A superb, aesthetic miniature with extremely sharp bornites to 1/4 inch perched on a rolling, 3-dimensional matrix! This is one of the best examples in its size we have seen for sale, for overall quality and aesthetics both. The patina is intact, and not unduly cleaned by chemicals as it too often happens. The crystals are sharp and not worn or rounded, also too common. ex Robert Whitmore collection, obtained from Phil Scalisi in the past when he was selling the Grace Dearborn Collection (an heiress who assembled an excellent collection specializing in the classics in the early 1900s).

This collection came to light at the Denver show, and was preserved since the 1950s intact. Russell Jones appears to hav especialized in English minerals and had some very unusual pieces. Among them, i thought this treelike cluster of 3-dimensional, thick bornites to be exceptional for the aesthetics of the piece overall; and the exquisite accent of the complete and sharp bornites crowning the specimen mostly made up of unusual elongated bornite crystals that stand up and splay out like branches. It thus has two very distinct crystal habits, here. It is quite hefty, and very aesthetic, in person!