-
Zoisite / Schist / Ruby carving, Skull
- Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Gems, 269.50 ct, 37 mm x 21 mm x 20 mm
- Start Time: 08/07/2014 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
- End Time: 08/14/2014 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
- Auction Closed
Item Description
The famous quote from John Sinkankas was "gems are minerals after all". In our continued efforts to promote the importance of gemstones for ALL collectors, we want to give mineral collectors a chance at a rare cut stone that complements a choice mineral specimen from a classic locality. Some of the finest mineral collections in the world are accompanied by gemstones that either complete a "rough and cut" set for certain specimens, or simply show the beauty of particular species when they are faceted. We are offering this piece as an opportunity for collectors to expand their horizons and purchase piece that would supplement crystallized specimens in their collections. I think it is important for collectors to know that faceted stones can expand one's interests in minerals and can add a certain reverence to the hobby of collecting minerals. This is very attractive and well known material. The famous Ruby / Zoisite specimens were found in Tanzania in 1954 (sometimes referred to as "Anyolite" after the Massai word for green), and are very popular among collectors either as cabochons or for carvings. This piece is a skull shaped carving Zoisite and mica schist (with a small amount of Ruby on the back). This is one of the more attractive carvings that we've offered in the auctions in a while.