Kaolinite pseudomorph after Orthoclase

The superb Kaolinite pseudomorphs after Orthoclase Feldspar found in many of Cornwall’s China clay pits (CCPs) were known to the miners as ‘Pig’s Eggs’, so this varietal name has also been adopted by collectors. The typical pseudomorph is perhaps about up to 6 x 4 cm, so good quality large specimens such as this are very seldom seen either for sale or in collections. Composed of fine-grained Kaolinite, this example is very pure with no apparent included mica. It was collected on 30th May 1980 when Goonbarrow CCP could still be accessed by collectors; a large clay pit located by the village of Bugle, north of St. Austell in Cornwall. The Kaolinite forms pseudomorphs after two intergrown Carlsbad twin Orthoclase crystals. A terrific and magnificent cabinet specimen, formerly in the collection of Maurice Grigg and collected by him on said date.