IF the history had been lost here, this would be assumed (fairly safely) to be a remarkably colored Afghani tourmaline of moderate luster and typical color for the rare blue pockets encountered there over the years. They are not common, but you see them time to time. HOWEVER, we know that this intense blue crystal was mined prior to 1960 because it is illustrated in a black-and-white group photo on page 171 of John Sinkankas seminal book, Gemstones of North America (published 1959). We think he self-collected it. It was in his personal collection until his death (in 2002), when it was sold to a local San Diego collector with whom it remained until I bought it recently (full history will be disclosed to the buyer). Aside from the unbroken chain of ownership, it is shown in one of John's most important mineral books and the shape of the termination is clearly distinguishable. John's typically styled catalogue number "TO85" is still glued to the bottom. The specimen masses 350 grams, and is complete all around except for some minor contact at the base and small tip damages to the tiny sidecar crystals which poke out here and there. The color is impressive for San Diego! The photo sequence shown here illustrates the piece in normal overhead and frontal light; with some backlighting from a few inches behind and above; and lastly with a torch sitting nearly atop the crystal and shining straight down for maximum lumination. The crystal is, truly, a gorgeous and highly unusual San Diego specimen!. Joe Budd photos