Mineral Specimen  #195 Rutile pseudomorph after Anatase on Quartz

Diamantina, Jequitinhonha valley, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil

This is a very complex mineral. There are Anatase crystals which have been completely replaced with Rutile, a crystal which has only been partially replaced and Anatase crystals with no replacement. Additionally, Anatase/Rutile crystals are on the Quartz or partially included in the Quartz. The Quartz has inclusions of both a dark gray to black material and white material. There is also a white, clay-like material on the broken surfaces of the Quartz (not visible - only the side in the photos has crystal faces). The faces of the Quartz have a high luster and no damage and are a complex set of sub crystals similar to what is often called "Elestial". The original label described the specimen as Anatase with included Rutile. The interesting thing is both minerals are paramorphs of TiO₂.

5.7 x 4.0 x 2.5 cm

$35                                                                                                                                                                             <50