Benitoite with Neptunite

Superbly perched atop a matrix of white natrolite is a fine crystal of lustrous and translucent, rich blue benitoite, measuring 1.5 cm in length. Also perched on the natrolite matrix are slender black crystals of neptunite, to 5 mm in length. When we talk about "blue triangles" as the perfect, ideal specimen of neptunite, we are often talking about crystal diagrams or just a few famous pieces - we seldom see such a free-floating perfect crystal in real life, showing all corners with perfect symmetry. This specimen was expertly etched out of a larger matrix by the previous owner, Irv Brown, from old material. It is not the biggest benitoite, but it is among the finest for perfect frontal symmetry on display, that you can ask for - and in a competitive thumbnail collection, that first look matters most.