Tourmaline on Quartz - image 1
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Tourmaline on Quartz

Unknown Owner
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This is, I think, the definition of the word "elegant" in minerals...The piece has surreal aesthetics you just do not expect to occur in nature. They do occur, rarely; but the problem is, they are fragile. This "Rocket Pocket" as some call it was found in pieces, and put back together over several years like a jigsaw puzzle. All large specimens have repairs, most more than a dozen. I do not accept so many repairs, except in special cases: where the overall aesthetic impact is significant enough that the piece warrants it; where the price is adjusted accordingly; and when the overall context of the FIND ITSELF requires repairs to obtain an important display-quality specimen (as in this case). The 2 larger crystals in this 3-crystal cluster measure 15 and 14 cm in length, and BOTH ARE TERMINATED! In fact, the crossbar crystal, at 15 cm, is DOUBLY-TERMINATED. The 6cm, thin crystal you see at the junction has a termination that sticks out the back of the piece, and is thus also doubly-terminated. The upright vertical strut rises from a quartz crystal, which is an unlikely but extremely nice pedestal for the cluster. This one has only 4 clean repairs and a fifth repair on the midpoint which has a small bit of color-matched epoxy fill in the gap. All are well done and do NOT detract visually. You have to look really hard, with a close-up penlight held at a diagonal, to see 4 of the repairs. The fifth is not obvious, in any case, on first glance. Comes with custom engraved lucite base, for easy display. All I can say is, BETTER In PERSON.

Product details

SpeciesTourmaline, Quartz
SizeLarge Cabinet
Dimensions23.0 x 15.0 x 5.0 cm
Added on10/23/2024
LocalityBrazil, Minas Gerais, Pederneira mine

Known provenance

DateCollectorAcquisition price
08/2024Unknown OwnerNot disclosed
—The ArkenstoneNot disclosed

Learn more

Tourmaline
Mineral guide
Learn about Tourmaline
color range and crystal variety define a diverse group; top localities, value factors, quality assessment, and care tips for collectors.
Tourmaline
Regional guide
Tourmaline from Pederneira Mine, Brazil
Pederneira Mine, Brazil — landmark locality for collector-grade elbaite tourmaline; saturated colors, high transparency, and iconic pocket assortments.