Monazite-(Ce) with QuartzMonazite gets its name from the Greek word "monazein", which means "to be alone", in allusion to its isolated crystals and their rarity when first found. Monazite is usually found in granitic pegmatites, but these crystals are found in hydrothermal tin veins where there is an absolute absence of Thorium (usually a trace element in Monazite). This is a remarkable, very well crystallized, ridiculously rare, specimen consisting of sharp, lustrous,

tabular micro crystals of Paravauxite

Specimen # BOL711B181

and certainly better than most from Huanuni from the standpoint of aesthetics

showing the same tooth-like habit

which is remarkable for the species

but it appears that the rich color is due to a micro coating of transparent Quartz on top of the Vauxite

they were able to verify that these specimens were indeed Hopeite

I have photographed the crystals under the microscope to show that they are truly terminated crystals and not just a mass

and take my word for it

attractive and well-formed as the Bolivian specimens

brownish color

This attractive display piece features a few sharp lustrous