Celestine (exceptionally gemmy)

Item Description

Madagascar Celestines are considered to be among the finest in the world, for a combination of color, sparkle, and shape. However, most of them lack a glassy luster, and true transparency - which this one has. An old article in the May-June, 2010 issue of the Mineralogical Record confirms this lofty status of the material and the rarity of such glassy and gemmy crystals amidst more translucent and less sparkling examples. This specimen is literally like Blue Glass! The focal point of this hand sized small-cabinet specime is the gem-clear, light blue, 2.6 cm Celestine crystal that rises up out of the matrix, though virtually every crystal is so gemmy and glassy that each is like a blue gem onto itself. It is very difficult to remove gemmy Celestines like this one from the large geodes in which they form without damage, so the excellent condition of the piece is an added bonus. This specimen is superbly aesthetic and highly representative for this famous locality. Better in person, even. From the Kurt Hefendehl collection, and he was known for his cre in choosing small cab sized specimens of beauty. THIS IS NOT an average piece, on the market. Valued $2000-plus