Neptunite with Joaquinite-(Ce)

Unknown Owner

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It might be the glossy well-formed bladed Neptunite crystals contrasting with the massive snow-white backdrop of Natrolite which catch the eye on this classic specimen from San Benito County, California, USA, but it is the orange microcrystals of Joaquinite-(Ce) that are the real rarity here. At least 15 sub-mm size, but well-formed Joaquinite-(Ce) crystals are seen, exposed from the acid-etched enclosing Natrolite. The Neptunite crystals, which reach up to 8 mm in length are nicely formed too. From David Hardman's collection this rich Joaquinite-(Ce) is provenanced to San Benito County, but a specialist in Californian minerals might be able to narrow this down to one of the four reported occurrences of Joaquinite-(Ce) in that county.