Microcline with Quartz

specimen number:
8911090

location:
Lake George, Park Co., Colorado, USA

description:
An attractive combination piece of this Colorado classic with large blocky bluish green crystals of microcline, this the variety known as amazonite, measuring to 5.5 x 3.0 x 3.0 cm in size coming off a granite matrix. Right in the center is a gemmy smoky quartz crystal 4.5 cm in height. This is in very good condition with just slight micro damage present, I can see no repairs which is slightly unusual for this area and these combination specimens. The quality is excellent. The specimen comes with a previous label from the Alton collection noting that this was collected in 2021.

The Lake George district in Park County, Colorado, is world-famous for its mineral deposits hosted within the Pikes Peak Granite, a massive Precambrian batholith formed over one billion years ago. As the granitic magma cooled, volatile-rich fluids concentrated in pegmatitic pockets and miarolitic cavities, providing ideal conditions for the crystallization of large, well-formed minerals. Collecting history in the region dates back to the late nineteenth century, and generations of prospectors and mineral enthusiasts have actively mined these granite pockets for specimen-grade pieces. Lake George is particularly celebrated for its striking amazonite, a vibrant green to blue-green variety of microcline feldspar. This distinctive coloration is believed to result from trace amounts of lead substituted into the crystal lattice alongside structural water. Specimens from Lake George are globally renowned, especially when pristine, sharp amazonite crystals occur in dramatic aesthetic combination with dark smokey quartz crystals.

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