Rubellite tourmaline

Item Description

Something you normally do not see for sale, let alone at auctions, is a classic Jonas Mine Rubellite tourmaline! This is a gorgeous cabinet sized crystal from one of the two most famous tourmaline finds of all time, the 1978 Jonas pocket (the other arguably being the 1972 BlueCap pocket in San Diego). Jonas Mine specimens should have a rich, cranberry color, and this not only has the color; but is also both transparent and lustrous (glassy!). Good to great specimens from this find are getting hard to find and expensive. A "JONAS" tourmaline is one of those essentials, to which all other rubellites are compared. This was the most famous tourmaline find of the century, perhaps ever, in terms of absolute value, and most crystals of any translucency were actually cut to gems. This large elongated crystal has 4 clean repairs, so well done and invisible we can only easily find them with a UV light, and they are not visible unless on very close inspection. This makes it a 5-10k crystal instead of a 25-35k crystal, to be true - but it still has a presence that is uniquely Jonas to it as it has riveting, intense color and luster as you would want for this famous pocket. I think in most people's time collecting they will simply never have a chance to own a good Jonas, much less in an affordable price range given that most of them go for high five and six figure prices nowadays. I am proud to be able to offer one at auction. 30 grams.