Beryl var. Morganite, Quartz, Cleavelandite

Item Description

Morganites are quite rare for the Cryo-Genie Mine and this would have come directly from the mine owners at the time, as so much ended up in the Reynolds collection from this project. It is a highly unusual combination matrix specimen for San Diego. This partial, tabular pink morganite crystal lies flat against the matrix, and is 3.7 cm across. It is light pink, glassy, and much gemmier than you realize as it is nestled in and against crystallized Quartz and Cleavelandite. The photo is admittedly difficult to convey it with, because it is tucked in there - so please see the video for this specimen. There is even a fluorescent Unknown on and in the Quartz. Underground mining in this classic pegmatite dike commenced after 2001, and good, highly-crystallized combination pieces like this were hard to come by, and especially cherished by knowledgeable California collectors. It is not the most beautiful County morganite, but is one of few from this particular hole in the ground! This was recently deaccessed from the extensive collection of Bob Reynolds, who cherished both minerals and fossils as he collected. Bob is a prolific author and has had several curating positions in museums.