Tourmaline (from 1913 find!)

Item Description

Mount Mica is regarded as the first gem Tourmaline locality in the United States, and generally accepted as the first gem mine in the country as well. Mining efforts started in the 1820s, and continue to this day. This locality is famous for its richly colored Tourmaline crystals, which are often found in deep green, blue and pink hues. This piece is a significant, hefty single crystal, complete all around, with good luster on the surface. In reflected light, the color is a darker green shade, but with strong backlighting, you can see small pockets of color internally which have more of a blue-green overtone. The most significant aspect of the piece is that it was found in 1913, during the time George Howe was mining at Mount Mica. For the age of the specimen, it's in remarkably good shape, though not completely pristine, but largely undamaged. An impressive antique specimen from this most classic of pegmatite localities. Specimen weight is 327.2 grams. Valued $4,000-$5,000.
From the collection of George Elling, a prominent East Coast collector.