Veszelyite from USA, Montana, Black Pine Mine

I acquired this specimen at the crowne plaza show in Denver a couple years ago. Veszelyite is personally my favorite mineral due to the shape, color, and rarity of good specimens. Of the existing Veszelyite specimens from this mine, l'd have to say this is one of the best I've ever seen. Veszelyite from the Black Pine Mine is already extremely rare due to the fact that the mine has ceased to exist for decades now. On top of the insane rarity, most specimens that surface on the market are of medium quality and sometimes hold damage or other flaws.

This specimen is outstanding for a number of reasons. First is the flawlessness of the crystals. For a decent sized thumbnail of Veszelyite from this mine, crystals are typically smaller in size. These Veszelyite crystals are quite large. Secondly, the combination with the Phillipsburgite included quartz creates unmatched aesthetics in this piece. Finally, it's the sheer rarity of specimens from this mine in the present day market. I've had better luck finding phosphophyllites for sale than Black Pine Mine Veszelyites. This piece stands as one of the best thumbnail minerals in my collection and never ceases to amaze me how lucky I am to own it.