Joaquinite-(Ce) (type locality) with Benitoite (type locality), Neptunite and Natrolite - California State Gem Mine, California, USA

Joaquinite-(Ce) (type locality) with Benitoite (type locality), Neptunite and Natrolite - image 1

Joaquinite-(Ce) (type locality) with Benitoite (type locality), Neptunite and Natrolite

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Joaquinite-(Ce) is a very rare and complex sodium-barium-cerium-iron-titanium silicate and this California State Gem Mine is the type, and best, locality for the species. This is a great combination specimen for the species that features four of the prominent minerals known from this mine and is also the type locality for Benitoite. There are over two dozen translucent, rich, brown-orange, 1 to 1.5 mm, equant to slightly elongated Joaquinite-(Ce) sprinkled along the margins of a patch of snow-white Natrolite and elsewhere on the serpentine matrix that makes for an exceptional example for the species; and it's accented by several, black, lustrous, prismatic crystals of Neptunite to 3 mm. As a bonus, we have four sapphire-blue Benitoite crystals that range in size from 3 mm to 1.2 cm in size ; with two in great condition and the other two contacted. Excellent for the species and the locality, this is a display piece with eye visible color. Ex. John Veevaert personal collection (he had sold some pieces over the years, from time to time, and it comes with his personal label) and Robert Reynolds collections with labels as well as an older Mark & Jeanette Rogers label (probably from 1970s-1980s).