Amblygonite (twinned) with Albite - image 1

Amblygonite (twinned) with Albite - image 2

Amblygonite (twinned) with Albite

Unknown Owner

Help improve this recordNo owner is registered for this specimen yet. If it's yours or you know more about it, you can add the owner, provenance, publications and other details.

This is a sharp, transparent, and exceptional gem crystal of this rare lithium-aluminum phosphate species, in unusual association with beautiful matrix! It is a stunning crystal for any species, rare or not, with with a sublime yellow color, excellent luster and great gemminess that is well beyond anything you normally see for the species. As a bonus, it is twinned (you have to look close, as it looks pseudocubic, otherwise)! This robust crystal is nearly two inches across, three-quarters of an inch in thickness, displaying well-developed crystal faces and edges; and is mostly transparent exhibiting abundant internal reflections that provide a unique radiance, especially for a rare phosphate species. Usually, the larger amblygonites from Brazil and elsewhere in the world are roughly formed, with lots of etching and poor color and gemminess. Stringers of snow-white Albite crystals add elegance and balance to this very aesthetic Brazilian beauty, giving it a matrix association we almost never see. This is an exceptional example, of good size, that could fit in any display collection. I have seen only a small handful of such quality. This one is complete without any damage and is associated with bright white Albite. The prism faces are glassy and sharp. The top termination where the twinning is evident is well formed and lightly striated. It displays wonderfully and you just could not ask for more. One of the best specimens in the collection, but like so many a tribute to the care these collectors took in choosing the rare aesthetic examples from finds over decades.