IMCN10 Genthelvite
Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China 4.8x 3.6x 2.7 cm
4.8x 3.6x 2.7 cm
$400
A cluster of genthelvite crystals crystallized between flat layers of some silicate mineral (quartz or albite?) There is some damage on the lower center of the specimen that is hard to see in the photograph, but this remains an exceptional cluster of the species, and the price more than takes this damage into account. More than that, the crystals are incredibly sharp and pointed.. if you hold it too tight, you will get hurt!
It goes without saying that this find has produced world class examples of the species, and the pieces presented here are among the best from this limited find.
Genthelvite is known as decent specimens only from Mont Sant Hilaire (Canada) and and a couple localities in Pakistan, particularly Zagi Mountain.
At MSH, the crystals were always very small, usually yellowish clusters. To put things in perspective, a 1.5 cm crystal was considered gigantic there. Zagi Mountain also produced some single crystals on matrix, some quite large. After Baotite however, it is probably the rarest thing from the site (after several trips to Pakistan I STILL haven’t seen one for sale in Peshawar.)
These are truly exceptional examples of the species, and I do believe the term “world class” can be applied to the genthelvites from this find. I have only seen a very small quantity, and those that I have posted here are the best by a long shot.