Phillipsite, Chabazite (var: Phacolite)

This specimen is a superb example of rare phillipsite, showcasing several sharp, well-formed white crystal rosettes measuring up to 4 mm. The phillipsite aggregates rest atop a bed of numerous sharp, lustrous, and gemmy colourless rhombic chabazite crystals, featuring classic "phacolite" twinning know n to the locality. The crystals are elegantly displayed on a grey basalt matrix from Clifton Hill, Australia, making this an excellent addition for zeolite collectors or those specializing in Australian minerals, as quality examples from this locality are increasingly difficult to find.

The Clifton Hill quarries date back to at least 1846, with small-scale quarrying operations open for public leasing. By 1884, part of the land was granted to the Collingwood Council for quarrying purposes. These sites, known as the Corporation Quarries and Metropolitan Quarries, were significant sources of fine zeolite specimens for local rockhounds. Quarrying ceased in the late 20th century, and remediation was completed in 1983, making this historic locality no longer accessible.

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