Serandite is one of the signature species from the Poudrette Quarry at the Mont Saint-Hilaire alkali massif. Point in fact, the Serandites from here are the world's best for the species, and this single prismatic crystal is an excellent example. A well-formed rectangular prism, it has an unusually-rich salmon color with good to very good luster. The termination, very well formed for the Serandites from here, has remarkably good translucence, an unusual and highly-desirable characteristic. Adding to the quality, there is a very fine 2.3 cm Aegirine crystal that transects the Serandite. The termination of the Aegirine is lustrous, gemmy, and sharp, and this is as nice an Aegirine and as nice a Serandite as I have seen from here. Together they make an extraordinarily aesthetic combination piece, possibly found during the height of species production in the 1980s. The mine is now now virtually closed to collecting, so gems like this are even harder to come by. This is a great (large) miniature in every respect—a very rare mineral from a very rare find, showing the classic geometry and color that makes these unique in the world from a display perspective.
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