Schorl, Topaz & Cleavelandite

Item Description

RARE and exceptional large combination from the Basha Valley of the well-known Shigar District of Pakistan. 14 lustrous, striated, jet-black, trigonal Schorl crystals, to about 5.0 cm, dramatically rise out of the undulating pretty matrix of lustrous rosettes of starkly contrasting white Cleavelandite blades. The RARE association is the cluster of colorless, gemmy Topaz crystals and crystal sections at one end, highlighted by the appealing 3.1 cm gem, doubly terminated crystal. 12 of the Schorls have pyramidal terminations and 1 has a contrasting pinacoidal termination, adding interest. The 14th Schorl is broken at the Cleavelandite and is out-of-sight in the preferred display view. A 4.3 cm sharply terminated Quartz crystal section on the back of the piece is a fine accessory. Nearly all of the Schorls are visible on the bottom of the piece. Difficult to photograph due to the contrast between the black schorl, white cleavelandite and gemmy, colorless topaz. Ex De Natura (Les Presmyk) dealer stock, a very well-known Arizona dealer and collector. Valued at $3500 several years ago. A significant, highly sculptural and RARE large combination from the locale.