Phlogopite Mica with Quartz

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It's not often that a Mica Group mineral commands the center of respect in a specimen, and can fit in a sophisticated collection of gem crystals; it's much more likely to be found as an accessory mineral, like Muscovite with Aquamarine or Lepidolite with Tourmaline. But the Phlogopite mica on this piece breaks that stereotype, as this blue-green, translucent crystal, measuring 2 cm tall and over 2 cm across, perches aesthetically on matrix. It is a world class GEM mica crystal, with a unique color, transparency, luster... everything you normally want in a fancier species and do not expect in a mica species example. As a bonus, a second crystal on the bottom backside also reaches 1.5cm across, and the crystals fluoresce yellow as well! This is a fabulous large miniature specimen, that because of the color and gemminess will stump a lot of viewers at first. Unique pieces like this are among our favorites in the collection and really show why a location collection of importance is valuable, as it preserves such treasures in context. I would rather have something truly exceptional like this for the price, than a tourmaline or ruby, in fact. As a final note... this COULD trim, with a small risk, into an extraordinary thumbnail-sized specimen of gem phlogopite.