Perovskite (large crystal for the locality) (ex Bill and Anne Cook Collection)

Item Description

Typically, the Perovskite crystals from Rocca Castellaccio, Italy measure only a few mm, and crystals over 1 cm are rare. This particular specimen hosts a notably large Perovskite, measuring 2.4 cm on edge (!), which is quite possibly the largest individual crystal we've seen from this locality. The piece shows good pseudo-cubic form (it's actually orthorhombic) with a dark reddish-brown hue, and a few additional accenting Perovskites can be seen along the lower edge. No matrix on the piece, but the key factor is the sheer size of the main Perovskite crystal. Valued at $1,400 in the inventory. From the collection of William ("Bill") (1927-2006) and Anne (1928-2021) Cook of Cleveland, Ohio. This husband and wife duo were actively involved in the mineral world for many decades. Bill was a PhD geologist, and Anne was a mathematician, and they both were very serious mineral collectors. Bill served for many years as adjunct curator of mineralogy at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and Anne was inducted into the Micromounters' Hall of Fame on October 12, 2019. Both Bill and Anne, at various times, served as president both of the Mineralogical Society of Cleveland and of the Micromineral Society of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and Anne was inducted into the mi The rare barium lithium beryllium phosphate Wilancookite was named in their honor in 2015.