Rutile (twin) (classic material)

Item Description

Rutile is probably the most well-known form of titanium dioxide in the mineral world, and the crystals from Graves Mountain are some of the most iconic examples of the species ever found. These crystals often feature amazing robust form, combined with larger than average sized crystals and that wonderful metallic silvery-red hue, which distinctive and alluring. This piece is a fantastic display specimen hosting a few very well-formed, sharp, lustrous twinned crystals measuring up to 4.0 cm with smooth, shiny reflective faces sitting, free of matrix. The front/display side of the piece is in superb condition with no major damage I can find. The only roughness is around the lower edges where the piece was separated from the pocket. It's hard to find pieces featuring multiple high-quality, undamaged crystals this size from Graves Mountain, they almost always have little dings / nicks or they're only partially complete, so if you've always wanted a really good Graves Mountain Rutile, this is a great example. Valued $5,000.
ATTENTION: We are happy to announce our new book featuring the Jack Halpern collection entitled "Addicted to Beauty", which will be available in March from the Mineralogical Record. The following is an excerpt from Rob Lavinsky from the foreword of the book. "I am honored to have been entrusted with the deaccessioning of Jack Halpern’s famed collection. This book is not only designed to commemorate Jack's minerals, but also the man himself and how he inspired so many of us who are in the hobby today. Regarding the sale of his collection, Jack’s one comment and wish to me and to his family and friends was that we would carry forward his 'Legacy of Beauty' out into the broad world."
From the collection of Jack Halpern No. 2580. Jack was born May 18, 1920 in Brooklyn, New York, but has been a long-time resident of San Francisco. He assembled one of the great mineral collections in the world encompassing over 3,200 specimens with a specific emphasis on color, quality, and style/aesthetics, which is evident in every piece. He admired specimens of all sizes from thumbnails to large cabinets and the vast majority of them rank from fine to world-class in their quality.
Above all else, Jack is considered to be the greatest gentleman in the modern era of mineral collecting. He is beloved by all those who have met him, and he truly is one of the most iconic figures in the mineral world. We recently acquired Jack's collection, and the VAST majority of these pieces will be offered here in the auctions, as we feel that everyone deserves and equal opportunity at acquiring these important, well-documented and fine quality pieces for their collections. We are honored to have the opportunity to offer Jack's treasures to everyone on a regular basis in the auctions.
We encourage you to read our blog post at https://www.irocks.com/the-jack-halpern-collection or his profile on the Mineralogical Record website https://mineralogicalrecord.com/biographies_labels/halpernjack/ for more information