Fuchsite (Chromium-bearing Muscovite)

Item Description

Mica is not always considered a "display" species, but we found some really attractive pieces in Tucson this year from the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. These pieces come from the same locality as the world famous Tanzanite crystals. Like a lot of the minerals from this region, they have a strong coloring which is in this case is caused by chromium content. This would typically be a silvery-grey Muscovite, but the small amount of chromium gives them an INTENSE emerald green hue, causing to be a specimen of Fuchsite (a chrome-bearing variety). This piece features shimmering, layered crystals of beautiful Fuchsite sitting on host rock matrix. The crystals are somewhat gemmy when backlit and look beautiful in person. Very rarely seen on market, and a very worthwhile specimen for any fan of minerals of Tanzania or species of Mica.