GEM CRYSTALS
Gem Crystals
For most collectors, gem crystals are the first attraction they experience in the world of fine minerals. Aquamarines, Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, Topazes, and Tourmalines are amongst the most highly desired species in the gemstone world, and are typically the first targets of new collectors in the specimen world. Finding truly exceptional examples of these species in the specimen world is challenging, confusing, and often tricky, as it is hard to discern the differences between the good specimens, and the truly great ones. Additionally, gem crystal collecting is amongst the most competitive division in the mineral collecting world.
Beryl var. Emerald on Calcite
Muzo Mine, Muzo Municipality, Western Boyacá Province, Boyacá Department, Colombia
5.1 x 5.3 x 4.5 cm
The James Horner Emerald is regarded as the standard for all other Emerald mineral specimens. Aside from the Emerald being an undamaged, double-terminated crystal exhibiting the finest qualities possible in the world, it also sits aesthetically perched on a complete and flawless Calcite crystal perfectly balanced.
Private Collection
Sapphire on Amphibolite
Winza, Mpwapwa District,
Dodoma Region, Tanzania
7.0 x 6.0 x 5.5 cm
This gem Sapphire on Amphibolite exhibits the most beautiful multi-coloration. The luster of the crystal is as good as it gets, and the clarity is astounding; the rarity of this specimen is inexplicable. This world-class Sapphire was formerly in the collections of Bill Larson, and Irv Brown.
Private Collection
Ruby on Calcite
Mogok Valley, Mogok Township, Pyin-Oo-Lwin District, Mandalay Region, Myanmar
6.2 x 6.9 x 6.6 cm
It is very rare to see a truly gem Ruby intact on matrix. The color of this Ruby is optimal, and the fact that it survived as a specimen is remarkable, as nearly every Ruby specimen this large, exhibiting this color and quality was collected for gem rough. This world class Ruby was formerly in the collections of Bill Larson, and Irv Brown.
Private Collection
Chrysoberyl on Matrix
Tsitondroina, Ikalamavony District, Haute Matsiatra, Madagascar
8.1 x 7.0 x 6.9 cm
Chrysoberyls from Madagascar rarely are intact on matrix, and also typically do not exhibit the ideal neon yellow color. The clarity, luster, and gem-like qualities of this specimen are optimal, and the way the crystal contrasts against the Diopside matrix is striking, and makes for a sharp and balanced aesthetic.
Private Collection
Sphene var. Titanite on Calcite
Auraghuq, Farghamiru, Jurm District, Badakhshan, Afghanistan
6.4 x 7.1 x 5.8 cm
Titanites are known for their shocking, brilliant green and yellow colors, and sharp crystal terminations. This example, which hails from Afghanistan exhibits a perfect and beautiful focal crystal that shows the most ideal, bright colors, all while sitting aesthetically on a contrasting Calcite matrix.
Private Collection
Spinel on Marble
Mahenge, Morogoro Region,
Tanzania
6.8 x 7.0 x 6.5 cm
Spinels are one of the most attractive and desired gemstones in the jewelry world. They are known for having shocking dispersion and vibrant color. These Spinel crystals contrast beautifully against the stark-white Calcite matrix, and are perfectly isolated. Additionally, the crystals exhibit gem-like clarity.
Private Collection
Beryl var. Aquamarine with Quartz
Shigar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan,
Pakistan
11.4 x 17.1 x 9.8 cm
This world-class Aquamarine with Quartz specimen is one of the most iconic examples in the world, displaying a doubly terminated Aquamarine crystal, as the bottom is etched and recrystallized, and an extremely unique clear Quartz crystal. This elite specimen was formerly in the collection of Irv Brown.
Private Collection
Beryl var. Emerald on Matrix
Coscuez Mine, San Pablo de Borbur, Western Boyacá Province, Colombia
5.0 x 5.2 x 5.0 cm
The Three Amigos is one of the most famous Emerald specimens in the world. The piece is instantly recognized for its shocking color, luster, sharpness and impossible clarity. In 2019, the Three Amigos won the Walt Lidstrom trophy, proving that this piece is one of the most recognizable and iconic Emeralds in the world.
Private Collection
Topaz
Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais,
Brazil
3.2 x 7.5 x 2.7 cm
Brazilian Imperial Topaz crystals are a thing of legend. The rich color, luster, and clarity that they can exhibit is extremely desirable and attractive. This gem crystal shows incredible honey color, gem clarity, glassy luster, and razor sharp edges and terminations. This specimen was formerly in the collection of Irv Brown.
Private Collection
Beryl var. Emerald on Calcite
Coscuez Mine, San Pablo de Borbur, Western Boyacá Province, Colombia
4.4 x 5.2 x 3.2 cm
This Emerald specimen needs no introduction, as it was the Houston Show Poster several years ago, it is the country of Chad’s national stamp and it has been recognized as a spectacular miniature to small-cabinet sized Emerald specimen for many years. The crystal is beautiful and complete, exhibiting a bright and intense color.
Private Collection
Beryl var. Emerald on Calcite
Coscuez Mine, San Pablo de Borbur, Western Boyacá Province, Boyacá Department, Colombia
12.5 x 11.0 x 8.5 cm
This gorgeous specimen exhibits a jewel Emerald, flanked by two Fluorites, sitting next to a massive and flawless Calcite crystal. There are only a couple documented Emerald specimens with Fluorite, and this seems to be the finest example. The Calcite crystal is also one of the finest single crystals from Colombia.
Private Collection
Beryl var. Heliodor
Pegmatite No. 206, Khoroshiv Raion (Volodarsk-Volynskii), Zhytomyr Oblast, Ukraine
6.5 x 16.9 x 6.3 cm
Volodarsk Heliodors are a thing of legend in the mineral collecting world. Nearly every collector is captivated by the bright yellow color, gorgeous surface etchings, and gem-like clarity of the species. This example weighs over 280 grams, and is a large example that displays the best qualities of the find.
Private Collection
