14 DAY TRIAL // An odd mineral specimen, that some like to refer to as Godzilla the Hockey Goalie, is to be sold at a public auction in Dallas, Texas, this coming May 4.
The mineral specimen, pictured above, owes its nickname to its peculiar shape. Thus, its body appears reptilian-like due to tiny crystals of calcite, and crystals of a mineral dubbed heulandite form its head and its arms.
According to Live Science, these minerals are crystallized onto a stalactite made of chalcedony, i.e. form of silica composed of very fine intergrowths of the minerals quartz and moganite.
I for one did not see it at first, but, if you look close enough, the mineral specimen does look like a hockey goalie trying to deflect a puck, so I suppose it deserves its moniker.
The mineral specimen measures about 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) in height, and it originates from the Deccan Traps, a lava formation in India.
Folks with Heritage Auctions estimate that Godzilla the Hockey Goalie will eventually sell for about $250 - $350 (approximately €180 - €253). This is because, despite its odd appearance, the specimen is made up of rather common minerals.
Apparently, what gives the mineral specimen value is things like the quality of the crystals, its condition, how pleasing to the eye it is, and whether or not it has any scientific value.