Rutile (excellent quality) (ex Herb Obodda personal collection)

Item Description

From the private collection (not dealer stock) of noted mineral dealer Herb Obodda. This is I think THE finest Rutile specimen we've had to offer from this locality. I honestly though it was Brazilian at first glance, as I've never seen one this good from Zagi Mountain. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the piece is the fact that the crystals are not thin "needles" like most Rutile specimens, but they are robust and thick for the species, and they are STILL INCREDIBLY GEMMY! When backlit, even the largest thickest crystal glows with an incredibly strong warm red hue. As a matter of fact, the smaller thinner crystals near the base of the piece have more of golden-orange hue simply because they are not as thick, and the saturation isn't as strong. Now these crystals are not only gemmy, but actually show zones where they are virtually transparent and could actually yield faceted gems! Not to say that I am suggesting that anybody facet such and important specimen, but it's worth noting as this kind of quality is nearly impossible to find in Rutile. Additional the prism faces of the crystals are very lustrous and smooth, while the terminations have a soft beige hue and a matte luster, making for an odd contrast on the piece. Speaking of which, of the four crystals on the specimen, all of the terminations are intact, with the exception of one (best seen in the final photo). If you collect Rutile, minerals of Pakistan or "gem" crystals, I can't stress how good this is for the species and the locality. Most Rutile crystals are opaque regardless of thickness, but to find a piece like this with a nearly 1 cm thick crystal that shows such superb gemminess is remarkably rare. Priced in the inventory at $1,400 for quality, rarity of the locale and the prestige of being part of Herb Obodda's private collection.