Apatite with Pyrite - Panasquiera, Portugal

An attractive association of greenish apatite crystals with pyrite and quartz from the classic Panasqueira mining district of Portugal. Numerous lustrous, hexagonal apatite crystals are scattered across the matrix, contrasting nicely with the bright metallic pyrite and pale quartz.
Under long-wave (365 nm) ultraviolet light, the apatite displays a strong yellow fluorescent response, adding another dimension to the specimen. A few apatite crystals show minor abrasion, but the piece retains excellent overall visual appeal and is a fine example of this classic Panasqueira mineral association.
This specimen has been in the Sarah Topham Collection for decades and was previously in the collection of Prosper J. Williams. It is accompanied by an original Prosper J. Williams label dating from approximately pre-1980.

Mineral: Apatite with Pyrite
Locality: Panasqueira, Portugal
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Mineral Class: Phosphates
Provenance: Ex Prosper J. Williams Collection; Ex Sarah Topham Collection; accompanied by a Prosper J. Williams label (circa pre-1980)
Dimensions: 6 × 9 cm