Apatite with Muscovite on Albite (ex Kay Robertson Collection)

Item Description

A cool old reference piece for this famous gem producing locality. The Xanda Mine is well-known for producing world-class crystals of blue Topaz and purple Hydroxylherderite), but Apatite is rarely seen. This small cabinet specimen features several sharp, lustrous, hexagonal prismatic crystals of Apatite (most likely Fluorapatite) measuring up to 8 mm associated with silvery-bronze colored foliated crystal groups of Muscovite sitting on broad bladed Albite crystal matrix. The Apatites have a distinctive coloring with a swirling mixture of mossy green and colorless hues. The largest crystal on the specimen is quite glassy and gemmy to boot. A wonderful piece for any fan of worldwide Apatites or specifically minerals from this famous mine. Ex Kay Robertson Collection (#8469). Kay was a prominent California collector, who specialized in European classics. She nearly lived 100 years from April 1920 - March 2020. See the article in the March-April, 2007 Mineralogical Record ( https://www.mineralogicalrecord.com/pdfs/Kay%20Robertson%20Collection.pdf ), and the 50+ page article in the German Magazine "Mineralien Welt" November-December 2017.