Phenakite (type locality specimen)

We have seen old Russian emeralds from this famous old Tsarist-era emerald mine on the market from time to time. However, we seldom see any of the associated phenakite crystals that came out even more rarely! If they did, they were often cut - as this was the early source for fine gem phenakite, both for collectors and for those who wanted to cut something that looked like diamond when cut and could be sold into the market at a time before analytical equipment. Small crystals are seen but large crystals have rarely turned up to the market. We have no idea how old this is or where it came from, but we found it at an old collection deaccession a few years ago. From the type locality for Phenakite, this is an important, highly significant specimen from one of the greatest of old European gem localities. A complete, important, crystal of 325 grams (about 3/4 pound).