Fluorapatite Crystal on matrix - Height: 75 mm - Width: 48 mm- 67 g - (1)

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Antonio Rapisarda
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Selected by Antonio Rapisarda

Holds a master’s in chemistry with 25 years’ experience in minerals consulting.

Estimate  € 150 - € 200
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A fluorapatite crystal on matrix from Panasqueira Mines, Covilhã, Portugal, 67 g, dimensions 75 × 48 × 19 mm.

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Description from the seller

This pristine piece comes from the legendary Panasqueira mines in Portugal. It is a micaceous matrix plate on which sits a dense population of more than twenty-five apatite crystals, notable for their impeccable hexagonal prismatic habit. The coloration of the specimens ranges from a delicate icy blue to gray tones, revealing zoned color centers and an internal transparency that allows one to appreciate the purity of fluorapatite.

From a crystallographic point of view, the crystals exhibit perfectly defined pinacoidal terminations and lateral faces with sharp growth striations, characteristics of paused crystallization in a hydrothermal environment. The visual contrast is superb: the verticality of the apatite prisms disrupts the leafy and brilliant texture of muscovite, creating a dynamic and balanced mineralogical architecture. This piece is not only a testament to one of the world’s most prestigious type localities, but a showroom specimen whose crystal density and aesthetics place it as a must-have piece for a high-level collection.

This pristine piece comes from the legendary Panasqueira mines in Portugal. It is a micaceous matrix plate on which sits a dense population of more than twenty-five apatite crystals, notable for their impeccable hexagonal prismatic habit. The coloration of the specimens ranges from a delicate icy blue to gray tones, revealing zoned color centers and an internal transparency that allows one to appreciate the purity of fluorapatite.

From a crystallographic point of view, the crystals exhibit perfectly defined pinacoidal terminations and lateral faces with sharp growth striations, characteristics of paused crystallization in a hydrothermal environment. The visual contrast is superb: the verticality of the apatite prisms disrupts the leafy and brilliant texture of muscovite, creating a dynamic and balanced mineralogical architecture. This piece is not only a testament to one of the world’s most prestigious type localities, but a showroom specimen whose crystal density and aesthetics place it as a must-have piece for a high-level collection.

Details

Number of items
1
Main Mineral
Fluorapatite
Mineral Form
Crystal on matrix
Supplement
SSA
Weight
67 g
Origin (Region/ City)
Panasqueira Mines, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Portugal
Country of Origin
Portugal
Height
75 mm
Width
48 mm
Depth
19 mm
SpainVerified
21
Objects sold
pro

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