Tourmaline With Lepidolite

Unknown Owner

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A GORGEOUS tourmaline with naturally wet luster of the highest caliber, backed up by a rich wreath of sparkling purple lepidolite crystals that adds dimensiona and character to what otherwise would be "just" a fine single crystal. That actual crystal, which tapers slightly towards the base in an elegant manner, measures 8 cm long and about 2.5 cm across or deep at the top. This piece is so unusual for the Himalaya Mine that it was in fact sold out of the Wein collection as a Stewart Mine tourmaline for $6000 only a few years ago. The confusion was understandable given the rich pink/lavender tones of the crystal, which were unusual for the Himalaya and are induced in part as a visual artifact of the lepidolite behind the tourmaline. After showing the piece extensively within the County to experienced collectors, it became consensus that it really is an unusual and old Himalaya piece from the pre-Pala days (i.e. before 1970). As a Stewart piece, it might have been worth more, but as a Himalaya specimen it is equally fine (and priced lower according to my own feelings of valuation). Note that this large Himalaya piece has NO REPAIRS.