Stibiotantalite, Lepidolite and Albite on Microcline - image 1

Stibiotantalite, Lepidolite and Albite on Microcline - image 2

Stibiotantalite, Lepidolite and Albite on Microcline

Unknown Owner

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Stibiotantalite is a very uncommon species at the Himalaya Mine and this is an exceptional matrix specimen for the locality. Two, well-formed transparent to translucent, brown-orange bladed crystals are the highlight of this piece. Such crystals are normally opaque so this specimen has not only matrix, but also a very refined and rare quality level. The pair of crystals each measure 1.5 cm and about 2.5 mm in width with textbook form. They are growing slightly askew to one another in an aesthetic arrangement. They bounded by a barrel-shaped, 8 mm, pseudohexagonal crystal of Lepidolite crystal (along with a poorly formed one) on the right side and a 2 cm cluster of white Albite to the left that is accompanied by a small Quartz crystal and a subhedral cluster Stibiotantalite underneath. This is a fine small cabinet Stibiotantalite specimen for sharpness, condition, color, and transparency. They are always highly treasured among collectors. Rock Currier got the specimen when he was given Bob Bartsch's collection in his living trust. http://www.mindat.org/article.php/2158/Robert+Bartsch+++RIP++1939+to+2014. We believe that Bob collected this, as well.