Thomsonite-(Ca) (TYPE LOCALITY)

Item Description

This is one of those rare mienral specimens where the label and history is at least if not more fascinating than the mineral itself. It is a SUPERB, old-time specimen of Thomsonite-(Ca) from the early 1800s or prior. The exceptionally long, radial crystals have an excellent pearly/glassy luster that makes them almost glisten as they move around under the light. Out of the famous collection of Archduke Stephan, whose specimens/labels are highly sought-after (he was the largest collector in Europe of the Early 1800s). Note the label is actually printed on what was the actual paper used for the official Austrian currency at the time, as printed in the mint in Budapest (they printed special label runs for this guy!). It has actual gold in the golden color at the periphery and must be the label most desired by all European collectors since. From the collection of Dr. Robert J. Lauf, this is a PUBLISHED and Type Locality specimen, both of which are of particular interest to collectors. Comes with note card, author-signed book, and old labels included. A rare historic specimen, with label to match.