J11-15
Tourmaline
Paprok, Nuristan, Afghanistan
Cabinet, 12.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 cm
SOLD

This specimen is a soaring cluster of intergrown tourmalines, with dramatic color zonations and superb glassy luster. It shows a range of pink and green hues, but the overall impact is from the intense green core of the upper half; and from the splayed form of the secondary crystals acting to accent the main core. The termination is sharp and glassy on the front, only marred on one slanting back face by a matte-finished zone where it contacted some attached matrix. The piece displays well from front and sides, and is 3-dimensional and equant in overall form. It is 309 grams. Today, it is getting harder and harder to get anything in the way of size and color form this part of the world, at a good price. Prices are up at the source and frankly, average quality is down. Most crystals of this size either have a repair, or do not have the intense color, and yet asking prices are the same in many cases. I do not think I could replace this piece, bought 2 years ago, for what I am selling it for now. Comes with a custom lucite base. Joe Budd photos