Xenotime-(Y) (rare matrix specimen) on Quartz (ex Kay Robertson Collection)

Item Description

Some of the most iconic Rutile / Hematite specimens in the world are those from Novo Horizonte, but the locality has also produced some fine quality crystals of Xenotime-(Y). Typically the Xenotime crystals are found loose, off matrix, but THIS piece is a very rare matrix specimen of this rare material. This is a wonderful small cabinet specimen featuring rarely crystals of golden-brown, lustrous Xenotime-(Y) aesthetically flaring off a partial translucent Smoky Quartz crystal. The largest Xenotime measures 2.7 cm long. It is incredibly rare to find Xenotime-(Y) crystals on matrix like this from this locality. Only a tiny nick keeps the largest crystal from being damage free, but it's still a really attractive and hard to find piece of this classic material. Ex Kay Robertson Collection. Kay is a prominent California collector, who specialized in European classics (see the article in the March-April, 2007 Mineralogical Record and the 50+ page article in the German Magazine "Mineralien Welt" November-December 2017).