Ilvaite on Quartz (superb specimen) (ex Richard A. Kosnar Collection)

Item Description

Typically, Ilvaite is not found in large matrix display specimens. Most often, the species is seen in slender single crystals off matrix. This specimen is from one of the most impressive Ilvaite discoveries at Dal’negorsk in the mid 1990’s. As was the case with nearly every specimen from this find, the specimen is repaired, but expertly so, and it does not detract from the appeal and character of the specimen. The mirror bright, nearly wet luster and classic “chisel”-shaped terminations of the two predominant crystals at the top most part of the specimen is hard to miss. The largest single Ilvaite measures 4.5 cm long. They, along with a few smaller accenting Ilvaite crystals sit atop a mound of dark green Hedenbergite which is coated by dozens of sharp, lustrous “Beta Quartz” (bi-pyramidal) crystals. This is easily one of the most dramatic and aesthetic Ilvaite specimens I have seen from this or any locality. To top it off, the piece sits beautifully on its own without the aid of a base or clay, though it does have a bit of attached rubber / clay to help it sit level. For the size and superior quality, it would be hard to find another like it in this market, especially since Dal’negorsk has not produced these specimens in years. Valued in our inventory at $7,500. From the worldwide collection of Richard A. Kosnar, renowned mineral dealer (1946-2007) and the namesake for the phosphate species, Kosnarite.