Powellite

Unknown Owner

Powellite - calcium molybdate - is usually thought of as a secondary species, as microcrystals derived from the oxidation of primary molybdenum-bearing minerals, but in fact most of the world's largest crystals have come from cavities in volcanic basalt in India. This superb small miniature specimen is from Mahodari quarry in Nashik District, Maharashtra, India. A thin piece of matrix hosts a single, very well-formed, bipyramidal Powellite crystal reaching 1.2 cm across. This crystal has a rich pale honey colour, fine resinous lustre and is complete all round. Two white bladed Stilbite Group crystals occur in association, but both are damaged. As a Powellite specimen this is really fine. Ex David Hardman collection.