Ettringite

A sharp, single ettringite crystal with rich banana-yellow colour and a brown termination, displaying excellent lustre and perched on a small bit of matrix. This complete, all-around hexagonal crystal is both striking and well-balanced, making it a fine thumbnail specimen.

Ettringite is a complex and highly hydrated calcium, iron sulfate, borate, and well-formed crystals of this species are considered rare. Specimens on matrix are especially uncommon on the market, and in recent years they have become increasingly sought after as little new material has been recovered. This is an excellent and aesthetic example of ettringite, ideal for any collector of African classics. From the international collection of Peter Tarassoff, a well-known Canadian collector who has made significant contributions to the mineralogical community.