Olenite (RARE Tourmaline species) (''mushrooms'') (3-piece set)

Molo Quarter, Momeik Township, Kyaukme District, Shan State, Myanmar
Ex. Bill Larson
Thumbnail, 2.4 x 2.3 x 2.2 cm to 2.1 x 1.9 x 1.7 cm
Start Time: 05/23/2024 8:00:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 06/01/2024 6:33:00 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed
Winning Bid: $675

Item Description

These distinctive and eye-catching Tourmaline specimens are commonly referred to "Mushroom Rubellites", and for a long time we believed them to be Elbaite, which is a common Tourmaline species. I will point out that the name Tourmaline does not refer to a specific mineral species, but rather a group name for a lot of different borosilicates, some of which are quite rare worldwide. One of those rare Tourmaline species is Olenite, often found in small non-descript examples from Russia and Italy, but the pieces from around the Momeik Township are the most well-formed, colorful and just plain pretty examples of the species ever found. Their unique rounded form, combined with the alluring Rubellite pink color makes them instantly recognizable, and they simply stand out from any other Tourmalines you've seen. Here we have a gorgeous 3-piece set of thumbnails with strong pink color. All of the specimens are lustrous show good internal translucency when backlit, along with excellent quality all around. These pieces are now exceedingly hard to find on the market, so don't miss out on getting this set for your collection. Valued around $2,200 total for the set.
From the collection of Bill ("Burma Bill") Larson of Fallbrook, California. Bill is a well-known gem and mineral dealer as well as a miner and worldwide mineral collector. Bill has traveled the world for decades in search of fine gems and minerals, and was directly involved in the in-person acquisition and importation of superb specimens and stones from Myanmar (Burma). You can read his biography at https://mineralogicalrecord.com/biographies_labels/larsonwilliam-f/

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Bidding History

Bid Amount Bid Time
$675 06/01/2024 6:29:38 pm (CDT)
$655 06/01/2024 6:29:38 pm (CDT)
$650 06/01/2024 6:25:42 pm (CDT)
$625 06/01/2024 3:32:57 pm (CDT)
$600 05/31/2024 2:43:24 pm (CDT)
$576 05/31/2024 2:43:24 pm (CDT)
$575 05/30/2024 7:31:12 pm (CDT)
$550 05/30/2024 7:31:12 pm (CDT)
$526 05/30/2024 7:30:44 pm (CDT)
$501 05/30/2024 7:30:44 pm (CDT)
$465 05/30/2024 6:08:33 pm (CDT)
$455 05/30/2024 6:08:33 pm (CDT)
$454 05/27/2024 8:17:14 pm (CDT)
$444 05/27/2024 8:17:13 pm (CDT)
$360 05/27/2024 6:28:45 pm (CDT)
$350 05/27/2024 6:28:45 pm (CDT)
$343 05/26/2024 4:40:00 pm (CDT)
$333 05/26/2024 4:39:59 pm (CDT)
$165 05/24/2024 4:09:23 pm (CDT)
$155 05/24/2024 4:09:23 pm (CDT)
$77 05/23/2024 10:20:53 pm (CDT)
$67 05/23/2024 10:20:53 pm (CDT)
$60 05/23/2024 8:37:59 pm (CDT)
$50 05/23/2024 8:37:59 pm (CDT)
$10 05/23/2024 8:20:45 pm (CDT)