FLUORAPOPHYLLITE-(K) on STILBITE-Ca

Often termed 'disco balls', the striking pale green, pearlescent, radiating sprays of flat-topped Fluorapophyllite-(K) on cream coloured bladed Stilbite-Ca found in 2001, and for a few years afterwards, during the sinking of wells, firmly put the Indian village of Momin Akhada, in Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra state on the map for mineral collectors. But, as with most great finds, the supply stopped and good specimens are now almost impossible to obtain, and only then through releases from collections. This wonderful flat plate - a bed of Stilbite-Ca - features two beautiful 'disco balls', the largest reaching 4 cm across and the other marginally less. This whole specimen is in superb condition and has great aesthetic appeal. A mineralogical icon of India, it is hard to think of another mineralogical association that is more desirable from the country.