Lot 671
Kunzite Crystal and Gem Set (rough and cut). Urucum mine, Galileia, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil
The two items in this set come from the same mine and both are possessed of top color and lustre. They constitute a rare pair of high collectible value. The crystal is particularly sharp and hatchet-like with both glassy and lustrous qualities while the gem offers a nearly solid intense pink gem rough. The set is both specimen quality AND gem material at the same time, giving it an intrinsic "gem value." This unusual and exciting duo will appeal to most collectors' interest for an objet d'art of pristine natural beauty. The GEM CRYSTAL, moreover, is even MORE NOTABLE as a specimen because it is a "floater" - complete all around, with faces on every edge and no breaks or attachment points.
For many years, the finest pink kunzite rough crystals for the gem trade came from Brazil. During this locale's heyday period (generally the 1920s-1980s), nearly all large natural crystals of gem quality came from here. Today large kunzite crystals are still rare but now come predominantly from Afghanistan.
The crystal was formerly in the noted mineral collection of Jack Halpern of San Francisco, California. It likely dates to the mid-1900s. Specimens like this are seldom seen. The gemstone is from the collection of John Grieger (1910-1981) and was sold when his family estate was broken up a few years ago.
Measures: 15 x 10 x 5 cm (crystal) and 3.5 x 2.8 x 2.4 cm (gem).
Weighs: 743 grams crystal and approx 170 carats gem.
Comes with a custom display base.
Estimated Value $28,000 - 35,000.
Jack Halpern (B. 1910) Collection (CRYSTAL); John Grieger (1910-1981) (GEMSTONE).
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