world's most magnificent mineral localities. As of the time of this posting, 433 different mineral species have been found at the Poudrette Quarry (Demix Quarry), and it's also the type locality for 71 of those species. Pseudomorphs are well-known from this locale, but this particular piece is one of the most impressive and singularly eye-catching examples for the simple fact that the pseudomorph itself is notably LARGE! This small cabinet display specimen features a 4.7 cm long, doubly-terminated, hexagonal crystal of what was once Willemite, which has later been pseudomorphed by tan-grey colored Sphalerite sitting atop a matrix of white Microcline and Albite along with thin black prismatic crystals of Aegirine. On the back of the specimen, I can see some tiny light pinkish colored crystals of an unknown minerals (possibly Serandite, but maybe something rarer like Petarasite). The sheer SIZE of the pseudomorph on this specimen is truly impressive, because single crystals of Willemite measuring nearly 5 cm long are virtually unheard of in the mineral world, but the fact that it's been pseudomorphed by Sphalerite makes it all the more enticing. This is a really special and high quality example of these very rarely seen pseudomorphs from this world-class locality. Do NOT miss out on this one, as we've never seen another like it in terms of size or quality. It's very important to note that collecting at MSH has been severely restricted in recent years, and VERY little new material is found each year, so pieces like this may never be found again. If you collect MSH minerals, pseudomorphs or simply unique and impressive display specimens of unusual or rare / classic material, this piece is certainly a must have for your collection. It's really tricky to determine value on this one, but I honestly would put it in the $3,000 range because I've seen nothing like it, and we may never seen another of its kind going forward. From the prestigious pseudomorph collection of Dr. Wouter van Tichelen of Belgium.