Magnetite, Forsterite, Fluorapatite and Clinohumite

Item Description

An outstanding and contrasting plate of dramatic black Magnetite crystals with subtle green Forsterite from the famous Jacupiranga Mine in Brazil. This cool piece is loaded with sharp, submetallic, black-brown Magnetite octahedrons from 0.6 to 1.4 cm across interconnected by the pale green, etched Forsterite and, in places, the Magnetites are connected to each other. The Forsterite occurs as blocky, euhedral, orthorhombic, very distinct crystals and there is also sheaves and clusters of slender prismatic to bladed white crystals in tufts to 1 cm across. A few, 1-2 mm, medium green, barrel-shaped Fluorapatites are also present scattered on the Calcite and Forsterite. A few, small, orangy, subhedral Clinohumite crystals are present on the periphery. The Jacupiranga Mine is a carbonatite-hosted apatite mine in southern Brazil that recovers apatite from the world-famous Jacupiranga carbonatite and calcite is recovered as a by-product and used in the cement industry. A great piece from a famous Brazilian locality.