Hydroboracite

6.5 x 6.3 x 3.8 cm. Emplaced on a color-contrasting gray matrix that is actually a mass of large gorgeyite crystals, is a cluster of discrete rosettes of lustrous, light lemon-yellow hydroboracite. The color may be due to the presence of preobrazhenskite. The largest rosette measures 1.6 cm across. Only rarely does this species crystallize in specimens of this quality. I have seen just a handful, presumably all from one freak pocket, of this material over the years. Jack purchased this in the mid-1990s as much interesting Russian material flowed out to market, not for the rarity at all, but because it was simply pretty in a style and form unique compared to other minerals. Ex. Jack Halpern Collection.


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Photo added: 2nd Jun 2009