1.5" Pristine Fluorapatite Crystal Cluster with Muscovite - Portugal

This is a stunning, 1.5" tall cluster of green fluorapatite crystals that formed in association with small muscovite crystals. This lustrous specimen was collected from the Panasqueira Mines of Castelo Branco, Portugal and the crystals are in pristine condition. Under both short and long-wave UV, the fluorapatite fluoresces yellow, with the strongest reaction occurring under short-wave UV.

This specimen has been mounted to an acrylic display base.

Fluorapatite is the most common variety in the apatite group. It forms early in almost all igneous rock as small, microscopic crystals. It can display a wide variety of colors and can be confused with beryl, phenakite and milarite. Often forming bright, lustrous crystals with hexagonal faces and off-center terminations. They are found in vugs, often associated with quartz and calcite. Most complete crystals are around an inch in length, though larger crystals up to about 4 inches long have been found.

Muscovite is a phyllosilicate mineral of aluminium and potassium. It has a highly perfect basal cleavage, yielding remarkably thin laminæ that are often highly elastic.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Fluorapatite & Muscovite
LOCATION
Panasqueira Mines, Covilha, Castelo Branco, Portugal
SIZE
1.5 x .95"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#175418