Spinel-twinned Silver w/ Calcite (Alfred Buranek Coll.)

Item Description

Alfred Buranek was a well-known Utah geologist, author and collector, who died in 1987. This striking, amazingly sculptural, two-sided, dense nest of spinel-twinned silver crystals and "feathers" etched from calcite has a distinct biomorphic/insect/alien look to it! The multiple legs have more legs or pincers in the front, with the head above. An evil-looking stinger or lance is at the ready and an amorphous alien rides at the back or maybe its an upraised bulbous "tail". The "lance" is about 3.5 cm long and the crystal base is encased in calcite within the "legs". A doubly terminated spinel on one side is 4.5 cm long, slightly curved, forms the "ear" of the frontal head and continues at an angle down to the "legs". The variable patina adds to the attractivness. Very fine and aesthetic silver from the famous New Nevada Mine at Batopilas. from an old collection, valued at $1800-2000