Amazonite (rare "striped" crystals) (ex Dave Bergman Collection)

Item Description

This is a classic specimen from one of the most storied and well known districts in Colorado. The pegmatites near the Lake George area of Colorado have produced what collectors and dealers know to be the finest Amazonite specimens from the standpoint of color, quality, wonderful display specimens and excellent associations. This particular specimen is a nice small cabinet featuring sharp, well-formed, blue-green color Amazonite crystals, but the most important aspect of the specimen is the fact that it shows the rarely seen and highly desirable "striped" effect which is caused by a selective secondary feldspar deposition (often Anorthite). About 1 in 1000 Amazonites will have the "striped" appearance, and these specimens are highly sought after by collectors. Keep in mind that the best of these specimens (especially with top color) sell for big money these days, and considering that fewer and fewer top quality specimens are found each year, this one would make a great addition to any collection. This piece was personally collected in 1980 by and remained in the collection of Dave Bergman. Dave is a Colorado miner (the foreman and primary person in charge of recovering specimens at the famous Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado during the late 1970s) and the maternal grandfather of Brian Kosnar. See Dave's photo mining at the Sweet Home on page 58 of Peter Bancroft's book "Gem and Crystal Treasures".