Fluorapatite included with "Byssolite" (2016 find)

Ganadao (Gandahab), Mohmand Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Pakistan
Small Cabinet, 6.1 x 4.2 x 1.2 cm
Start Time: 05/03/2018 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 05/10/2018 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed

Item Description

This specimen was collected in the summer of 2016, and we were able to pick up several good pieces from this discovery. These are gorgeous "Alpine"-type specimens of Apatite with classic inclusions of "Byssolite" that are incredibly similar to the classic and desirable specimens from the Knappenwand in Austria. A group sharp, well-formed, fairly thick, tabular, hexagonal crystal of colorless Fluorapatite is included with brilliant rich green colored fibrous Actinolite (variety: "Byssolite") to create a gorgeous two-tone effect. When the piece is backlit, the color really glows, and this particular shade of green is almost never seen in Apatite, even if it caused from the inclusion of another mineral. The specimen has a few partially frosted "c" faces, but the other side end is lustrous and actually shows a cool radial hexagonal growth pattern on the surface. The prism faces alternate betweenbright and matte luster, and when I look around the specimen, I can only see a few nicks, but no major damage. There are only two places in the world where I've seen crystals of Apatite with these beautiful green "Byssolite" inclusions: Austria and Pakistan. So don't miss out on this eye-catching, larger multi-crystal piece with wonderful color. Valued at $900.

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