Minerals: Quartz, Apophyllite
Locality: Hubei Province, China
Dimensions: 68mm x 28mm x 28mm approx
Weight: 41g

An unusually attractive association of highly lustrous quartz with brilliantly crystallised apophyllite, combining sharp external growth with multiple internal phantom layers.

A single elongated quartz crystal forms the specimen, with excellent lustre and a well defined termination. One side is richly covered in colourless apophyllite, ranging from minute pinprick crystals through to larger, sharply formed and fully terminated crystals. Their exceptional clarity and reflective faces give the surface a particularly bright, sparkling appearance, while the opposite side remains comparatively exposed and allows the quality of the underlying quartz to be appreciated.

Within the quartz are several distinct internal growth zones and phantom like layers associated with included secondary mineralisation. This gives the specimen considerably more depth than the surface association alone, particularly when viewed through the clearer faces.

Apophyllite growing directly upon well formed quartz is an uncommon association compared with its far more familiar occurrence alongside other minerals of low temperature cavity environments. Comparable quartz associations are known from a limited number of localities, including the well known analcime bearing quartz from Goboboseb in Namibia and more recent material from Inner Mongolia. This Hubei example is particularly appealing for the quality of both minerals and the progression from microscopic apophyllite crystals to larger, fully developed individuals.