Tapiolite-(Fe) (fine crystal)

Item Description

A fine quality and showy matrix specimen of the rare niobate Tapiolite-(Fe) from this lesser known locality in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. The piece features a euhedral, sharp, well-formed, lustrous, dark brownish-black blocky crystal measuring 1.3 cm sitting atop a matrix of light fine to medium-grained Muscovite, Quartz and Albite. Matrix specimens of Tapiolite-(Fe) with such superb crystals are incredibly hard to find, and this piece is one of the best examples we've seen from the Joaquim Cigano Claim. Valued at $1,200. From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#140 BY), a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection over the next two to three years through our various platforms.