Fluorapatite with Quartz

specimen number:
9530327

location:
Panasqueira Mine, Covilha, Castelo Branco, Portugal

description:

Absolute glassy gem color zone green tabular crystals of fluorapatite to 3.1 cm in size set beautifully up on a glassy gem colorless quartz crystal. This is in super condition all around. There are inclusions of fluorapatite with in the quartz crystal itself. Completely crystallized all around with minor pyrite on the backside.

The Panasqueira Mines in central Portugal are among the most important tungsten mining operations in Europe, with a history dating back to the late 19th century and continued production into modern times. The deposit consists of a network of hydrothermal quartz veins cutting through schist and granite, enriched in tungsten as wolframite along with associated minerals such as cassiterite, arsenopyrite, and chalcopyrite. Mining has been carried out primarily by underground methods, following these veins at depth. In addition to its economic significance, Panasqueira is well known among collectors for its mineral specimens, including fluorapatite. Fluorapatite from this locality typically occurs as well formed hexagonal crystals, often green to bluish green in color, and may be found perched on quartz or associated with sulfide minerals. These specimens formed from late stage mineralizing fluids and are valued for their crystal form and association with a classic European mining locality.

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