Wulfenite

Unknown Owner

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This is a stunning matrix small miniature, with a 2 cm-tall cluster of razor sharp, translucent wulfenite, perched on sparkling calcite matrix. It is just so elegant, compared to the usual blocky sorts of crystals from here, that at first I thought it was Moroccan or Arizona in origin. The piece is just plain beautiful beyond the norm, and the painting as well. Complete, undamaged, and highly translucent, this specimen stands out visually. Probably my favorite piece in this lot, for what it is worth. This is a rare style, probably from a small pocket after the big heyday finds of the 1960s or maybe even from before that time - rare, in any case. From the private collection of internationally known wildlife artist Gamini Ratnavira (http://www.gaminiratnavira.com), who started collecting small mineral specimens many years ago after exposure to the mineral community in his residence of Fallbrook, California. For a number of years, Gamini made mineral watercolors for private collectors on commission for $500 each. For his own enjoyment, he also made watercolor paintings of all of his pieces, and the painting is included here with the specimen (7 x 7 cm paintings set in custom 14.5 x 14.5 cm frames).