Deep Amber-Orange Scheelite with Muscovite – Mt. Xuebaoding, China

$230.00
Sold Out

Description

Rich, fiery coloration and dramatic crystal geometry define this exceptional Scheelite with Muscovite specimen from the renowned Mt. Xuebaoding mineral locality in Sichuan Province, China.

Bold, intergrown scheelite crystals display saturated amber-orange to reddish-orange hues, with areas of golden translucency that illuminate their intricate internal structures. Broad, angular crystal faces create a striking sculptural formation, while delicate, champagne-colored muscovite adds a beautiful contrast of texture and color. The interplay between the scheelite's glassy luster and the layered, pearly mica makes this specimen especially captivating from multiple viewing angles.

Scheelite is a rare and captivating mineral that serious collectors yearn for, a dazzling gem that ignites passion and desire in the hearts of all who see it.

Under ultraviolet light, the brilliant orange scheelite transforms into an extraordinary icy-blue glow. This dramatic fluorescence reveals an entirely different side of the specimen, highlighting the remarkable optical properties of natural scheelite.

Dimensions, Weight & Locality

  • Dimensions: 2.5 × 2 × 2 inches

  • Weight: 370 grams

  • Locality: Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu County, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China

Metaphysical Properties

Scheelite: Traditionally associated with mental clarity, motivation, and personal transformation. It is believed to encourage creativity, confidence, and the pursuit of new opportunities.

Muscovite: Associated with self-reflection, emotional balance, and adaptability. In crystal traditions, muscovite is believed to encourage insight, personal growth, and positive change.

Together, these minerals are symbolically associated with clarity, motivation, and personal growth. These are traditional spiritual beliefs rather than scientifically established effects.

Collector's Notes

Mt. Xuebaoding in China's Sichuan Province is internationally recognized for producing exceptional scheelite specimens. Its mountainous mineral deposits have yielded beautifully developed orange to golden-yellow crystals, frequently accompanied by muscovite, calcite, and other minerals.

One of scheelite's most fascinating characteristics is its brilliant fluorescence. Under shortwave ultraviolet light, scheelite commonly produces a striking blue-white glow. This response comes from the tungstate ions within its crystal structure and has historically helped mineral prospectors identify tungsten-bearing deposits.

But perhaps the most surprising fact about scheelite is its connection to modern technology. Scheelite is an important ore of tungsten, a metal with the highest melting point of any pure metal. Tungsten's remarkable heat resistance makes it valuable in high-temperature industrial and aerospace applications. The brilliant orange crystals in this specimen contain the same element prized for its ability to withstand extreme conditions.

Scheelite also has an intriguing crystal structure. Although its sharply pointed crystals can resemble octahedrons, scheelite actually belongs to the tetragonal crystal system. Its characteristic dipyramidal formations are among the features that make well-developed specimens so appealing to mineral collectors.

Highlights

  • Bold amber-orange to reddish-orange scheelite crystals

  • Brilliant icy-blue fluorescence under ultraviolet light

  • Prominent intergrown crystals with striking geometric faces

  • Rich color saturation with areas of golden translucency

  • Contrasting cream-colored muscovite formations

  • Beautiful vitreous scheelite luster and intricate internal features

  • From the renowned Mt. Xuebaoding mineral locality in China

  • Rare

  • Excellent color

  • High luster

  • Gem Fire

Mineralogy

Scheelite

  • Mineral: Scheelite

  • Chemical Formula: CaWO₄

  • Crystal System: Tetragonal

  • Luster: Vitreous to adamantine

  • Transparency: Transparent to translucent

  • Mohs Hardness: 4.5–5

  • Streak: White

  • Cleavage: Distinct

  • Specific Gravity: Approximately 6.1

  • Crystal Habit: Dipyramidal, pseudo-octahedral, and intergrown crystalline aggregates

  • Special Property: Strong blue-white fluorescence under shortwave ultraviolet light

Muscovite

  • Mineral: Muscovite (Mica Group)

  • Chemical Formula: KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂

  • Crystal System: Monoclinic

  • Luster: Pearly to vitreous

  • Transparency: Transparent to translucent

  • Mohs Hardness: Approximately 2.5

  • Streak: White

  • Cleavage: Perfect basal cleavage

  • Specific Gravity: 2.77–2.88

  • Crystal Habit: Thin plates, layered sheets, and lamellar aggregates

Description

Rich, fiery coloration and dramatic crystal geometry define this exceptional Scheelite with Muscovite specimen from the renowned Mt. Xuebaoding mineral locality in Sichuan Province, China.

