CAVANSITE. Wagholi, Pune District, Maharashtra, India. ...

Description

CAVANSITE
Wagholi, Pune District, Maharashtra, India

First discovered in 1967 as tiny sprays and radiating groups on lava matrix in a remote part of Eastern Oregon, the occurrence was ignored by all but a few field collectors at he time. Only after the amazing discovery of specimens of relatively colossal size and stunning beauty in the Wagholi Quarries near Pune, India, did the world sit up and pay attention. The first material put up for sale at the Tucson show precipitated a feeding frenzy that included some near fist fights among the would-be buyers. The reason for such extreme behavior is easily understandable upon first exposure to the striking blue color exhibited by this Calcium-Vanadium-Silicate mineral. Here we have one of the better examples, which consists of spherical aggregates of radiating, deep Turquoise crystals arranged in random clusters on a light tan matrix of microscopic Stilbite over dark brown-black basalt lava. Larger, colorless Stilbite blades sprout from one Cavansite group, lending a small touch of variety to the tableau. There are a couple of small contacts on the backside of the piece, otherwise excellent condition.
Overall measurements: 2 x 1.75 x 1.75 inches (5.1 x 4.4 x 4.4 cm).

Provenance: Mountain Minerals [Hoppel # D0074]

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