Apatite Var. Fluorapatite

Unknown Owner

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Matrix apatites from this locality of any significance are extremely hard to obtain. The locality produces many loose small crystals in decrepitated matrix, and even what few matrix pieces we do see tend to be small crystals jumbled in that fragile matrix. This, however, is a fat, solid, robust crystal measuring 3 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm, perched smartly on solid rock. It is very dramatic, and throws off sparkles like a disco ball when it is backlit well. It has a wonderful yellow-green color unique to these apatite specimens. There is a very small ding atop on the tippy-tip of the termination. It is trivial in context and so I have chosen not to restore it, but this can easily and invisibly be restored (filled) with epoxy, if desired. This stunning specimen is from the personal collection of Jason New, who is one of the biggest exporters of minerals from Mexico, and which I bought a few years ago. In recent mining over the last 5 years, he estimated that under a few dozen good pieces of this caliber have been found amidst the bulk wholesale material for which the mine is known. Joe Budd photos.