The story of the Corinto Starfire began in early 2022, when we encountered a substantial and intriguing lot of crystals.
Drawn by a strong intuition that these specimens were unique, we took the leap and acquired the entire collection. At the time, we had no idea of the profound journey they would lead us on.
After receiving the shipment, the boxes sat unopened for weeks amidst the demands of running a bustling shop. When we finally unwrapped them, each piece was more captivating than the last, hinting at untold stories hidden within their formations. A few specimens were set aside on a desk, quietly waiting, their striking features sparking daily curiosity. Several weeks later, we decided to send samples for analysis. Busy with show schedules, we set the matter aside until the results came in, revealing the remarkable secrets of these pegmatitic formations.
Key findings from extensive laboratory testing reveal the specimens display a thin white overgrowth of secondary quartz on the rhombohedral faces, aligning parallel to the main crystal. Trace element composition increases slightly in the overgrowth, suggesting a quenching process due to pressure loss. The mineralized cavity experienced oversaturation, leading to an ADDITIONAL rapid parallel overgrowth formation on top of the secondary parallel overgrowth.
The confirmation of their unique properties validated our instincts, and it became clear that these specimens needed careful stewardship. Naming them was the first step. After thoughtful research, we chose a trade name rooted in their origin, visual features, and distinct coloration. The term Corinto Starfire reflects their place of discovery, the star-like goethite sprays often found in their terminations, and the fiery red tones many exhibit. It was to honor the Corinto Starfire for what it is—a geological marvel—without succumbing to an overzealous industry where creative trade names often blur lines between fact and fiction, we felt a responsibility to maintain clarity. Too often, minor variations in color or inclusions are marketed as entirely new finds, creating confusion and sometimes amusement among consumers and even the suppliers of the mineral finds.
This straightforward name avoids unnecessary embellishment, preserving their authenticity and preventing any misrepresentation. We were also mindful of the way discoveries of perceived value can sometimes lead to overexploitation. By choosing a straightforward name, we aimed to protect these specimens from being used in ways that would diminish their true value and integrity.
In 2022 & 2023, the significance of our find caught the attention of two prestigious natural history museums, which graciously accepted the Corinto Starfire into their collections. Personally delivering specimens to a museum was a humbling experience, underscoring the honor of contributing to the preservation of natural history.
In 2024, the story took an unexpected turn with the find of an alabaster-hued variety of the Corinto Starfire. Initial observations suggested a distinction from the reds, and subsequent lab testing revealed a surprising detail: some of the alabaster specimens exhibited a triple parallel growth habit, setting them apart from the double parallel growth found in the red specimens. It’s important to note, however, that not all of the alabaster samples showed this triple parallel growth; some retained the double parallel growth seen in the red variety. Despite these differences, both the red and alabaster specimens share almost identical characteristics, confirming their place within the Corinto Starfire family.
The alabaster specimens have also found their place alongside the reds in museum collections, a testament to their importance and the ongoing revelations they provide. Reflecting on this journey, we at Rocksity are profoundly humbled by the privilege of safeguarding the Corinto Starfire and sharing its story with the world. Our efforts have always been rooted in preserving its integrity and ensuring its legacy endures for generations. For those curious about our intentions, this deeper dive into its history serves to illuminate our commitment to honoring this exceptional mineral discovery.
*For crystal healing enthusiasts, it’s important to recognize the unique qualities of Corinto Starfire. Mined in the Corinto Region (approximately 431 km from Cristalina, where Dreamcoat Lemurians are sourced), these crystals are distinct in their locale, multi-layered parallel growth habits & composition. Additionally, unlike Dreamcoat Lemurians, Corinto Starfire do not feature "Lemurian" quartz at their core, additionally underscoring their individuality as a separate and noteworthy find.
📸 Tom Spann
📸 L
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