Amazonite (rare "striped" crystals) with Smoky Quartz (ex Conklin)

Item Description

This is a superb display 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 most collectors and dealers consider to be the finest Amazonite specimens from the standpoint of superb color, top quality, wonderful display specimens and excellent associations. This particular specimen is a great piece featuring sharp, well-formed, beautiful blue-green color Amazonite crystals with a selective deposition of a secondary beige feldspar species (typically Anorthite) along the prisms creating the rare and highly sought after "striped" habit crystals. Additionally, the Amazonites are associated with sharp, translucent, richly colored, highly desirable Smoky Quartz crystals. The largest Amazonite measures 3.9 cm long and the largest Smoky is 5.8 cm. Very little damage - save the periphery where it was removed from the pocket - and the most significant aspect to me is that the piece has ZERO REPAIRS! So many specimens these days are glued back together (sometimes with dozens of individual repairs), but the old pieces like this one came out of the ground in one piece. The classic color combination, excellent aesthetics and historic significance of the piece (it was mined in the 1970s most likely) make it a fantastic overall specimen of this desirable and highly sought after material. 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. An outstanding Colorado "classic"! The piece comes with a label from Larry Conklin. Valued at $3,500.