Specimen #901

Name: Ajoite-included Quartz

Type: Mineral

Locality: Messina mine, Messina District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Favorite? N

Fluorescent? N

Size: 6.9 x 6.8 x 3.5 cm

Weight: 180

Acquired: 2008-10-30

Source: Arkenstone Auction

Label: Y

Comment: Ajoite is an exceedingly rare copper-based mineral that appears in specimens almost exclusively as inclusions inside quartz crystals - and these have been HIGHLY desirable collectors items. Most often, as here, the crystals are polished to give a better view of the ajoite, as the crystals are generally milky. This one is VERY RICHLY included with ajoite, so it just bursts with pretty blue-green color. As with most, it is polished along the natural faces to better expose the inclusions inside. These are really hard to get, particularly in this richness!

Minerals: Ajoite Quartz (SiO₂)

There is one picture on file

M00901-01.jpg:

Ajoite-included Quartz, Messina Mine, Limpopo Province, South Africa - 6.9 x 6.8 x 3.5 cm