Analcime (Type Locality) with Magnetite - image 1

Analcime (Type Locality) with Magnetite - image 2

Analcime (Type Locality) with Magnetite

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From the ancient and Type Locality for Analcime in the Mount Etna volcanic complex of Sicily is this attractive miniature that hosts a conjoined pair of gemmy, glassy and superbly formed crystals. They are sharp, limpid and perhaps the most gemmy Analcime crystals I have seen from any locale! They have textbook form and measure 1 and 0.8 cm across, respectively. These are hugely important for the Type Locality of this species, when identified by European mineralogists as the science was being established. The larger crystal is well exposed right in the center of the piece while the second one is off to the side and one-third exposed. The crystals are formed in a vug (large vesicle) in a vesicular (porous) basalt matrix accompanied by tiny, less than 0.5 mm, sparkling, octahedral Magnetite crystals! This is an important specimen for Analcime and it's a nice display specimen too! From the 1800s, most likely (which makes sense, given Paul Seel's era of collecting and access to older collections).