Greifensteinite (very rare) on Muscovite

Item Description

Greifensteinite is a very rare hydrated calcium iron beryllium phosphate that is only found in about two dozen localities around the world. The type locality for the species is at Greifenstein Rocks in Saxony, Germany, but some of the best examples of the species are those found in Brazil, which is well known for many superb examples of phosphate species. This attractive small cabinet specimen features gorgeous MICRO radial groups of "fan"-shaped monoclinic dark green colored Greifensteinite crystals sitting on a matrix of very well-crystallized hexagonal "balls" of golden shimmering Muscovite. Actually the Muscovite is very attractive for the species, and one particular group on the end of the specimen is crystallized all the way around and measures 3.3 across. It's a good quality piece for what is, and obviously best seen with a loupe or microscope. We've photographed the piece with a Canon MP-E 65 mm macro lens to better illustrate the quality. This is a great rarity for you species collectors out there, and a wonderful association specimen from this famous pegmatite district in Brazil.