International Minerals #23

Sharp and lustrous sapphire crystals are quite rare and hard to obtain for mineral collectors. Most of the highly desired blue gem material is cut right at the locality. This is a great thumbnail featuring stunning luster and sharp edges.

A brilliant cognac coloured topaz crystal perched on quartz and cleavelandite. Very well balanced composition, the clarity of the topaz crystal is ruly impressive. No cracks, no inclusions from top to bottom, just majestic. Ex Kurt Wintersteiger collection.

Bright and brilliant gold leaves on nicely contrasting dark mother rock. An old label from unknown collection is coming with the piece.

Sparkling, deep green garnets resting on mother rock. The main cystals are almost free of cracks and other detractions. Excellent sample from that Iranian locality. Great balance and composition.

Kämmererite crystals up to 12 mm on rock matrix. From the classic old finds, recovered at least 40 years ago. No more crystals have been found for several decades. A great miniature, hard to obtain today. No damage.

Brilliant and bright green dioptases perched atop a quartz matrix. The crystals are doubly-terminated and measure 12 mm tip to tip. Another lime green species, probably duftite, sets a pleasing contrast which is so typical for the locality. Numerous tiny gemmy dioptases are scattered around the matrix. Striking aesthetics, perfect condition.

Wow, what a colour! Two deep emerald green clear fluorites perched on top of a thick schorl crystal. White beryls (goshenite) up to 10 mm are attached on the side, yellow mica blades set a pleasing contrast. Gorgeous colour, striking composition! The piece is a true 360° rock and displays very well from all sides. No damages to report.

A lovely cross formed by two doubly-terminated quartz crystals. The tapering form of the larger crystal is quite interesting and rare.

Classic Brazilian watermelon style. A blue-green layer formed around a deep pink rubellite core. No damage.