Updated 3d ago

Orthoclase

$250.00

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Phenakite is a very rare beryllium silicate which is often confused with other species, or overlooked. Indeed, its name is derived from the Greek for deceiver, because the first specimens from Russia during the early 1800s were mistaken for Quartz. Its crystals are usually colourless and glassy like Quartz, and with trigonal crystal symmetry it can form elongated pyramid terminated hexagonal prisms, but flattened rhombohedra with modified edges are also common. Importantly, it is much harder than Quartz and crystals rarely reach more than a couple of centimeters across. Klein Spitzkopje in the Erongo Region, Namibia is one of the world's most important areas for significant Phenakite crystals. This miniature specimen from the systematic collection assembled by the brothers Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021) is unusual in featuring grey Phenakite crystals. Sat upon a granitic matrix of Orthoclase/Microcline crystals these Phenakite crystals, of which there are many, are still remarkably gemmy, and very well-formed, albeit small, at up to 4 mm in length. The only other specimen I have seen of this description came from an early 20th century collection, suggesting perhaps that these grey crystals are from a much older find. Nearly all specimens labelled as from Klein Spitzkopje are specifically from Stiepelmann mine.