Stilbite-(Ca) with Fluorapophyllite-(K) (highly aesthetic) (ex Dr. Stephen Smale Collection)

Item Description

This is without a doubt my favorite specimen in this auction. Sometimes we'll talk about how a mineral specimen is three-dimensional, but this one takes it to another level (the 4th dimension?) as it is incredibly aesthetic and displayable from virtually all sides. This dramatic and stunning display specimen is a beautiful association piece from the famous Jalgaon District featuring superb, sharp, well-formed lustrous, creamy peach colored, "sword"-shaped Stilbite-(Ca) crystal groups associated with classic gemmy, robust, green to colorless prismatic crystals of Fluorapophyllite-(K) with minor Chalcedony "stalactite" stringers here and there. Coincidentally, the largest Apophyllite and the largest Stilbite both measure 6.6 cm long. Both the Stilbite groups and the Apophyllite crystals are superb quality, but its the intricate and labyrinthine-esque way in which they're intergrown that makes the piece so special. You literally find something interesting and exciting no matter from which angle the piece is viewed. What's even more impressive is that the piece is nearly a complete "floater", as there are only a few tiny point of attachment on the Chalcedony stalactites that show where the piece was attached to the pocket wall. A good number of both the Stilbite and Apophyllite crystals are doubly-terminated to boot! This sits on its own without the aid of a base or clay from SEVERAL positions, and you can spend a great amount of time playing with it to really examine what each side has to offer. I can't say enough about how much I love this piece. Keep in mind that the finest crystals of Stilbite and Apophyllite are found in the Deccan Trap of India, and they should be celebrated for their superior quality on a worldwide scale, as you don't see green Apophyllite from virtually any other locality, especially in association with such wonderful Stilbite crystals. Priced at $7,500 retail in our inventory. Ex Dr. Stephen Smale Collection. Along with amassing one of the finest private mineral collections in the world, Steve is a renowned mathematician. His accomplishments include being awarded the Fields Medal in 1966 along with being the awarded the Wolf Prize in mathematics in 2007. You can read Steve's bio on the Mineralogical Record website ( https://mineralogicalrecord.com/biographies_labels/smalestephen/ ) or on Wikipedia.