Cryolite (rare) with Siderite (ex Al Sebela Collection)

Ivigtut Cryolite deposit, Ivittuut, Arsuk Fjord, Sermersooq, Greenland (Type Locality)
Small Cabinet, 7.8 x 5.7 x 5.2 cm
Start Time: 05/11/2017 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 05/18/2017 6:53:40 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed

Item Description

This rare and unusual halide species is best known from Greenland, where the finest examples are found. The species dates back to 1799, and gets its name from the Greek words meaning "ice stone" due to the appearance of the crystals. The habit is actually monoclinic, though they look cubic, they are only cuboidal. Interestingly enough, the material inverts to an isometric (cubic) form at about 560 degrees when heated! This is a classic specimen of this beloved material from the type locality in Greenland, the Ivigtut Cryolite deposit. The accenting brown Siderite makes for a great touch. If you collect rarities, of if you've ever wanted a piece of the interesting and unusual mineral, don't miss out on a change to obtain a well-crystallized example from this historic deposit. From an old East Coast collection with labels from legendary New York dealers Hugh A. Ford and Larry Conklin. Conkln's label says the piece came from Al Sebela's Collection.

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