CHAROITE
Specimen chr-9
$ 45.00Dims: 3.54x1.36x1.28" (8.99x3.46x3.26cm)
Wt: 3.32oz (94.0g)
Tchara River, Sacha, Russia
This is an exceptional specimen of charoite. It is composed primarily of charoite, with the usual lavender color, polished on one side to a high gloss. There are multiple crystal clusters of aegirine (black and opaque), with a radial growth pattern. And this specimen boasts the largest and nicest crystals of the rare mineral tinaksite that I have yet seen. These measure over 4cm in length, and are transparent and amber colored. They have a pearly luster, and have enough internal fractures to preclude seeing through the tinaksite. Unfortunately, the crystals are incomplete, and the visible surfaces are likely all cleavage (splintery) or fracture surfaces.