Fluorapatite

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This magnificent cluster of glassy and gemmy, rich purple fluorapatite is highlighted by a doubly terminated 1 cm long crystal. Pulsifer apatites are the stuff of legends and good specimens from the find are impossible to obtain. Ex. Jack Halpern collection and previously in the Harry Roberson collection (winner of the National Trophy for thumbnails at the 1968 AFMS show!). This specimen is unlike most thumbnails which are simply single loose crystals, and is a cluster with matrix and a display quality unlike the others. They have always been priced at more than their weight in platinum, even at the time they were found in the mid 1960s. Today, a GEM Pulsifer apatite is one of those things you have to see in person to understand why they are still so legendary, 60 years or so after they were found in the "glory hole" pocket of this famous old mine in Maine. They simply GLOW in a showcase and leap out for a neon intense color that is unequaled in the mineral world. Although small, this is a superb, stunning specimen that obviously takes a good photo. There was a feature article in the 1960s Lapidary Journal, and also in Peter Bancroft's book, Gem & Crystal Treasures (1984). This is a significant specimen of an apatite style and color that is unequalled by later finds, anywhere and remains the stuff of mineral collecting legend. We buy them when we see them. This piece was exchanged from the collection of Jack Halpern, who had obtained it when the Roberson collection was sold.