This specimen is mostly about the pectolite crystals, which are fairly large and well formed. As shown in the first photo (the “back”) , the pectolite is somewhat encrusted, especially near the base, and one may be tempted to power clean it. Probably that would enhance the pectolite. But it would also blast away not only the light brown coatings, which are either manganese oxides or amorphous “bitumen”, but also the darker areas which are actually small pyrophanite crystals.

The best of the pyrophanite crystals are shown in the next pair of photos (FOV 3,1 x 2.3 mm). The crystals are <= 0.4 mm on edge, and you will need 30X to view them. But IMHO, blasting them away would be a mistake. Cleanliness isn’t always next to godliness. These particular pyrophanite crystals are on one of the pectolite termimations. As may or may not be clear from the photos, these terminations show interesting growth hillocks.

In addition to the pyrophanite, there also numerous apophyllite (probably fluorapophyllite-(K)) crystals on the pectoltite. The largest ones, slightly yellow in color, can be seen at the bottom of the next photo, which shows the “front” side of the specimen. These crystals span about 7mm. Much smaller, water clear, apophyllite crystals also encrust some of the pectolite terminations. In a way, they are another nuisance, but, again, this nuisance is quite attractive under a scope.

The last pair of photos is another view of both the pectolite and the apophyllite (left side and top).

Single item shipping weight 2.5 oz. For shipments outside the USA, up to a total weight of 8 oz (225 g), this could be combined with other items from this or future auctions for the same postage. If you wish to keep an “open box”, let me know.

For shipments within the USA, there is a nominal increase of about $0.20 for each additional ounce. Above 13 oz I will use “own box” Priority Mail ($8.75).