Fluorapatite (fluorescent) w/Siderite (Soregaroli Coll.)

Level 3, Panasqueira Mine, Castelo Branco Dist., Portuga
Small Cabinet, 7.9 x 5.7 x 3.1 cm
Start Time: 11/10/2017 7:00:00 pm (CST)
End Time: 11/16/2017 6:30:00 pm (CST)
Auction Closed

Item Description

A very rich, sculptural and unusual solid two-sided rib of fluorapatite crystals from this famous mine. Tightly intergrown very gemmy and glassy, light grayish-bluish-green hexagonal crystals comprise the impressive front. The back and top are totally different looking. Here a crust of tiny tan siderite rhombs preferentially coats the apatites. You can see that some of the crystals on the top are quite large and are visible on both sides. The impressive large and stout crystal is 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.5 cm. This exceptional and rich apatite is nearly pristine, with only one small spot of bruising on each side, which is certainly only a modest detraction. The gemmier terminations fluoresce light purple. Classic and excellent apatite from the Art Soregaroli Collection with even the mine level known. The piece displays well without aid.

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