Description
A beautiful contrast of fiery orange crystals and delicate, layered mica, this natural Scheelite on Muscovite specimen comes from the celebrated Mt. Xuebaoding mineral locality in Sichuan Province, China.
Scheelite is a rare gem that captures the hearts and dreams of everyone who lays eyes on it.
Two prominent honey-orange scheelite crystals rest among an intricate landscape of creamy-white muscovite. Their translucent surfaces reveal delicate internal features, while their distinctive geometric formations create a striking contrast against the thin, overlapping mica blades. The muscovite forms sweeping, fan-like aggregates and delicate rosettes, giving the specimen remarkable texture and depth.
Under shortwave ultraviolet light, the orange scheelite transforms into a brilliant icy-blue glow. This dramatic fluorescence creates an entirely different visual experience, revealing one of scheelite's most fascinating natural properties.
Dimensions, Weight & Locality
Dimensions: 4 × 2 × 1.25 inches
Weight: 311 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
Two prominent translucent honey-orange scheelite crystals
Brilliant icy-blue to blue-white fluorescence under ultraviolet light
Natural association with creamy-white muscovite
Beautifully developed dipyramidal scheelite crystal forms
Delicate muscovite blades arranged in layered, flower-like aggregates
Contrasting vitreous scheelite and pearly mica lusters
Excellent formations
From the renowned Mt. Xuebaoding mineral locality in China
High luster
Excellent color
Rare
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
A beautiful contrast of fiery orange crystals and delicate, layered mica, this natural Scheelite on Muscovite specimen comes from the celebrated Mt. Xuebaoding mineral locality in Sichuan Province, China.
Scheelite is a rare gem that captures the hearts and dreams of everyone who lays eyes on it.
Two prominent honey-orange scheelite crystals rest among an intricate landscape of creamy-white muscovite. Their translucent surfaces reveal delicate internal features, while their distinctive geometric formations create a striking contrast against the thin, overlapping mica blades. The muscovite forms sweeping, fan-like aggregates and delicate rosettes, giving the specimen remarkable texture and depth.
Under shortwave ultraviolet light, the orange scheelite transforms into a brilliant icy-blue glow. This dramatic fluorescence creates an entirely different visual experience, revealing one of scheelite's most fascinating natural properties.
Dimensions, Weight & Locality
Dimensions: 4 × 2 × 1.25 inches
Weight: 311 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
Two prominent translucent honey-orange scheelite crystals
Brilliant icy-blue to blue-white fluorescence under ultraviolet light
Natural association with creamy-white muscovite
Beautifully developed dipyramidal scheelite crystal forms
Delicate muscovite blades arranged in layered, flower-like aggregates
Contrasting vitreous scheelite and pearly mica lusters
Excellent formations
From the renowned Mt. Xuebaoding mineral locality in China
High luster
Excellent color
Rare
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
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