TOURMALINE on TOURMALINE with QUARTZ - "BLUE ON BLUE". Porcupine Pocket, 2001. Pederneira Mine, São José da Safira, Do...

Description

TOURMALINE on TOURMALINE with QUARTZ - "BLUE ON BLUE"
Porcupine Pocket, 2001
Pederneira Mine, São José da Safira, Doce Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil

A stunning exercise in aesthetics and a genuine mystery in regard to formation - that is the challenge posed by this enigmatic crystal group from the aptly named "Porcupine Pocket" recovered in 2001. It features two major crystal types: thin and long, or stout and wide. The longest thin crystal is a enormously elongated thin blue prism 9.25 x 0.31 inches (23.5 x 0.8 cm) in size, and there are several shorter ones of similar proportions. The stout Tourmalines are approximately 3.93 inches (10 cm) across termination, and 4.8 inches (12.2 cm) long. There are only two of these massive things. Included in one end of the largest stout crystal is a doubly-terminated thin one measuring 4.25 x 0.43 inches (10.8 x 1.1 cm).The thin prisms are teal blue with steely overtones and great transparency, while the thick ones are mainly dark blue with varying degrees of saturation and transparency (hard to tell because they are so thick). There is some reconstruction in a couple of places, and the long crystals have normal Pederneira repairs - not unusual or significant. It features outstanding growth figures on terminations of thick prisms. There is a very sizable Quartz crystal approximately 3.54 inches (9.0 cm) long and 1.69 inches (4.3 cm) across on the backside. It is colorless except where some lilac Lepidolite is included near its base. On one side of the massive Tourmalines are sprinklings of very small Feldspar crystals or fragments. The "mystery" of the specimen is why there are two very different crystal habits in the same specimen from the same pocket. The condition is outstanding, especially for something of this size and delicacy. It comes with a custom labeled base.
Overall measurements: 5.5 x 9.1 x 6.3 inches (14 x 23 x 16 cm)

Illustrated: Fong/Walker, M., Neumeier, G., & Walker, J. (Eds.). (2015). The World of Tourmaline: The Gerhard Wagner Collection. Dallas, Texas: Ivy Press. Page 156-157.
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Estimate: $500,000 - $700,000.

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.

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