PHENAKITE
Specimen phe-7
$ 263.00Dims: 1.2 x 1.1 x 1.0" (3.0 x 2.8 x 2.5 cm)
Wt: 22 g
Mount Antero, Chaffee County, Colorado, U.S.A.
This thumbnail specimen consists of a few Phenakite crystals, some of which are intersecting, that are scattered through a crystalline muscovite matrix. Most of the crystals are broken or at least lightly damaged, including the largest. This particular crystal measures about 0.6 or 0.7" (1.5 - 1.8 cm) in diameter and is incomplete due to its intersection with another crystal that was since removed. Its trigonal form has a nearly pseudo-dodecahedral appearance and is very well-defined. All are colorless, transparent and dimly to moderately clear, containing many cloudy inclusions. Their faces have a luster that ranges from nearly matte to vitreous. Only a few other, tiny crystals are sufficiently intact to show good form. The surrounding matrix consists of scores of tiny, pseudohexagonal muscovite books that are intergrown.