SAPPHIRINE. Morafeno, Tranomaro Commune, Amboasary District, Anosy Region (Fort Dauphin Region), Tuléar Province, Madagasc... (Total: 2 Items)

Description

SAPPHIRINE
Morafeno, Tranomaro Commune, Amboasary District, Anosy Region (Fort Dauphin Region), Tuléar Province, Madagascar

In the short period between 1996 and 1998, loose and matrix specimens of this rare silicate were encountered at Morafeno in the Fort Dauphin Region of Madagascar. Sapphirine was originally named for its resemblance to Sapphire: a somewhat dubious linkage considering how the crystal form differs from that of Corundum. This fine example features a very large and complete crystal of grayish-blue, conspicuously parked on the upper front of a matrix of mixed composition involving shiny flakes of Phlogopite Mica showing a 'plummy' hue along with coarsely crystalline, white Calcite. The gray-blue crystal displays a waxy luster and measures a whopping 1.13 inches (2.92 cm) across. The Sapphirine shows no damage, and the overall condition is considered to be pristine. This notable specimen comes with a custom acrylic base.
Overall Measurements: 2.59 x 2.04 x 1.52 inches (6.58 x 5.20 x 3.87 cm)
Offered at no reserve.

Provenance: Victor Yount [Hoppel #D0849]

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