Rick Kennedy surprised most folks in the FMS Fluorescent Mineral Group (FB) by posting pics of this magnificent cluster of carpathite crystals. Carpathite (karpatite) is a very rare hydrocarbon mineral first described in 1955. In California it appears as a low temperature hydrothermal phase. Locality: Picacho Peak, New Idria District, Diablo Range, San Benito Co., California, USA.

Usually, it is presented as broken off lumps or slightly radiating sprays in matrix. When they have enough space to grow, they can grow terminated crystals. Then druzy Quartz crystals coat everything, protecting the much more fragile Carpathite, yet being translucent enough to allow the fluorescence to show!