Description
First Sovietsky Mine, Dal’negorsk, Kavelerovo Mining District, Primorskiy Kray, Russia
This plate is a nice combination plate of black ilvaite with the rare form of quartz after beta- quartz. These ilvaite specimens were highly popular some years ago, but are now quite difficult to find. The Ilvaite is sharply formed with deep black color and high luster. The quartz association is very fine and esthetic, and gem clear. Beta quartz is a hexagonal crystal (instead of trigonal like most quartz) with high symmetry. It almost looks like one termination stuck directly onto its bottom termination, with no or little prism between the two. Because this form is not stable at room temperature, it is a rare form to find. Typical quartz paramorphs the beta structure occasionally. This piece has no damage and also contains brown prisms of what I believe are hedenbergite crystals.
Ex Fresman Mineralogical Museum
3.50 x 2.00 x 1.50 cm
