Villiaumite

Transparent orange Villiaumite crystals on matrix from the open pit phonolite quarries in Aris, Namibia. These quarries, along with the Kola peninsula in Russia, are the source of the world's best Villiaumite. Although larger, the Kola specimens are a darker purple red and are typically just cleavages rather than crystals. These bright orange, transparent crystals are far more aesthetic for my taste. The crystals on this specimen reach 1.2cm in size and have etched outer surfaces and are internally transparent (faceted gemstones are known from this occurrence).