Detailed information
Species
Orthoclase, ps after Leucite
Dimensions
64 x 63 x 62
mm
Locality
Kalehöyük Kaman District Kırşehir Province, Turkey
Condition
No recorded repairs
New balls please! The mineral occurrence at Kalehöyük in central Turkey is only known for two minerals, Leucite and Orthoclase, both species belonging to the Feldspathoid Group. This locality, about 5 km east of the town of Kaman, is famous for its superb specimens of Orthoclase pseudomorphing after Leucite, forming magnificent crystals with 24 faces in perfect symmetry. This excellent example measures approximately 6.2 cm at it widest point - almost the size of a tennis ball - and is a creamy-white with the slightest tinge of pastel green. The 24-faced pseudomorph is a rhombicuboctahedron and has a pitted surface with a matt chalky texture. A terrific example of these classic Turkish pseudomorphs.