A classic, old-time specimen of an extremely sharp, Chlorapatite crystal from Oksøyekollen, Norway on a cluster of matrix made up of Magnesite crystals. This superb crystal is perched on on a cluster of 1 cm, lustrous, translucent, whitish gray Magnesite crystals. This very geometric, opaque, off-white, barrel-shaped hexagonal dipyramidal (doubly terminated) crystal measures 2.5 cm long and 2.7 cm at its widest. It is absolutely excellent for the species; and also for the Norwegian localities that produced the world's best! There is some controversy as to whether these are which member of the Apatite Group. Early researchers determined them to be Chlorapatite and later ones Hydroxyapatite, but we do not know how comprehensive the later analyses were or if crystals can be zoned and have both Apatite members within. This one has not been analyzed... so we're going with the name on the label and the "old collector's guidance" of labeling all these chalky white Apatites from this particular locality, as Chlorapatite. Ex. Paul Stahl collection - 28976.
Comments