Apatite (Fluorapatite)
stock #21.1-486
Slyudyanka, Lake Baikal area
Irkutskaya Oblast, Prebaikalia,
Russia
9.9 x 3.3 x 2.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $800
New Year 22
Large and fine prism composed of two main crystals that are joined (and look to be twinned). Excellent blue color with bright luster and the classic "melted" look on the etched part of faces. This is the best single prism of Russian Apatite we have ever had, the termination is especially sharp and there is no damage at all, the lower section shows some deep etching and dissolution white the top is textbook perfect, even gemmy in areas. An older piece (1990's vintage) from this interesting skarn, the size, color and overall quality make this an especially great addition to any fine Apatite suite or single crystal collection.
Complete and with great color, the larger Apatite is 8.5 CM tall, with wonderful etching. This is the best specimen I have seen of this sort, for size, color and esthetics, it is really striking. These Apatites have transparent areas and deep blue green hue. The "melted" look is typical from this region and often seem in Apatites in Metamorphic host rocks (Marble Skarns especially). As a display piece the luster, contrast with the matrix and unusual architecture gives this specimen a very fine appearance. Both of the prominent crystals are doubly terminated as well. Our notes mention a repair reattaching the large crystal, there is no damage at all and the repair seems well done.
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