superb Ettringite with Hematite

Item Description

Exceptionally large, this 4.7 cm Ettringite crystal is from the famous N'Chwaning mines in South Africa and was found in the early 1980s, and not again in such quality and style. Lustrous and mostly doubly-terminated, the often-seen greenish-yellow color is offset by a darker core. It's a fascinating look, and you can still see and appreciate the inherent translucence along the edges when backlit. Adding to fine aesthetics is a 2.4 cm Ettringite, also nearly doubly terminated, that forms a distinct cross with the main crystal. There is a pair of valley-like inclusions filled with a lustrous, drusy coating and a few sharp, mirror-like micro-crystals of what are probably Hematite. These inclusions are interesting in and of themselves, but the sharp contrast in color and form with the Ettringite is surprisingly dramatic and appealing, beyond the norm as they are usually only singles with no association. A superb, important example in the size range.