Vesuvianite var. Manganoan

Unknown Owner

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An iconic hot purple-capped vesuvianite from this famous asbestos quarry is almost impossible to come by on the market today. This is a complete crystal, a large and competition-worthy thumbnail, with the BEST color possible on the strong termination, which then zones into the classical green color of vesuvianite. The contrast between the two was found only once in this quality, and it dates to the 1980s. We purchased it around 2010, directly from the collection of the mine geologist during the heyday of this operation (now, sadly, defunct and closed). Spertiniite is named in his honor. This is an iconic and rare thumbnail with truly stunning colors and we have only ever seen a few for sale, generally thin and skinny compared to this robust crystal which Spertini himself kept for decades.