Vanadinite (odd crystal habit) (ex Kay Robertson Collection)

Item Description

The Old Yuma Mine is arguably the most well-known locality for Vanadinite from anywhere in the United States. The classic "Mibladen"-esque hexagonal red crystals are instantly recognizable, and the best pieces are highly prized by collectors. This piece is not your run-of-the-mill Vanadinite regardless of the locality, although its value is increased in my mind due to the fact that it's from the Old Yuma. Several crystals with a most unusual tapered / pyramidal and slightly "hoppered" habit measuring up to 8 mm are aesthetically flaring off the underlying matrix. The crystals are sharp, well-formed, lustrous and very attractive up close. The reverse side of the specimen actually hosts more crystals, but they have the typical hexagonal "barrel"-shaped habit. A really interesting and unique specimen for this locality! A must have for any fan of Vanadinite, Arizona minerals or worldwide secondary ore minerals. Ex Kay Robertson Collection (#6611). Kay was a prominent California collector, who specialized in European classics (see the article in the March-April, 2007 Mineralogical Record and the 50+ page article in the German Magazine "Mineralien Welt" November-December 2017).