Bold, intergrown scheelite crystals display saturated amber-orange to reddish-orange hues, with areas of golden translucency that illuminate their intricate internal structures. Broad, angular crystal faces create a striking sculptural formation, while delicate, champagne-colored muscovite adds a beautiful contrast of texture and color. The interplay between the scheelite's glassy luster and the layered, pearly mica makes this specimen especially captivating from multiple viewing angles.

Scheelite is a rare and captivating mineral that serious collectors yearn for, a dazzling gem that ignites passion and desire in the hearts of all who see it.

Under ultraviolet light, the brilliant orange scheelite transforms into an extraordinary icy-blue glow. This dramatic fluorescence reveals an entirely different side of the specimen, highlighting the remarkable optical properties of natural scheelite.

Dimensions, Weight & Locality

  • Dimensions: 2.5 × 2 × 2 inches

  • Weight: 370 grams

  • Locality: Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu County, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China

Metaphysical Properties

Scheelite: Traditionally associated with mental clarity, motivation, and personal transformation. It is believed to encourage creativity, confidence, and the pursuit of new opportunities.

Muscovite: Associated with self-reflection, emotional balance, and adaptability. In crystal traditions, muscovite is believed to encourage insight, personal growth, and positive change.

Together, these minerals are symbolically associated with clarity, motivation, and personal growth. These are traditional spiritual beliefs rather than scientifically established effects.

Collector's Notes

Mt. Xuebaoding in China's Sichuan Province is internationally recognized for producing exceptional scheelite specimens. Its mountainous mineral deposits have yielded beautifully developed orange to golden-yellow crystals, frequently accompanied by muscovite, calcite, and other minerals.

One of scheelite's most fascinating characteristics is its brilliant fluorescence. Under shortwave ultraviolet light, scheelite commonly produces a striking blue-white glow. This response comes from the tungstate ions within its crystal structure and has historically helped mineral prospectors identify tungsten-bearing deposits.

But perhaps the most surprising fact about scheelite is its connection to modern technology. Scheelite is an important ore of tungsten, a metal with the highest melting point of any pure metal. Tungsten's remarkable heat resistance makes it valuable in high-temperature industrial and aerospace applications. The brilliant orange crystals in this specimen contain the same element prized for its ability to withstand extreme conditions.

Scheelite also has an intriguing crystal structure. Although its sharply pointed crystals can resemble octahedrons, scheelite actually belongs to the tetragonal crystal system. Its characteristic dipyramidal formations are among the features that make well-developed specimens so appealing to mineral collectors.

Highlights

  • Bold amber-orange to reddish-orange scheelite crystals

  • Brilliant icy-blue fluorescence under ultraviolet light

  • Prominent intergrown crystals with striking geometric faces

  • Rich color saturation with areas of golden translucency

  • Contrasting cream-colored muscovite formations

  • Beautiful vitreous scheelite luster and intricate internal features

  • From the renowned Mt. Xuebaoding mineral locality in China

  • Rare

  • Excellent color

  • High luster

  • Gem Fire

Mineralogy

Scheelite

  • Mineral: Scheelite

  • Chemical Formula: CaWO₄

  • Crystal System: Tetragonal

  • Luster: Vitreous to adamantine

  • Transparency: Transparent to translucent

  • Mohs Hardness: 4.5–5

  • Streak: White

  • Cleavage: Distinct

  • Specific Gravity: Approximately 6.1

  • Crystal Habit: Dipyramidal, pseudo-octahedral, and intergrown crystalline aggregates

  • Special Property: Strong blue-white fluorescence under shortwave ultraviolet light

Muscovite

  • Mineral: Muscovite (Mica Group)

  • Chemical Formula: KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂

  • Crystal System: Monoclinic

  • Luster: Pearly to vitreous

  • Transparency: Transparent to translucent

  • Mohs Hardness: Approximately 2.5

  • Streak: White

  • Cleavage: Perfect basal cleavage

  • Specific Gravity: 2.77–2.88

  • Crystal Habit: Thin plates, layered sheets, and lamellar aggregates