Valentinite (beautiful color - 2012 find)

Item Description

This was apparently a very small find recently (April-early May, 2012) from metallic deposits near the famous Xikuangshan fields. For sheer beauty, these unusual radial groups of acicular Valentinite crystals stand out dramatically, regardless of the interesting chemistry. They are quite different from the sort of crystals you usually see both from the standpoint of the "ball"-habit and the gorgeous yellow color. They almost have a semi-velvety luster to them as ewll. Typically Valentinite is colorless, grey or a smoky hue, but to have a rich coverage of gorgeous yellow crystals like this is exceptionally hard to find. The largest "spray" or "ball" measures 7 mm across. Most of the groups are undamaged as you can see from the photo. VERY FEW were available, and it's doubtful that more will be found. Priced at $1,300 in the inventory.