From the accompanying collection card, John Durkos Collection: "I personally took this crystal out of a freshly opened pocket in the mine. July, 1969. Keep sake, not to be sold!" Well, time moves on, and now out of his estate this sensational large schorl tourmaline crystal is up for bid. It is beautifully terminated on top, and believe it or not, the weirdly-formed BOTTOM termination is intact as well! The only contact is a part of another crystal that is inter-grown at the bottom, and a few little spots on the tiered "ledges" also around the bottom. The crystal has a very high luster- it absolutely gleams like black glass. It is complete all around, with no contacts or damage along its length (except the minor ones at the bottom, as mentioned). There are a few interesting natural etching pits on the side faces. Weighs 680 grams!! Schorl is black and opaque but still, its tourmaline. And this, this is a good one.