SOLD
JB16-1722
Scheelite with Aquamarine
Red Pocket (2007), Mt Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China
Small Cabinet, 8.3 x 7.5 x 5.8 cm
SOLD

This is an intensely colorful gem-tipped scheelite from the famous 2007 "RED POCKET, " with unusual and distinct red tones that are more saturated than the classical orange hue. This pocket had the best luster, overall, and when combined with the color they make for very dramatic specimens that outshine almost all others from other pockets, in a case. It is a balanced small cabinet piece, that has huge impact visually -the color can be seen from across the room! China is the world's best locality for scheelites, unarguably. The scheelites coming from this extremely remote mountain locality are orders of magnitude prettier and better than those from anywhere else. However, the locale is remote, hard to work, and subject to pressure to work with hand tools if at all because it is located next to the major Sichuan Province Wolong. Panda Bear preserve. Production has definitely tapered off in the last decade, after an initial gold rush of mining here. The earthquake in 2008 didn't help, making already difficult roads even more so. The mine is actually accessed by mule and pack train, and resides high in the mountain above the town of Ping Wu. Specimens like this, from a discrete and known pocket with special qualities, really outshine the average specimens from her. In person, it is hard to believe it is even the same locality as the typical crystals. This pocket, ten years later, still sets the standard in my book. Joe Budd photo. Comes with custom lucite base.