Realgar (1990s)

Item Description

Magnificent architecture and marvelous red color on this superb, tabular two-sided cluster of gemmy, terminated realgar crystals from this famous Chinese locality, from the finds of the 1990s that were never repeated in quality before the mine closed. Supreme shimmering luster on the rich red striated crystals plus the stunning 1.0 cm gem point rising above the smaller crystal dramatically accent this piece. The unretouched backlit photos highlight the glorious cherry-red translucent color of this remarkable specimen. Essentially pristine, the small contact at the base of both sides, where other crystals once lay has negligible impact to the overall exquisite quality of this small cabinet. Shimen realgar specimens are considered to be among the world's finest examples of the species. See the 2007 Mineralogical Record article in the China-II Special Issue, Vol 38, No. 1. Ex Dr. Steve Smale Collection. Steve is one this eras greatest mineral collectors and is also a world-class mathematician. He was based at Hong Kong University when these came out and ended up having so many of the best specimens in the 1990s. Read more about Steve and his amazing specialty collection of Chinese minerals at: https://mineralogicalrecord.com/biographies_labels/smalestephen/. Value? Hard to say as no more on market to be had, these days, but generally $2500-plus seems a good guide.