Apophyllite w/ Laumontite (classic PA) Schlichter Coll.

Item Description

Intergrown "balls" of sharp, glassy, translucent, tetragonal bladed apophyllite crystals form a sculptural small cabinet from this historic iron mine. Some of the balls are included with green chlorite and the scattered preferential coatings of white laumontite blades are rare and excellent accessories. Classic combination material from this OLD Pennsylvania (started in 1732) open pit and underground iron mine. Much of the operation came to an abrupt halt in June 1972 when floods from Hurricane Agnes flooded the underground mines. Neither underground operation was reopened, but ore recovery continued from the eastern end of the open pit until June 30, 1973 (MINDAT). Complete and essentially pristine. The two shards of matrix add pizzazz. Ex Ernie Schlichter Collection and valued by the former dealer at $200 7-10 years ago.