Vanadinite (classic locality)

Item Description

The Apache Mine in Arizona is famous for its beautiful Vanadinite specimens, which are some of the best examples of the species outside of Mibladen, Morocco. Typically the crystals from this locality are hexagonal "barrel"-shaped in habit, but this piece features a rare and much more dramatic skeletal or "hoppered" habit. Actually, both habits are present on this specimen, but the main focus are the beautiful "hoppered" crystals with their negative / hollow faces. The color of these crystals is a golden-orange hue, while the smaller more traditional hexagonal crystals are a stronger red color. The largest individual crystal measures 1.1 cm long. Nearly every crystal is in fine condition, and they look beautiful up close. I will point out that the luster is quite good for the material is well as the crystals have fine reflective faces. A really choice example of this classic material with a beautiful crystal habit that is not commonly seen from the mine. Valued $1,200.
From the collection of Robert (Bob) Reynolds. Bob was a well-known fossil and mineral expert and former Curator of Earth Sciences at the San Bernardino County Museum in California. The rare phyllomanganate-chromate species Reynoldsite was named in his honor in 2011.