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Lot
49049

MASSIVE BLUE TOURMALINE . ...

2012 May 20 Natural History & Fine Minerals Signature Auction- New York #6068

 
Sold for: Not Sold Not Sold
Auction Ended On: May 20, 2012
Item Activity: 1 Internet/mail/phone bidders Number of Bidders
2,666 page views
Location: Center 548
548 W. 22nd St.
New York, NY 10011

Description:
MASSIVE BLUE TOURMALINE
Paprok Mine, Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan
In the early 1990's, artisanal miners in one of the remote mountain valleys of Nuristan ("The Land of Light") broke into a cavity containing a number of immense gem Tourmaline crystals unlike any seen before. Several were over four inches across and a few (this one) approached a half-foot in diameter. The most exciting thing about them was not just their size: it was the stunning blue color that they exhibited when lit from above. In strong sunlight, the color is a deep turquoise with scattered inclusions that seem to be glowing. Since that time, local miners, on a similar quest, have found numerous other Tourmalines but none of them have displayed the stunning blue color of this first find.

This rare coloration is due to two factors: First, the top 1 millimeter or so of the terminal face is colored such a deep blue as to appear black when seen edge on. Fortunately, when light is directed through this thin layer, it is just the right thickness to pass blue light, while blocking other colors. Second, this would be useless except the next layer, beneath this indigo-blue surface, is quite 'gemmy' and transparent - allowing the blue light penetrating the crystal to 'ricochet' off of inclusions and escape out through the sides.

This massive Tourmaline prism is surrounded at the base by a ring of pale, lilac Lepidolite crystals, interspersed with a few blades of colorless Clevelandite. There are signs of some minor surface restoration to one nick and several much smaller ones that have been left unrestored - not unexpected given the huge size of this crystal. Overall measurements are 5½ x 5 1/8 x 3¾ inches high (14 x 13 x 9.5 cm), the Tourmaline itself is an impressive 5½ inches (14 cm) across. It is accompanied by a custom labeled base and is in excellent condition. Specimens from this unique find change hands only rarely and, usually, outside of the public's eye.

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