Description
Detailed Description
More three dimensional than most of these, this specimen features individual fans and conical groups of goethite crystals intergrown with each other. In excellent condition – no damage to the display side, a little rubbing is evident around the backsides/tops of the crystal clusters – not apparent in the orientation I would choose for display (first photo – it sits naturally this way). The goethite crystals on this one range from lustrous to bright silky, and range in colour from dark brown to a lighter golden brown. Great goethite!
About These Goethites
Although goethite is a common mineral, it is uncommon to find collection-worthy specimens of crystallized goethite.
These goethite specimens were recently found in one of the huge chamber pegmatites at Volodarsk (which have long been famous for fantastic beryls and huge topaz crystals, to go along with monster quartz crystals). Currently work at Volodarsk has been largely curtailed and it is not clear whether any significant further work will be economically feasible. Prior to discontinuing most operations, the mining workings intersected a pocket which contained these radial sprays of goethite. I acquired them from the person who mined them out before the water table was allowed to submerge the pocket.
The detailed locality information for these (included on the label accompanying each specimen) is Pegmatite No. 597, Mine No. 3.
