Phosgenite (fine classic material)

Item Description

A classic, sharp, gemmy, prismatic, semi-transparent, Phosgenite crystal measuring 2.0 cm on matrix from the old-time, famous Monteponi Mine on Sardinia. The crystal has a silvery hue, indicative of the material, and is in great condition. No major damage I can see, and under magnification, you can see lots of tiny additional Phosgenites on the display side of the piece. Under longwave UV light, the piece fluoresces a yellow hue. A fine historic specimen from what is the most famous Phosgenite locality in the world. The article in the Mineralogical Record (Vol 45, No. 6 - 2014) details this amazing locality, and specimens like this are not common on the market.
From the collection of longtime mineral collector Dr. Bob Lauf (Collection #1342) with a label from the Smithsonian showing it was from the Carl Bosch collection (#B18053). Bob is the author of the Mineral Collectors Guide books (Schiffer Publishing), widely seen at mineral shows and libraries. He grew up in Chicago and attended the University of Illinois, ultimately receiving a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering. His scientific career included over twenty years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he conducted research on topics ranging from nuclear fuel, coal by-products, materials synthesis, microwave processing, sensors, optical materials, and biomineralization. He has been granted over forty U.S. Patents for his inventions, many of which have become successful industrial products. He is now a Registered Patent Agent and technology consultant.