Celestine

Unknown Owner

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Celestite from Madagascar is very common on the mineral specimen market, almost "decor" when in large geodes and plates. However, although common in quantity, this kind of quality is almost never seen. This remarkable specimen features the deepest-color-saturated large crystal I have ever seen, and it is perched in isolation from the surrounding smaller crystals (7 x 6 x 6 cm, approx.). It has an imposing size to it, and the shape is unusually tabular and equant whereas most of these are pointed and slender in larger sizes. It just seemed unique out of all I had seen - and in person, the shocking color saturation combined with glassy luster and sparkle that is hard to convey in photos, makes it incredibly impactful on a shelf. This is something I never saw myself buying much of in the past, because they were common. However, that is precisely why we should pay attention when they get THIS good! From the long-built private collection of Dr Federico Pezzotta of Milan, who also has worked for decades in Madagascar and is the foremost mineral expert on the country.