Spessartine, Smoky Quartz, and Hematite on Feldspar

Item Description

The Wushan Spessartine Mine, often simply referred to as Tongbei, is well-know for its outstanding Quartz/Garnet combinations, as we have here. Most specimens like this would date from the mid 1990s to about 2005 at latest. The central, very sharp Smoky is 4 cm, and the gemmy, orange Spessartines range from 1-2 mm, generously distributed on the Feldspar matrix AND on the Smoky Quartz. There is even some Hematite, an uncommon association there, that reaches 1.5 cm. The Feldspar matrix fluoresces an attractive, orange-pink color, which adds even more to the interest and aesthetics of this fine, representative, small-cabinet specimen. Colorful, sparkling, and now an "old" Chinese classic!