Aphthitalite

$4,000.00

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T

The ArkenstoneFeatured

3,403 for sale·Member since 2026

This is a very refined and perfect Aphthitalite crystal cluster from the U.S. Potash Company Mine in New Mexico, which has arguably produced the best-of-species for the mineral! It is composed of over a dozen sharp, geometric, transparent and colorless bladed crystals that vary in size from 1.5 to 3.5 cm. It is a nice open cluster of crystals with the larger crystals nicely isolated and distinct. Aphthitalite is a potassium-sodium sulfate and yes, keep it away from water. The crystals are complete as it was pulled out, from a cavity in this large potash (potassium salts) deposit in New Mexico. This piece represents part of the singular great find from mid-2011 at this locality where the best crystals ever found were recovered; and this cluster is part of that discovery. It was kept back by the person who found them (mine geologist Phil Simmons) for his personal collection case, and later sold to us in perhaps 2015 or so. We then sold it to Paul, who had first choice of the best pieces in his ideal size range of 4-8 cm specimens. The section of this mine is now completely inaccessible due to settling, as well as long closed off by management itself (and in fact, any further collecting here is forbidden). These best of species crystals will never come again. Ex. Paul Stahl collection - 28962.