Sodalite (variety hackmanite) on Calcite - Pitwak Mine, Ladjuar Medam, Afghanistan - 6.5 x 3 x 5 cm / main crystal: 2.4 cm
Mineral: Sodalite (variety hackmanite) on Calcite
Locality: Pitwak Mine, Ladjuar Medam, Sar-e Sang, Koksha Valley, Khash & Kuran Wa Munjan Districts, Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan
Dimensions: 6.5 x 3 x 5 cm / main crystal: 2.4 cm

Description: Mass: 86 g MIM number:2193 Perfectly formed crystal of light blue translucent sodalite (hackmanite variety) on a white marble matrix. The crystal has all its faces and is smooth and shiny (which is not common for these sodalites released from the marble in which they were formed). In addition, it shows a very strong orange fluorescence under long UV, and a pale yellow phosphorescence. Photographer: FMI / James Elliot