Fluorapophyllite, Calcite, & Stilbite
Exceptionally high quality multi-mineral specimen from the prolific zeolite locality. The color, luster, and crystal habit of the calcite make this piece quite incredible. The calcite crystals are interlocking, perched on a floating bed of high luster stilbite, accompanied by some colorless fluorapophyllite which also has top tier clarity and luster. It almost appears to be quartz, if it weren’t for the lack of 6 sided prisms. From Maharashtra, India. Acquired 2019.
We recommend purchasing the large adjustable mineral stand to accompany this piece. Please contact us with any questions.
Fluorapophyllite is celebrated for its striking crystal formations and abundance and high quality that is available to the public for collecting. It belongs to the phyllosilicate group and is typically found in volcanic rock cavities, and the pieces you see available are almost always from the Deccan Traps, in India. Fluorapophyllite crystals often form in pyramidal or tabular shapes, with well-defined edges and a glassy luster that can range from transparent to translucent. They come in a variety of colors, including colorless, white, green, and less commonly, pink or yellow, with the green variety being particularly prized. Fluorapophyllite exhibits perfect basal cleavage, which is quite unique among minerals. Collectors appreciate fluorapophyllite for its aesthetic appeal, geometric perfection, and the ability to form stunning clusters often associated with other minerals like stilbite. Its unique combination of beauty and rarity makes fluorapophyllite a cherished specimen in any mineral collection.
Calcite is a popular collectible mineral cherished for its diverse crystal habits, vibrant colors, and widespread occurrence. Calcite is a common mineral found in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks worldwide. It crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system, forming rhombohedral or scalenohedral crystals with three cleavage planes that are often visible.
Calcite is a major component of limestone, marble, and chalk, as well as many other sedimentary rocks. It also forms in hydrothermal veins, as a precipitate from groundwater, and as a component of some igneous rocks. Calcite has numerous industrial applications, including as a building material (limestone and marble), in the production of lime and cement, as a soil conditioner, in the manufacture of glass and ceramics, and as a source of calcium carbonate in dietary supplements.
Stilbite is a commonly collected zeolite mineral known for its distinctive crystal formations and association with quartz and other zeolites in multi-mineral specimens. Typically found in a range of colors from colorless to white, peach, or pale yellow, stilbite often forms in fan-shaped or radiating clusters that showcase its distinct luster. It commonly double terminates, forming the appearance of a bowtie. This mineral commonly occurs in volcanic rocks, where it develops in cavities and vesicles alongside other zeolites and minerals. Its unique morphology and aesthetic appeal make stilbite a popular choice among collectors.