Morganite, CleavelanditeLepidolite, Quartz, White Queen Mine, Pala District, San Diego County, California, USA - White Queen Mine, USA

No, this is not cuprite! - EarthWonders Newsletter #7

specimen
Details
ColorsPink
SizeExtra large
Dimensions18.5 x 11.8 x 9.9 cm
Species
Description
This specimen is on the cover of the 1966 Lapidary Journal. The article states that when found these beryl crystals were “Probably the finest examples of morganite to be mined at any time on the North American continent”. Now please note subsequent finds from White Queen continued to raise the bar on best in North America along with the fabled Rose of Maine in 1989. This specimen was kept in the collection of the owner of the White Queen Mine Norm Dawson for a number of years. It has passed through several mineral dealers including Blake Barnett, Bob Griffis, and others. There is a restored corner that was done by Riva who runs one of the best mineral prep labs in the USA. It was done incredibly well. Overall an incredible piece of history and a fantastic gem pegmatite crystal.
Known provenanceKnowing where your specimen comes from and who owned it adds to its story and value. Good provenance helps prove it's authentic and preserves important details about its discovery.
Arvada, Colorado, USA

Unknown previous owners

Earth

Origin