Neptunite with Benitoite ex. Barlow Coll.

Item Description

The FREESTANDING neptunite crystal here is pristine, complete all around, and has the best luster you could ask for. It is just about 2 cm tall. Few neptunite crystals stand so nicely - most form laying upon the matrix and so it takes a trick of prepping the piece to make them look upright even when they are not. This one, its legitimately sticking up into what was a pocket. The cluster of benitoite at its base is an unusual offset and complement to the stark black neptunite, and still shows off in its own right. The larger benitoite is also 2 cm in size, across. the benitoites are not gemmy all through, but they are translucent and have what I would call reasonably good color as well. Taken together, this combination specimen is outstanding, competition quality and worthy of any collection. In fact, I got it many years ago from the John barlow collection and, after having it trimmed recently, decided to put in this auction. I always thought it a special miniature for the composed balance, and the unusual freestanding neptunite. Valued $2500-2750