Zeolite Calcite Apophyllite Crystal Telisker Bay Isle of Skye Scotland Specimen From Alice Purnell Collection with COA

Zeolite, Calcite and Apophyllite Crystal Specimen – Telisker Bay, Isle of Skye, Scotland

This exceptional Scottish mineral specimen features a beautiful natural association of Zeolite minerals with Calcite and Apophyllite, collected from the renowned Telisker Bay waterfall locality on the Isle of Skye. Sourced from the respected Alice Purnell Collection, this is a genuine collector’s piece and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive. Full sizing is shown in the listing photographs.

Geological Background – Isle of Skye

Telisker Bay, located on the dramatic west coast of the Isle of Skye, is famous for its volcanic geology. The region is dominated by Tertiary basalt lava flows formed during the opening of the North Atlantic around 60 million years ago. As gas bubbles became trapped within cooling basalt, they formed vesicles and cavities. Over time, mineral-rich hydrothermal fluids circulated through these voids, depositing secondary minerals such as Zeolites, Calcite, and Apophyllite.

The waterfall exposures at Telisker Bay are particularly prized among collectors due to the quality and aesthetic mineral combinations found within the amygdaloidal basalt. Scottish Zeolite localities are internationally recognised for producing well-formed crystals with strong visual contrast against the dark volcanic matrix.

Mineral Details

Zeolites

Zeolites are a group of hydrated aluminosilicate minerals formed in low-temperature volcanic environments. Common Scottish Zeolite species include Stilbite, Heulandite, Chabazite and Analcime, typically crystallising in orthorhombic or monoclinic systems depending on species. They often appear as pearly, radiating sheaves, tabular crystals, or rhombohedral forms. Their delicate structures and soft lustre make them highly desirable display minerals.

Apophyllite

Apophyllite is a hydrated potassium calcium fluorosilicate mineral, usually crystallising in the tetragonal system. It commonly forms well-defined prismatic or pyramidal crystals with a vitreous to pearly lustre. Scottish Apophyllite can display water-clear transparency or subtle milky tones, sometimes with reflective internal cleavage planes that catch the light beautifully.

Calcite

Calcite (calcium carbonate) crystallises in the trigonal crystal system and is known for its wide range of crystal habits. In basalt cavities, Calcite frequently forms scalenohedral or rhombohedral crystals, often colourless to white, sometimes with creamy or faintly honeyed hues. Its glassy lustre contrasts attractively with surrounding Zeolites and Apophyllite.

Aesthetic and Collecting Appeal

This specimen presents a natural mineral association typical of classic Scottish basalt cavity formations. The contrast between pale crystalline growths and darker volcanic matrix enhances visual depth, making it ideal for display in a mineral cabinet, study collection, or geological showcase.

Scottish Zeolite combinations from Telisker Bay are increasingly sought after due to limited access and the historic significance of the locality. Specimens from established collections, such as the Alice Purnell Collection, carry additional provenance value for serious collectors.

Authenticity and Presentation

This crystal is a genuine natural specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. The piece shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, carefully chosen for its quality and presentation.

Ideal for mineral collectors, geology enthusiasts, Scottish locality collectors, or as a thoughtful gift for anyone with an interest in natural history, volcanic formations, or classic British mineral specimens.