Scapolite (4 crystal set)

Item Description

Here we have a beautiful 4 crystal set of gorgeous GEM QUALITY Scapolite crystals ranging from rich amber lager hues to a lighter golden color. All four of the crystals are incredibly gemmy (virtually WATER-CLEAR), elongated prisms, with slight etching on the surface. The crystals range in size from 6.1 x 0.8 x 0.7 cm to 2.7 x 1.3 x 0.8 cm. If you view the more richly colored crystals down the "c" axis, they show a fiery orange-red color, but you need a strong light to see it. The entire lot weighs 48.1 grams. These are old crystals, dating back several decades, and they are truly some of the best examples of GEM QUALITY Scapolite you'll find from anywhere. Very attractive and fine quality all around, don't miss out on this beautiful set. Valued $2,000. This set comes to us from the legendary Ron Romanella (February 28, 1932 - October 24, 2022), a well-known gem and mineral dealer from New York City. He studied mineralogy at Columbia School of Mines, and he was mentored by Dr. Frederick Pough of the American Museum of Natural History, and learned about the business side from well-known mineral dealers Hugh Ford and Maurice Hammoneau. Ron himself was a mentor to other successful East Coast mineral dealers such as Larry Conklin, Herb Obodda and even employed Dave Wilber for a time. He largely transitioned out of selling minerals as his business focused more on gems for the last few decades, and his sons Michael and Jerry have been running the family business in Scottsdale for many years now. With that said, Ron was one of the great powerhouse mineral dealers in the US for many years, offering fine quality specimens and gem crystals from classic and contemporary localities. Among his top achievements, is that Ron is credited with importing the first known crystals of Tanzanite into the US in the 1960s.