Neptunite with Joaquinite-(Ce)

This exposed vein section of snow-white Natrolite is richly covered with scattered, long, elegant black Neptunite crystals to over 2 cm, all with highly lustrous glassy faces and perfect terminations.  This fabulous specimen is from the California State Gem mine in San Benito County, California, and is a true classic, instantly recognisable as from this locality.  Neptunite is a complex silicate mineral and associated with it in this specimen are a few 1 mm and sub-mm, translucent toffee-orange Joaquinite-(Ce) crystals perched on the Natrolite.  The California State Gem mine is the type locality for Joaquinite-(Ce), another silicate mineral.  This specimen displays beautifully and is a good standard cabinet size.