Helvite and Spessartine Garnet on Albite (superb)

Item Description

A superb, aesthetic and very rare combination piece from the Wushan Mine. Helvite is an uncommon manganese, beryllium silicate. Helvite is only rarely found from Tongbei, China, which has become justly famous for its spessartine. The fabulous, 360-degree matrix of extremely sharp, discrete albite crystals hosts a well-placed, sharp, 1.5 x 1.5 cm, tetragonal crystal with brown color-zoning and partially gemmy areas. Isolated, gem spessartines to 6 mm are exquisitely scattered on the albite and there are even two on the helvite. Discrete spessartines are also very uncommon in this quality from Tongbei. A bit of edge wear is noted on the helvite, but has very minimal impact on the overall outstanding quality of this combo. It is important, and aesthetic. ex Chen Wei Gang collection (he and his family run one of the major producing mines). Valued at $800-1000.