Stilbite and Heulandite on Apophyllite stalactite

Item Description

These zeolites offered at auction are from a private collection specializing in such, and he cherrypicked over the last 20 years from many finds. THIS IS NOT your common quality Indian combo. It is really outstanding and above the norm - and MUCH better in person. This piece features a 3-cm, pristine, upright heulandite crystal sticking out the top of an apophyllite stalactite (that is itself pristine and complete all around). The stalactite is then crossed by a 6 cm peach-pink stilbite cluster. The apophyllite has luster so high and glassy, it looks polished - really top percentile in this regard even amongst thousands I have seen. The tips of all the apophyllites are extremely gemmy, more than the photos show. Moreover, for some reason, botht eh heulandite AND the stilbite are coated in a microscopic layer of something very sparkly, perhaps quartz or calcite or micro-apophyllites, that makes it look like they were dipped in sugar before being emplaced on the stalactite. In good light, the effect is mesmerizing. And, they really stand out from a crowd. Like the specimen before this in auction, I rate this, as a small cab example of this classic combination, very highly. The piece is also pristine and complete all around. Valued $1250-1750