Ilvaite, Calcite, and Quartz, on Hedenbergite

Item Description

Dalnegorsk (now closed) has produced a plethora of fabulous specimens representing a variety of mineral species, but one of the most prominent is Ilvaite. These Ilvaites are considered to be the best of species in terms of shape and luster, in this size range (China gave us bigger and more expensive ones, but these are still more aesthetic and lustrous, generally). The main Ilvaite here is 2.3 cm tall, and it rises majestically from the Hedenbergite matrix. The luster is so superb, and the form of the crystal so fine, that it stands like a shining black beacon, even better than the pictures can portray. In combination are 5 mm Quartz crystals and a marvelous 2 cm bouquet of white Calcite crystals that have an excellent orange fluoresence. Ilvaite from the late 1980s/early 1990s finds at Dalnegorsk still sets the standard for specimens of this species, at least in this size range. This is a unique cluster, and I make no apologies whatsoever for completely adoring it. And yes, it is even better in person. Sometimes simple things of quality and beauty capture the imagination, and this wonderful miniature is such a piece...not so subtly, either. It really has style.