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CC30285

PHENAKITE

PHENAKITE


Size:
78 x 55 x 34 mm
Weight:
142 g
Regular price $6,500.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $6,500.00 USD
Sale Sold out
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Detailed information

Species Phenakite
Dimensions 78 x 55 x 34 mm
Weight 142 g
Locality Rio Piracicaba Minas Gerais Brazil
Condition No recorded repairs
Phenakite is a very rare beryllium silicate which is often confused with other species, or overlooked. Indeed, its name is derived from the Greek for deceiver, because the first specimens from Russia during the early 1800s were mistaken for Quartz. Its crystals are usually colourless and glassy like Quartz, and with trigonal crystal symmetry it can form elongated pyramid terminated hexagonal prisms, but flattened rhombohedra with modified edges are also common. Importantly, it is much harder than Quartz and crystals rarely reach more than a couple of centimeters across. Gemmy crystals are highly sought after: not so much for gem cutting, but as rare mineral specimens. Aggregates, or groups of crystals are rarer still. This large miniature specimen, from arguably the world's premier source, at Rio Piracicaba in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, is world-class. It is an aggregate of pure Phenakite crystals, all gemmy, glassy and bright, and individually reaching up to 2 cm in length which is in itself phenomenal. The crystals show many different complex forms, with really well-defined faces. There are some microscopic chips to the edges of a couple of the crystals, but the scale of this crystal aggregate is truly remarkable. A museum quality Phenakite.

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We offer a number of different shipping methods, depending on locality and availability. Generally we try to ship using a courier to ensure the speedy and safe delivery of your new mineral specimen, however, other methods are available upon request.

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I bought a specimen but it is not what I expected or was damaged in transit. Can I return the specimen?

Inevitably, sometimes things don't go as expected. Whether the specimen is damaged in transit or the identity is incorrect, we are aware that this can result in the return of a specimen.If your specimen is damaged during shipping, it is vitally important to take a photo of the packaging and specimen in situ. By recording this, we get an idea of the nature and possible reason behind the damage and will be able to process the return much faster.If you discover that the mineral species has been misidentified, we require details of the method of identification in order to understand why you believe this to be the case. If the identity is in question but no formal analysis has been attempted, Crystal Classics will assess the situation on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, this may mean the specimen is sent for analysis to determine the identity.In any scenario where a specimen is analysed and the species in question is not present on the specimen, we will provide a full refund.If you feel that the specimen was misrepresented in any way, please ensure you make contact with us within the 30 day grace period for resolution.In all instances, please ensure that you call or e-mail us immediately, prior to the return of a specimen to Crystal Classics, so that we can advise regarding the returns procedure. Failure to contact us prior to the return of a specimen may lead to the rejection of your return.Shipping costs of all returns are to be covered by the customer, unless the specimen was damaged in transit or if the identity is incorrect.