Elbaite Tourmaline

Unknown Owner

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Santa Rosa has produced some of the finest tourmaline crystal specimens in the world, though most of them were destroyed in collecting or cut for gemstones in the heyday of Brazilian gem mining. This large, heavy, multicolored crystal is a rare survivor of those times - probably found in the 1940's according to former owner Dr. Peter Bancroft (see attached letter, written to John Attard when John tried to get the information on behalf of Jack back in 1999 and while Peter was still alive). Despite being huge and thick, it backlights very well, very dramatically, and looks awesome in a showcase. This was brought up by Peter Bancroft on one of his trips in 1971, and kept by him for some years in his own collection before selling it to Jack Halpern (along with another tourmaline in this update). It masses 570 grams! Comes with custom lucite base for display. For decades, this has been on display as one of the centerpieces and largest crystals in Jack's famous "Tourmaline Row" showcase, featuring a rising and falling series of tourmaline crystals on display. Price on Request.