Orthoclase (ex Kurt Hefendehl Collection)

Item Description

Here we have a dramatic and three-dimensional display specimen from the Grieswies - Krumlkeeskopf area in the Austrian Alps featuring a diverging pair of cream colored, blocky, prismatic crystals of Orthoclase measuring up to 5.2 cm, aesthetically flaring out of a matrix composed of additional small Orthoclase crystals, on very minor matrix. The crystals have a slight bit of etching on the surface, but some faces are still smooth and lustrous in areas. Excellent condition all around, no major damage that I can see to the two main crystals. A bit of embedded silvery-black semi-metallic "Chlorite" can be seen on the back of the piece for a nice touch. You don't often get cabinet sized Feldspar specimen from Austria in such attractive display specimens, so if you're a fan of Alpine minerals or worldwide Feldspars, this is a great piece to add to your collection. Valued at $1,800-$2,400 From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl, a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection over the next two to three years through our various platforms.