Cesium Kupletskite from Dara-i-Pioz, Tajikistan – miniature specimen as unique piece
This miniature specimen features Cesium-Kupletskite from Dara-i-Pioz, Tajikistan, a world famous locality for extremely rare alkali minerals. The specimen consists of a light partly translucent matrix with embedded dark gray to blackish green crystal areas of rare Cesium Kupletskite. The elongated to needle like crystals are clearly embedded in the rock and create an attractive contrast with the light matrix. Under magnification the fine crystal structures and silky to slightly metallic luster become especially visible. Specimens of this rare mineral species are only seldom available on the market and are highly interesting for specialized collectors of complex pegmatite minerals.
Geology & origin
Dara-i-Pioz is one of the most important localities for rare minerals worldwide and is located in the Tien Shan Mountains of Tajikistan. The deposit is famous for highly evolved alkali rich pegmatites and metasomatic rocks containing numerous rare cesium, titanium, and manganese minerals. Cesium Kupletskite belongs to the rare members of the astrophyllite related minerals and usually occurs as small embedded crystals. The extraordinary mineral diversity of Dara-i-Pioz makes specimens from this locality highly sought after internationally.