This is a really fine and large Zeolite combination specimen, of display quality, from a surprising location in one of the basalt trap rock quarries in Brazil. It is a large and attractive cabinet-sized specimen that is part of an elongate vug in slightly oxidized basalt that contains a diverse Zeolite assemblage consisting of Analcime, Chabazite, Calcite, Mesolite and Heulandite. One of the most conspicuous is a large, white, translucent, 3.3 cm, "geodesic dome"-shaped crystal of Analcime with several smaller Analcime crystals strung out off to one side, all textbook-sharp. A pair of large, whitish, translucent, pseudo-rhombohedral (triclinic), Chabazite-(Ca) crystals are intergrown in the bottom of the vug and measure 2.5 and 2 cm, respectively. There are also several, translucent to slightly transparent, off-white Calcite scalenohedrons that occupy the bottom of the vug as well. A single, pinkish, almost "furry" Mesolite ball is situated adjacent next to the Chabazite-(Ca) crystals and measures 2 cm across. A sparkling druse of clear Heulandite crystals covers much of the slightly oxidized basalt matrix for added aesthetics. A very good and quite large Zeolite combination specimen from Brazil. This is from the collection of Alvaro Lucio, well known mineral dealer and collector. We are honored to present selections from the collection of Alvaro Lucio. Alvaro was arguably the most well-known and accomplished mineral dealer and collector in Brazil. He graduated with a degree in civil engineering, mining and metallurgy from the Escola de Minas de Ouro Preto in 1949. He began his PhD in the United States and completed it at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. He worked as a professor of extractive metallurgy at UFMG, and also as a technical consultant for several companies in the sector. He was the author of several works, published in books and magazines around the world. He received several honors for his contribution to the development of metallurgy and the introduction of metallurgical physical chemistry in Brazil. His knowledge, solicitousness and enthusiasm will be greatly missed in the mineral world.
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