Emerald on Calcite

Item Description

This beautiful matrix miniature hosts a 20 x 7 x 6 mm GEM emerald crystal perched on contrasting white calcite, from the classic and historic emerald mines of Colombia! I really find it difficult to get a quality emerald, with luster, color, and gemminess, ON MATRIX, for under $5000 these days. Usually the specimens I am offered are lacking in at least one of these qualities at any price below that where I could buy it, or the pieces are (too often) fabricated or repaired. This is NOT repaired, and not placed in the matrix, as you can clearly see the calcite grew around the crystal. There is no doubt - my favorite kind of matrix emerald specimen, given the frequency with which the locals down there glue crystals into rocks to sell to hapless collectors. At 2 cm, the crystal is good-sized, and perfectly respectable for any collection. The color is intense and deep, vibrantly green so that it screams EMERALD at you. Even the public likes emeralds...its such an obvious "treasure." The association with crystallized calcite, instead of with rock or massive calcite matrix, though, makes it a specimen worthy of more sophisticated collectors too - even if you just like it for the gemmy green part! Valued $4500