Natrolite and Calcite (fluorescent) in petrified wood

Item Description

I was surprised to see ANYthing from Uganda turn up on the specimen market, but these showed up at Munich a few years ago. I find these Natrolite/Calcite combinations to be exceptional in both the contrasts of form and aesthetics. The pocket has been lined with beautiful, root beer to clear Calcite crystals that range up to 1.6 cm, and they are fluorescent. The faces are gently striated, and the satin luster accentuates the gemmy interior of the crystals with just a small amount of light. Following the Calcites is a generation of fine, acicular needles of Natrolite. The difference in habit, and beauty of both, make this unuusal combination from Uganda highly desirable. The matrix is strange as well - these are grown inside an ancient specimen of petrified wood!