White Cap Amazonite and Smoky Quartz on Cleavelandite

Item Description

Amazonite from Colorado is of course world famous, and many collectors look for the combination of Amazonite with Smoky Quartz, which is considered one of the world's most important and beautiful mineral combinations. This piece comes from the famous Smoky Hawk mine, operated by the Dorris Family (you can see their adventures on the Prospectors TV show). With meticulous care, and major and expensive equipment, they have been able to pull out impressive amazonite specimens for the last 15 years or so - but it is hard work, exceptionally difficult and time consuming, and who knows when it will stop. The specimens are and should be treasured. Each pocket is a little different. This pocket is notable for the unusual combination of white caps and white stripes on the pastel-colored turquoise-blue amazonite. This piece is notable for its unusual lack of repairs and restorations. It is stabilized, as they all are in preparation and trimming, but has no repairs or restorations - highly unusual for such a large specimen! It is complete all around. Deaccessioned from a local private collection; and you can see the former - and frankly, fair, valuation put on it previously, of $10,500 when sold at a mineral show.