Not from the Bruckner Collection, but something I had to get posted soon anyhow...this is a fantastic cerussite crystal from Tsumeb, of a very rare style. The color , blood red, is due to minute iinclusions of cuprite inside. Such cerussite came from only a few pockets, and this is the rarest of styles for the color - a "normal" cerussite twin as opposed to the usual etched, elongated, or melted-type appearance this material usually takes. Complete on both sides, translucent, and just breathtaking for color, this is one of the finest Tsumeb thumbnails I have had the pleasure of handling, for my tastes. It is indeed expensive, no question, but its unique. I had this first perhaps 3 years ago, and was recently able to trade it back from the owner.

A choice set of 3 matched crystals of superb quality, all with absolutely pristine and even, similarly colored malachite alteration over the original cuprite. These are examples of one of the French classics of the early to mid 1800s. Today, they still turn up on the market often enough to see, but not in such size and pristine condition, very often. And the modified, complex habits are harder to get than the simple octohedra. In this set: the upper right crystal is 2 cm across, to 1.2 cm on edges; lower right is 1.4 cm on edge of the octohedron, and the left crystal is 1.3 cm on edges. All are pristine floaters, 360 degrees. From a museum collection, and also previously from the Schortmann collection. Based on prices I saw at Munich, I think these could sell for more if separated (a shame). i had 3200 euros on it at the show, when I had just exchanged for them from a collection. at $4000 USD now, thats even a bit less.