Microcline var. Amazonite with Smoky Quartz, Albite

Help improve this record

No owner is registered for this specimen yet. If it's yours or you know more about it, you can add the owner, provenance, publications and other details.

The Pike's Peak Batholith area has produced probably the world's best amazonite, and this very fine small-cabinet specimen is an excellent example of the combinations that can be found, which elevate these geometric blue crystals into world-class specimens of combinatorial mineral art. The intense, saturated blue-green cluster of amazonite crystals reach an individual size of 2.8 x 2.4 cm, and there is even a hint of very rare translucence. The luster and surface of these crystals is like porcelain! This pocket is memorable - still known, even though it was found way back on July 25th of 1975! As painted on the bottom in his typical white label with black words on it, this was found by Richard Kosnar in 1975. I consider this pocket to be legendary status, for the combination of minerals, the quality of the amazonite with its porcelain surface and rich deep color. And, this is a perfect, full small cabinet sized piece with no repairs or restorations. This is much more rare than you may realize - as nearly all amazonite specimens are indeed repaired and restored. This is acceptable and do not get me wrong - I love them all. But, if there are 1 percent of 1 percent that are not repaired and restored, and you can own one of those...that is a rare chance. These excellent amazonites are complemented by sharp, lustrous smoky quartz crystals to 2.5 cm, and are further accented by white albite. The fluorescence is also interesting, hence I have included two photos under short and long wave. Pristine, complete all around, and with all the combination of species to elevate a Colorado amazonite, this is truly a special piece we are honored to have. I knew Rich Kosnar at the very end, and had the honor to see his collection when intact with the family. We remain friends with the family to this day and in fact his sons, Brian and Brett, are mineral and gem dealers respectively. We all still treasure these pieces their father collected in 1975, and seek them out when they turn up.