Rutile (Shields Flynn Coll.)

Item Description

Two striking clusters of parallel-growth rutile prisms are aesthetically set on the sculptural miniature matrix on this fine specimen from the famous and extinct Onganja Mine. The heavily striated wine-red to mahogany-brown prisms have brilliant lustre. Some of the crystals are terminated and some are contacted. Rutile was a relatively common accessory, but specimens are RARE and are seldom on the market. Onganja is renowned for world-class cuprites from the famed 1973 find, plus outstanding copper and calcite specimens. Mining started here in about 1900 and ceased in 1974. See the fine article in the 1996 Mineralogical Record issue, Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 85-97. Choice and very uncommon rutile from the Shields Flynn Collection with multiple fine display views.