Stokesite on Quartz (rare matrix specimen)

Item Description

Stokesite is a relatively rare phosphate that has only been found only in about two dozen world localities. Without questions, the finest examples are those from the Urucum Mine in Brazil. Most often, Stokesite specimens are single crystallized “spheres”, free of matrix, so to find a matrix specimen, let alone a cabinet sized example like this, is incredibly rare. This piece is a very fine and matrix specimen of Stokesite featuring a good sized (1.7 cm), beige spherical aggregate which has grown on the underside/interior of a sharp, euhedral gemmy Smoky Quartz crystal. The Quartz obviously was separated at one point in time from the pocket wall, and a second fluid solution was introduced allowing the Stokesite to form on the underside of Quartz crystal. It is a most unusual and notable cabinet sized piece of this hard to find species. Stokesite is named after noted physicist George Stokes, for whom Stoke’s Law of fluid mechanics is also named.
Valued $3,500 for the size, quality and the fact that you almost never see Stokesite on Quartz.
Ex Brian Kosnar - Mineral Classics specimen.