Variscite with Wardite (TL) and Crandallite

Item Description

An old classic USA specimen! The Little Green Monster Mine is the world's most important locality for variscite (in the form of nodules) and is world-famous for its gorgeous nodules of green Variscite, the beauty of which hardly needs description. This is a beauty; and well shaped with nice swirls and patterns within. Specimens of this calibre and richness, with the patterns of green mixed with yellow crandallite and gray wardite, tend to be very old time (early 1900's, with one very well-known collecting spree by Ed Over in 1937). Both rare, and colorful, these intricate combinations feature a phosphate suite all in one rock, and the best of them form interlocking patterns of swirls of the Variscite, Wardite, and Crandallite. The green Variscite nodules here surround swirls of grey, translucent Wardite (this is the TYPE LOCALITY), unusually rich and in the middle. A classic combination, this choice nodule has the size and beauty that shows in an instant why these Variscites are so desirable and sought-after. Valued $2000-2500. #1945, donated by Richard and Helen Rice long ago, and part of the extensive lapidary holdings of the Rice Museum. 167 grams