Tourmaline (found 2002-2003)

Pederneira Mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Large Cabinet, 17.3 x 5.6 x 1.4 cm
Start Time: 12/10/2009 6:30:00 pm (CST)
End Time: 12/17/2009 6:40:00 pm (CST)
Auction Closed

Item Description

This compound cluster of indicolite gem crystals is an unlikely survivor, from a mine and pocket in which nearly all tourmalines were found in pieces. The two crystals, 13 and 7.5 cm in length respectively, intersect dramatically to form a gun-shaped cluster. The 13 cm crystal is terminated at its top (left) end, but has a partially healed, perhaps in situ break at the right end where it sticks out past the junction (and it is possible this termination was "roughed up" a little bit after being found, by rubbing it to dull down an old break - hard to say). The 7.5 cm crystal stands straight up as I would prefer to display this piece (so overall a tan angle), and is terminated on the bottom tip, though the small part sticking up past the junction is broken off. Nevertheless, the major terminations are OK and I nthe overall geometry, the tiny junction termination and the secondary termination to the main crystal are both secondary to the overall form and the fact that, as a whole, this is unrepaired. I have handled very few Pederneira pieces with a tourmaline of this style, and no repairs. Valued $2500

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