Ilvaite

Unknown Owner

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In recent years these ilvaites from China have superseded by far, those from Dal'negorsk, which were then considered the best in the world. Forming an exquisite "X" shape, are two doubly-terminated, highly lustrous, jet-black ilvaite crystals, to 13 cm in length. This piece is complete, pristine, a floater all around! It is one of the few largest examples found in such condition, that I am aware of. The main crystal is very robust, sharp, and elegant. It is also a very hefty piece in person, not as gracile and massless as the photos may make it appear. The ilvaite specimens from China are now considered the best in the world by a long shot. There are many styles that have come from this mine but I think that this "floater pocket" from late 2011 has produced the most elegant examples of any style, from any locality.