Vesuvianite (interesting history to US Ambassador!)

Item Description

This doubly-terminated, olive-tinted Vesuvianite from Mali is a choice example of the species from here, especially when you consider the quality usually diminishes the larger they get. The complex form is interesting and attractive, and the luster high. The size is impressive, and the aesthetics are good. It is better in person, even. This crystal was originally in the collection of Bill Dameron, a well known mineral collector who coincidentally was the US Ambassador to Mali from 1993-1995. As a side role back then, he was instrumental in exporting and bringing these to market after one day he found some examples for sale by a street vendor. From the collection of East Coast collector, George Elling, specializing in historic minerals of the East Coast and minerals from the development of old European mineralogy.