Description/Interesting Notes:
A rare, old time example of monazite and fergusonite on cassiterite from Bolivia!!! This specimen hosts a significant showing of highly complex
monazite and fergusonite crystals perched on a matrix of sharp, lustrous cassiterite crystals!!! Usually monazite is found in
pegmatites, however these rare and unusual examples were found in a hydrothermal tin deposit!!! This specimen hosts
numerous highly complex, golden orange crystals
of monazite in addition to a rich showing of rare fergusonite crystals!!!
The monazite crystals are present as meandering groups of crystals and scattered isolated crystals while the fergusonite crystals are present
as significant areas of intergrown crystals as well as groups of closely associated crystals!!! There are
some instances where both species are intergrown together as well!!! The fergusonite crystals are indescribably complex, with all manner of
unusual crystals and forms!!! I must stress however that, upon close examination the crystallization and completeness is WAY, WAY better than these pictures
communicate!!! The fergusonite crystals have a pale pinkish tan color in some lighting while the color
can look slightly more yellowish tan in other lighting!!! A similar color change can be seen in the monazite crystals as well!!! The monazite
crystals have glassy luster and clarity that ranges from translucent to near gemmy in some small areas!!! This is an AMAZING specimen upon close
examination with a loupe or a scope!!! These old time Bolivian monazites are next to impossible to obtain!!! The fergusonite is
absolutely exceptional!!! This specimen retains an old Michigan College of Mines label (A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum) as well!! The pics
don't even come close to doing this rare and significant specimen justice!!! OLD material!!!
The pics hardly do it justice!!! Must be seen in person to be fully appreciated!!!
Good luck and be sure to check out my other exciting mineral auctions on ebay!!! STAY TUNED!!! MORE AUCTIONS WILL BE ADDED MONDAY NIGHT FOR A SPECIAL 3-DAY AUCTION, ENDING THURSDAY AUGUST 4th!!!
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