Emerald in Calcite & Shale

Item Description

It is very uncommon to find pockets of gem crystals such as emeralds, in their natural host rock, and in a surviving and open cavity where you can actually see how these things form in nature. These are tens of millions of years old, and such open spaces usually collapse, or are filled by other minerals that need to be removed. Here, interestingly, we have a large display specimen with two vugs (pockets) in the sculptural, blocky upright calcite and shale matrix. With associated pyrite, they host two dramatically different styles of emerald crystals on this very showy cabinet specimen from the famous La Pita Mine of Colombia. The upper commanding, 5.0 cm elongated vug hosts classic, beautiful, gemmy rich green hexagonal emerald crystals, to 1.1 cm. The 5.0 x 5.0 cm lower, larger vug hosts scattered, translucent, etched emerald crystals, to 2.0 cm. Periphery wear around the edges of the vugs is noted, but is certainly only a modest detraction to this excellent large emerald specimen that is quite unique and hard to value....not much comparable out there! Comes with a custom-made and engraved lucite base ($200 value), for free. Ex Sean Lincoln Collection.