Realgar (fine crystals)

Item Description

In the pre-days of the "boom" of Chinese minerals on the Western market, some of the first pieces we say in any quantity were the world-class Realgar specimens from the Shimen Deposit. These excellent pieces are considered to be the best examples of crystallized Realgar from any locality with larger-than-average crystals, along with superior luster, form, gemminess and color. This piece was mined circa 1994-1995 and is a great example of said material as it features a group very sharp, highly lustrous, well-formed, intense red colored crystals measuring up to 2.8 cm, free of matrix. It's incredibly difficult to find completely pristine examples of this material, so tiny imperfections are often visible and I can see some little nicks on this piece, but you really have to look closely to find them. The color and gemminess are unmistakable, as virtually no other mineral looks like Realgar at its best. A choice piece of this classic exemplary material. Valued $1,500.
Ex Brian Kosnar Collection.