Prehnite and Epidote (cast after Anhydrite)

Item Description

Going back to the early 2000s, we started seeing some truly eye-catching, fine quality and aesthetic display specimen of Prehnite from the Kayes Region in western Mali. The specimens from the Djouga diggings are some of the signature examples of this now classic material. A lot of the pieces you'll see from this locality feature single "balls" or clusters of spherical Prehnite on Epidote, but this one notably different as it features gemmy to translucent crystallized "balls" of beautiful green Prehnite which has formed hollow "casts" (some people call these epimorphs or perimorphs) after what must have been preexisting Anhydrite crystals. This particular style of "cast" is quite similar (at least in shape and style) to those from the New Jersey trap rocks. The inner areas of the "casts" featuring dark greenish-black Epidote crystals, a classic association at this locality. The largest Prehnite "ball" measures 1.5 cm across. The overall specimen is in fine condition as you can see from the photos, and it is understandably contacted on the base where it was removed from the pocket. A showy, three-dimensional and eye-catchingly unique example of these well-known specimens from Mali. Valued at $3,000 in the inventory.