Vesuvianite (fine locality specimen)

Item Description

A fine old matrix display specimen of Vesuvianite from Sanford, Maine (likely the Webster Prospects) featuring a robust, well-formed, sharp, lustrous, striated prism of a dark greenish-brown color measuring 4.4 cm, sitting on smoky colored massive Quartz matrix with additional partial Vesuvianite crystals mixed in. The main Vesuvianite crystal is in great condition, with a complete termination, though there is one nick on the upper portion of the crystal.
The piece was pictured in Collector's Guide to the Vesuvianite Group as well as the Collector's Guide to Silicates: Orthosilicates (both written by Bob Lauf), but please note that neither copy of book is not included with this listing.
From the collection of longtime mineral collector Dr. Bob Lauf (Collection #2911), and originally from Ernie Schlichter. Bob Lauf is the author of the Mineral Collectors Guide books (Schiffer Publishing), widely seen at mineral shows and libraries. He grew up in Chicago and attended the University of Illinois, ultimately receiving a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering. His scientific career included over twenty years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he conducted research on topics ranging from nuclear fuel, coal by-products, materials synthesis, microwave processing, sensors, optical materials, and biomineralization. He has been granted over forty U.S. Patents for his inventions, many of which have become successful industrial products. He is now a Registered Patent Agent and technology consultant.