Ilmenite with Albite ex Smale & Halpern Collections

Item Description

An outstanding, radial cluster of lustrous, metallic Ilmenite crystals associated with white Albite crystals, from the Tormiq Valley. The Ilmenites have superb terminations that are sharp and almost mirror-like. The cluster is a full 2.6 cm across, and it is attractively placed on the matrix. This "Alpine type" specimen, excellent in it's own right, goes even further by calling forth memories of the very fine (Swiss) Hematite roses that we have seen and appreciated for years, also Alpine in nature. Previously in the famed collection of Steve Smale, and you can see how it fits with both of these elder statesmen in our hobby who specialized in what they would call "aesthetics" even in rare species. There are numerous references to Jack and his collection in print, but perhaps a good tour of the collection and its history will help give perspective on just how good, and important, this collection is: https://www.irocks.com/the-jack-halpern-collection