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Ferberite on Quartz with Fluorite$18,000.00
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This breathtaking example of the rare iron-tungsten oxide species ferberite shows off a razor sharp crystal that is literally among the sharpest, perhaps the single sharpest, example that I have seen of this quality from the Yaogangxian Mine. I have travelled to China since the early 2000s and seen literally thousands of ferberite specimens, both from China and from the other major producing localities in Bolivia and Portugal. Each location produces specimens and crystals of a different style but I think we could say that, size aside, the Chinese specimens are certainly among the sharpest crystals in geometric form. Usually, the mineral produces crystals that are more robust and equant, but every now and then we get these uniquely extended "spearpoint" crystals here, that draw the eye differently. The ferberite is pristine, and so sharp that it looks machined! This crystal stands 6 cm tall and is firmly embedded in a doubly-terminated quartz crystal, which sits flat for optimal display. Accents include other quartz crystals behind, and a blanket-like coating of sparkling, near colorless fluorite across the whole top of the quartz "matrix" which softens the edges, and makes it look like this sharp ferberite is rising out of a soft layer of matrix. The resulting textural contrast is striking and I cannot say I have seen another like this in quality. I bought this in China years ago, and kept in my own Chinese mineral collection until trying to justify having duplicates when I have already a much larger (if less sharp) example of the species for the collection; and I should not keep everything although it is certainly tempting. This piece is simply so striking in person for its contrasts and qualities, that it is one of the few competitive-level ferberites that I could expect to see even in a high level Tucson competitive case.
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