Product description

A dramatic Mesolite and Green Apophyllite Combination Plate from Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India, featuring dense white mesolite sprays intergrown with substantial pale-green apophyllite crystals across a tall, slender volcanic matrix. Mounted vertically on a custom black display base, the formation rises approximately 6.5 inches and presents remarkably different views from each side. The mesolite-dominant face is covered with radiating white-to-cream crystal sprays. These formations range from compact rounded clusters to broad, layered fans, creating a richly textured surface that extends nearly the entire height of the specimen. Several major mesolite groups form distinct focal points. A large rounded spray dominates the upper-middle section, followed by a narrower central formation and a dense lower cluster. Countless individual acicular crystals project outward from these shared growth centers, producing a frost-covered appearance with strong three-dimensional depth. Pale-green apophyllite emerges from behind and between the mesolite. Large geometric crystals remain visible along both edges and through natural openings in the white sprays. When illuminated from behind, the apophyllite develops a soft mint-to-yellow-green glow that outlines the mesolite formations and reveals the plate’s layered construction. At the crown, a substantial apophyllite crystal rises above the surrounding mesolite. Its broad translucent faces and geometric termination create a strong architectural endpoint to the otherwise fibrous formation. Additional apophyllites project from the sides at several levels. These range from nearly colorless crystals with exceptional reflective faces to softer green crystals partially concealed beneath the mesolite. Several show visible internal zoning, natural veils, and layered growth. The opposite face reveals more of the specimen’s volcanic foundation. A narrow dark-brown matrix section travels vertically through the center, bordered by pale mesolite and apophyllite. Small recessed areas, reddish mineralization, and scattered secondary crystals remain visible across this exposed geological surface. The plate’s narrow side profile emphasizes the amount of crystal growth extending from the original matrix. Dense mesolite sprays project far beyond the central structure, while the larger apophyllites create additional depth at the crown and along the perimeter. Measuring approximately 3 × 2 × 6.5 inches and weighing 0.61 pounds, this mounted specimen combines an unusually tall profile, extensive mesolite coverage, large green apophyllite crystals, strong backlighting potential, and exceptional visual interest from multiple angles. Specifications Primary minerals: Mesolite and green apophyllite-group mineral Formation: Dense radiating mesolite sprays with substantial apophyllite across a tall mineralized plate Locality: Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India Weight: 0.61 lbs, approximately 277 grams Dimensions: Approximately 3 × 2 × 6.5 inches Color: White, ivory, pale cream, colorless, mint green, seafoam green, gray, reddish brown, and charcoal Mesolite habit: Fine acicular crystals arranged in radiating sprays, fans, and rounded aggregates Apophyllite habit: Blocky-to-prismatic crystals with broad faces and geometric terminations Upper formation: Large mesolite sprays surrounding a prominent terminated apophyllite Central formation: Layered mesolite groups with green apophyllite visible beneath and around the edges Lower formation: Dense white mesolite covering much of the underlying plate Reverse: Exposed dark volcanic matrix bordered by mesolite and apophyllite Side profile: Narrow central plate with extensive projecting mineral growth Backlighting: Translucent apophyllite develops a pale green-to-yellow-green glow under transmitted light Luster: Silky-to-vitreous mesolite with highly vitreous apophyllite faces Transparency: Transparent-to-translucent apophyllite with translucent-to-opaque mesolite and matrix Mineral groups: Zeolite group and apophyllite group Crystal systems: Orthorhombic for mesolite; common apophyllite-group minerals are tetragonal Mohs hardness: Approximately 5–5.5 for mesolite and 4.5–5 for apophyllite Mounting: Affixed vertically to a custom black display base Display: Tall freestanding collector specimen with strong multi-angle interest Condition: Natural geological specimen with inherent crystal contacts, incomplete crystals, shortened needles, cleavage features, inclusions, internal fractures, surface deposits, color variation, irregular edges, and extraction-related contacts Exact specimen shown About the Combination Formation Mesolite and apophyllite are both secondary minerals associated with the ancient basalt flows of Maharashtra, but they have dramatically different crystal habits. Mesolite develops as extremely fine prismatic-to-acicular crystals. When many crystals grow outward from a shared center, they create spherical clusters, fans, and radiating sprays with a soft fibrous appearance. Apophyllite forms much larger geometric crystals with broad, exceptionally reflective faces. Its blocky architecture contrasts sharply with the mesolite’s densely textured surface. This plate preserves both habits on a single formation. Mesolite supplies most of the soft white volume, while the green apophyllite creates substantial geometric focal points around the perimeter and beneath the sprays. In several areas, the two minerals appear deeply intergrown rather than simply positioned beside one another. Mesolite partially surrounds some apophyllites, while transparent crystal faces reveal pale needle growth beneath or immediately behind them. The relationship records multiple stages of crystallization inside the original volcanic cavity. Mineral-bearing fluids deposited different minerals as conditions changed, gradually building the layered association visible today. About Green Apophyllite Green apophyllite is a collector term used for pale-green members of the apophyllite mineral group. Exact species identification requires analytical testing, so the broader apophyllite-group designation is appropriate. Apophyllite is known for its geometric form, exceptional vitreous luster, transparency, and perfect cleavage. The crystals can display broad prism faces, pyramidal terminations, internal veils, growth zoning, and strong mirrored reflections. The apophyllites on this specimen range from nearly colorless to pale mint and seafoam green. Under transmitted light, the thinner and clearer sections become luminous, allowing the green crystals to glow behind the white mesolite. Natural contacts, cleavage features, and incomplete areas are expected on a densely intergrown plate and should not automatically be interpreted as recent damage. About Mesolite Mesolite is a sodium-calcium zeolite mineral recognized by its fine white crystals and radiating growth. Its name refers to its intermediate chemical composition between natrolite and scolecite. Although visually soft, mesolite sprays are rigid and delicate. Individual needles can be damaged by handling, impact, or brushing. The specimen should always be moved by its display base rather than by the crystals. The extensive mesolite coverage is particularly impressive on the primary face, where multiple rounded and elongated formations overlap into a nearly continuous white surface. Collector Notes This specimen features: Natural mesolite and green apophyllite from Ahmednagar, India Tall approximately 6.5-inch plate formation Dense mesolite coverage Multiple radiating white crystal sprays Large rounded upper mesolite cluster Layered central growth Extensive lower mesolite formation Numerous substantial green apophyllites Prominent terminated apophyllite at the crown Additional crystals projecting from both edges Pale mint and seafoam-green coloration Broad reflective apophyllite faces Strong backlighting potential Green-to-yellow-green transmitted glow Excellent contrast between fibrous and geometric habits Narrow architectural side profile Exposed volcanic matrix on the reverse Dramatically different front, reverse, and side views Custom upright display base Lightweight but visually substantial 0.61-pound formation Exact specimen pictured An outstanding choice for collectors of mesolite, green apophyllite, Indian zeolites, Ahmednagar minerals, combination plates, radiating mineral sprays, mounted specimens, and architectural cabinet displays. 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