Reviews
1.7" Sparkling Stilbite Crystals on Rhodochrosite Rosettes - Bulgaria
This is a gorgeous, 1.7" wide uncommon mineral association featuring stilbite crystals and halcopyrite crystals that formed over a bed of light pink rhodochrosite rosettes. It was collected from the Starnitsa deposit in the Smolyan Province of Bulgaria. Both galena and sphalerite can also be found around the periphery of the specimen.
It has been mounted to an acrylic display base with hot glue.
It has been mounted to an acrylic display base with hot glue.
About The Starnitsa Deposit
The Starnitsa deposit in Bulgaria's Davidkovo ore field is renowned among mineral collectors for producing one of the world's most unusual mineral associations: delicate stilbite crystals perched on vibrant pink rhodochrosite. While both minerals are relatively common individually, attractive specimens displaying them together are exceptionally rare, and the Starnitsa deposit is widely regarded as the premier (and possibly the only) locality where this combination occurs in collectible display-quality specimens. The contrast between the pearly white to cream-colored stilbite blades and the rounded, bubble-like aggregates of pink rhodochrosite, often accompanied by sparkling quartz crystals and minor sulfides, creates a striking aesthetic that has made these specimens highly sought after by collectors of rare mineral associations.
The Starnitsa deposit in Bulgaria's Davidkovo ore field is renowned among mineral collectors for producing one of the world's most unusual mineral associations: delicate stilbite crystals perched on vibrant pink rhodochrosite. While both minerals are relatively common individually, attractive specimens displaying them together are exceptionally rare, and the Starnitsa deposit is widely regarded as the premier (and possibly the only) locality where this combination occurs in collectible display-quality specimens. The contrast between the pearly white to cream-colored stilbite blades and the rounded, bubble-like aggregates of pink rhodochrosite, often accompanied by sparkling quartz crystals and minor sulfides, creates a striking aesthetic that has made these specimens highly sought after by collectors of rare mineral associations.
About Galena
Galena is a lead-based mineral and the primary ore of lead, and has been used for its lead content for thousands of years. Galena typically displays a gray metallic luster and forms cubes or octahedral crystals. The chemical composition of galena is PbS.
While galena will not pose a health hazard by sitting on the shelf or even from casual handling, we suggest washing hands following handling due to the mineral's lead content.
Galena is a lead-based mineral and the primary ore of lead, and has been used for its lead content for thousands of years. Galena typically displays a gray metallic luster and forms cubes or octahedral crystals. The chemical composition of galena is PbS.
While galena will not pose a health hazard by sitting on the shelf or even from casual handling, we suggest washing hands following handling due to the mineral's lead content.
$45
SPECIES
Stilbite, Chalcopyrite, Galena, Sphalerite & Rhodochrosite
LOCATION
Starnitsa Deposit, Davidkovo Ore Field, Banite, Smolyan Prov., Bulgaria
SIZE
1.7 x 1.3"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#368697
