Calcite (GEM) on "Fenster" Quartz (ex Irv Brown Collection)

Grant Quarry, Gloucester Township, Carleton Co., Ontario, Canada
Miniature, 4.8 x 4.1 x 3.5 cm
Start Time: 11/01/2018 7:00:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 11/13/2018 6:30:00 pm (CST)
Auction Closed

Item Description

Specimens from this lesser known quarry in Ontario are seldom seen on the market, especially in such fine quality examples as this. Sharp, very well-formed, GEM QUALITY, prismatic scalenohedral Calcites measuring up to 1.2 cm can be seen surrounding the base of razor-sharp, HIGHLY lustrous, gemmy, smoky and colorless Quartz crystals with notable negative faces (often called "window" Quartz or "Fenster" Quartz in German). The largest single Quartz measures 3.2 x 2.7 cm. It's very hard to say which quality of the specimen is better, the Calcite or the Quartz. The Calcites are so smooth, sharp and GEMMY, that they may be the best in terms of quality that I've seen from the Grant Quarry, but the Quartz crystals are remarkably well-formed and just beautiful in person. No real damage to speak of, save the lower portion / base of the piece where it was removed from the pocket wall. The Calcites shows a lovely soft pinkish-orange color under UV light as well. This is a great miniature of this rarely seen material, and highly sought after by collectors who know the scarcity of the material. From the worldwide thumbnail / miniature collection of Irv Brown.

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