Variscite (fine color) on Chalcedony

Item Description

You might see these pieces listed and coming from Itumbiara in Goiás (which is the case for the labels accompanying this pieced), but they are in fact from Ribeirao Cascalheira in the state of Mato Grosso. These stunning green Variscites are truly some of the most richly colored examples of the species from any world locality, and the fact that they're CRYSTALLIZED makes it all the more significant. Variscite is well known from Utah in massive uncrystallized examples, and the specimens from Brazil should be appreciated more for their crystallized nature. These are by no means common, and should be appreciated for their superb quality and rich color as well. This piece features a lovely 6 mm crystallized radiating "sphere" of Variscite on grey Chalcedony matrix. Very attractive up close with sparkling luster. A fine example of this beloved phosphate from Brazil. From the collection of William ("Bill") (1927-2006) and Anne (1928-2021) Cook of Cleveland, Ohio (#11427). This husband and wife duo were actively involved in the mineral world for many decades. Bill was a PhD geologist, and Anne was a mathematician, and they both were very serious mineral collectors. Bill served for many years as adjunct curator of mineralogy at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and Anne was inducted into the Micromounters' Hall of Fame on October 12, 2019. Both Bill and Anne, at various times, served as president both of the Mineralogical Society of Cleveland and of the Micromineral Society of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and Anne was inducted into the mi The rare barium lithium beryllium phosphate Wilancookite was named in their honor in 2015.