**Complimentary Specimens** As a gesture of appreciation, winning lots with a final hammer price above €50 will include one small additional mineral offered entirely free of charge. —————— Description: This golden apatite crystal is defined above all by its imposing scale and architectural presence. Rising tall and unusually thick for the species, the crystal forms a robust hexagonal prism whose proportions immediately set it apart. The colour ranges across warm golden yellow tones, enriched with honeyed and olive nuances that shift subtly with changes in light. Rather than presenting a flat or uniform appearance, the crystal displays layered internal depth, with gentle chromatic modulation from base to crown. Its surfaces retain natural growth textures, allowing the crystal’s formation history to remain clearly legible. One of the most compelling features becomes evident when the crystal is viewed laterally or laid horizontally. A distinct internal core or axial column runs through the body, appearing slightly darker and more concentrated than the surrounding material. This feature reflects a central growth channel, where mineral rich fluids fed the crystal during prolonged vertical development. Such axial differentiation is not uncommon in apatite, but it is rarely this clearly expressed and visually accessible, adding scientific and aesthetic interest to the specimen. When illuminated from behind, the crystal reveals a glowing internal structure, with the golden body becoming luminous and the central core subtly outlined. This interplay between the outer prism and its internal nucleus gives the crystal a strong sense of depth and internal organisation, transforming it from a simple prismatic form into a layered geological object shaped by time, pressure and chemistry. Overall, this specimen stands as a large, structurally expressive golden apatite, valued not for superficial brilliance but for its scale, internal architecture and honest natural character. It is a crystal that rewards slow observation, offering different visual information depending on angle, orientation and lighting. Specifications: • Weight: 6.80 g • Weight equivalent: 34.00 ct • Dimensions: 27 × 11.5 × 11.5 mm • Origin: Imilchil region, Morocco • Mineral: Apatite • Variety: Golden apatite • Crystal system: Hexagonal • Crystal habit: Thick prismatic crystal • Termination: Naturally formed • Colour: Golden yellow with honey and olive tones • Transparency: Translucent to transparent • Lustre: Vitreous • Condition: Natural, unpolished, untreated Notable Points: • Exceptionally large and thick apatite crystal for the species • Strong hexagonal prismatic geometry with substantial diameter • Warm golden coloration with natural tonal depth • Distinct central internal growth core visible under illumination • Clear evidence of prolonged, stable crystallisation • Preserved natural crystal faces with vertical striations • Natural termination with no artificial modification • Internal features enhance depth and geological character • Impressive visual presence both upright and horizontal • Collector grade specimen due to scale and structure • Completely untreated and natural Collector’s Interest: Golden apatite crystals from Imilchil are appreciated for their colour and clarity, but specimens of this size and mass stand in a different category. The combination of thickness, height and internal growth structure places this piece well above average examples. Advanced collectors value such specimens not only for colour, but for the geological story they preserve within their structure. This crystal offers a rare opportunity to acquire a golden apatite that feels monumental rather than decorative, making it a strong centrepiece for collections focused on crystal form, scale and internal growth phenomena. Lapidary Potential: Although the crystal’s size suggests theoretical lapidary possibilities, its true value lies in its preserved natural state. Cutting would irreversibly remove the defining thickness, the hexagonal architecture and the central growth core that make this specimen distinctive. As such, its highest expression remains as a natural crystal, where its scale, colour and internal structure can be fully appreciated. —————— Shipping and Handling: All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post. • Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki • Transit time with CTT service: between 5 to 7 business days within europe and worldwide, depending on destination national post. • A tracking number is always provided Photography and transparency: All photographs are taken under controlled lighting conditions using a macro lens, carefully selected to present each specimen as accurately as possible. No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation are applied. The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, replicating neutral daylight to reveal natural tones, surface features, and internal characteristics. Under warmer or weaker indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal. The purpose of this photographic process is documentation and representation, not visual enhancement. Images are intended to reflect the specimen faithfully as it appears under balanced natural light conditions. Identification and ethics: All specimens offered are natural and described to the best of our knowledge, based on direct sourcing, professional experience, and information provided by trusted suppliers working at the origin. Every effort is made to ensure transparency and accuracy regarding identification, locality, and general characteristics, avoiding misleading statements about treatment, provenance, or nature. Customs and import taxes: Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder. These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities. Guarantee and resolution: Customer satisfaction is important. In the unlikely event of an issue such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us promptly through Catawiki’s messaging system. Each case is handled individually and fairly, with appropriate solutions offered when justified. Appreciation and commitment: We sincerely thank you for your trust. Our work focuses on careful selection, accurate representation, and respectful presentation of mineral specimens with character and interest. Each piece is chosen for its individual qualities rather than speculative or financial considerations. We aim to provide a transparent, reliable, and consistent experience for collectors at all levels. With gratitude, GemPulse Minerals