Pyrochlore (rare and fine quality)

Item Description

Starting in 2010, the term Pyrochlore has been used as a group name for the niobium dominant species of the Pyrochlore Supergroup, but it is no longer a valid species name. With that said, what is often called "Pyrochlore" features crystals that are somewhat dull with a dark black and / or brown coloring, and typically little to no luster. Back in the mid 1980s, some of the finest "Pyrochlore" crystals were found in Russia featuring a beautiful deep reddish hue and crystals showing superb luster and sharp faces. This piece is from that exact discovery hosting a good number of excellent quality crystals which measure up to 1.0 cm sitting on contrasting white Calcite on host matrix. Very little damage, I can see one contacted crystal, and obviously the crystals along the periphery are contacted where the piece was removed from the pocket wall. Today it is incredibly difficult to find specimens like this with crystals of such good size, quality and luster. They even show a bit of gemminess in certain areas when they are backlit. I think most people would agree that the Vishnevye specimen are the best "Pyrochlore" crystals ever found. Valued at $950 in the inventory.