Beryl var. Heliodor ex James Carter

Item Description

A perfect GEM transparent heliodor crystal that is so gemmy it is difficult to photograph, with the most amazing patterns and symmetries on its surface - typical of this incredible old gem deposit in Ukraine. Although typical in style, this is an excellent, top level example in the size range with unusually total clarity and gemminess, consistency of color, and internal sparkle. It is complete all around and has a fancy, sharp termination without damage. When you see the patterning of these in person, your first thought is that they look technological but it is entirely a natural process and apparently happens right at the end of the crystal formation process (in this case, hundreds of millions of years ago!). This is from the collection of Dr James Carter, Dr. Moon Dust from the University of Texas (he was a designer of moon dust simulants for testing the Apollo lunar rovers in the 1960s). He hosted several Soviet-era academics on their trips to the USA. On one such trip in the late 1980s, the academics brought over a suitcase full of these gem crystals, to trade and sell. James had first pick, and took some of the best in terms of quality! We are proud to be auctioning some of Dr. Carter's collection for the estate, and this is as fine an example in the size range as anybody can wish for, up for auction now. It is 63 grams of gem quality material, that could also be heated to turn it into aquamarine for the popular gem market. We estimated this crystal should easily be valued in the $7500-9,500 range, and certainly that would be fair if you see it at any show in the world where dealers sell such fine gem crystals. I have none of comparable quality myself at the moment, and for what it is worth these "collector sized " crystals are actually more uncommon than larger ones, and I would normally buy any such for my own inventory. At 63 grams, this has a good mass, a large visual footprint that makes it a "full sized" small cabinet and not too skinny in a shelf, and it has real value in a sense that you cannot just go out and buy an example of this quality even if you wanted to. They are not common enough on the market today in this size and quality.