VERY LARGE RUTILE CRYSTAL. ...

Description

VERY LARGE RUTILE CRYSTAL
Graves Mountain Mines, Graves Mountain, Lincoln Co., Georgia, USA
Over the years, an industrial minerals quarry in Graves Mountain, Georgia, has intermittently produced the largest crystals of Rutile (TiO2) on the planet. Most of these measure no more than 3 to 3½ inches in the longest dimension. At almost seven inches in height, the monster crystal on view here stands far above that. As if that wasn't enough, since it grew resting on its back side, both ends of the crystal were free to develop equally. This is a fairly rare occurrence and it leads to the crystal being "doubly terminated," a condition that adds to the collector value. The crystal is also twinned as evidenced by the "zig-zag" arrangement of terminal faces - not an unusual situation with regards to this material. Rutile has a higher refractive index and dispersion than Diamond which is why synthetic Rutile enjoyed a brief stint as a Diamond simulant in jewelry some years ago. It also accounts for the almost metallic luster displayed by the crystal under virtually all lighting conditions. When you do get past the semi-metallic luster, the Rutile exhibits the deep red coloration that is typical for this material and the locality. At 6½ x 4 x 2¾ inches, it is an enormous Rutile crystal. From the Howard Belsky Collection, it dates to the 1900-1920's. In fact, the Belsky Family donated a smaller specimen to the Smithsonian where it is still on exhibit today. In excellent condition, it has a custom base.
Provenance: Howard Belsky Collection

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