Chrysoberyl with Quartz

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Chrysoberyl is a rare and highly collectible 'gem' mineral species known in fine crystals from just a small number of localities worldwide. This remarkable cabinet-sized specimen is from a new discovery in Mozambique. it is richly endowed in narrow bladed Chrysoberyl crystals reaching over 5.5 cm in length embedded within granular white Quartz, but protruding out to produce 3-dimensional crystals. Many are grown parallel, although a few cut across at different angles. The contrast between white Quartz and yellow-green to deep green Chrysoberyl is striking. Most of the Chrysoberyl crystals are single crystals, but a couple of fine twinned crystals are also is to be seen developed perched on the summits of the longer bladed crystals. Both twins reach 1.4 cm across. The Chrysoberyl crystals are not gemmy, but are nicely formed, flattened, and with sharp well-defined edges. There is a lot of Chrysoberyl to be seen in this piece, making it a dramatic display specimen. The granular Quartz matrix has been stabilized, as is routine with this new material.