Pyramidal Quartz with Hematite (''Specularite'') (superb old classic)

Item Description

A killer large cabinet display specimen of these iconic classic specimens from the Florence Mine in Cumbria (Cumberland), England. The piece is loaded with razor-sharp, highly lustrous, pyramidal Quartz crystals of a slightly smoky hue measuring up to 1.7 cm long, associated with brilliant metallic silvery-black crystals of Hematite ("Specularite") throughout. The Hematites actually have a secondary micro coating of little colorless gem Quartz crystals (best seen with magnification), and the underside of the piece is coated with literally hundreds of tiny glass-like Quartz crystals for a nice effect. The piece is in excellent condition, as nearly all of the Quartz crystals are pristine (save the periphery where the piece was separated from the pocket wall), and there is only a tiny bit of bruising that I can find with a loupe. To have such a large and impressive display specimen of this classic material is rare, and this particular piece is certainly one of the best examples of this material that we've ever had to offer in the auctions. For a bit of history, according to the article in the 2010 issue of the Mineralogical Record, "Classic Minerals of Northern England", it states, "The Florence mine is thought to have opened initially in the mid 1800s but later closed. It was best known for producing spectacular specimens of fluorite. In 1914 a huge deposit of hematite was discovered, reviving the mine. It was particularly rich in crystal-line cavities containing fine specimens of calcite, dolomite, quartz, specular hematite, and "kidney ore" (for which the mine became especially famous)." Pieces like this are revered antiques, beloved for their beautiful form and scarcity on the market today. Valued $4,000-$5,000.
From the collection of George Elling, a prominent East Coast collector.