Specimen #1900

Name: Hydroxyapophyllite, Inesite, and Pectolite

Type: Mineral

Locality: Wessels Mine (Wessel's Mine), Hotazel, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa

Favorite? N

Fluorescent? N

Size: 8 x 4 x 4 cm

Weight: 132

Acquired: 2010-03-09

Source: Arkenstone Auction

Label: N

Comment: Hydroxyapophyllite (rare and superb), Inesite, and Pectolite (probable). Ex. Charlie Key collection. Excellent cluster of blocky Hydroxyapophyllite on a matrix of radial Inesite sprays and white Pectolite. The Hydroxyapophyllites have superb luster, are partially gemmy, and an attractive light peach color (included by manganese?). NOTE THIS IS NOT THE MORE COMMON FLUOR- varietal of Apophyllite. This species is much more rare, and these crystals are among the worlds finest of this species. Additionally the color is a rarity, and makes it hard to value. The crystal is a very significant 4 cm long by 3.7 cm wide and has mesmerizing high lustre and translucency. A choice example of a rare species.

Minerals: Hydroxyapophyllite (KCa₄Si₈O₂₀(OH,F) ₈(H₂O)) Inesite (Ca₂Mn₇Si₁₀O₂₈(OH)_{2 5}(H₂O)) Pectolite (NaCa₂Si₃O₈(OH))

There is one picture on file

M01900-01.jpg:

Hydroxyapophyllite, Inesite, and Pectolite, Wessels Mine (Wessel's Mine), Hotazel, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa - 8 x 4 x 4 cm