TUC14-135
Scheelite
Huanggang mines, Keshiketeng, Inner Mongolia A.R., China
Small Cabinet, 9.0 x 8.0 x 5.2 cm
Ex. Dr. Robert Lavinsky
SOLD
These new finds of scheelite from Inner Mongolian mines were a surprise when they first started trickling out in 2010 or so. Emplaced on a sulfide matrix with minor quartz is a magnificent, 6.7 cm-long scheelite crystal exhibiting a glassy luster, good translucence and a light gray color. This is one of the very best of this style from these mines. Under short wave fluorescence the scheelite crystal exhibited two distinct colors, sulfur yellow and snow white. From mining circa 2011, this was formerly in my own Chinese mineral collection which has a systematic suite of Huanggang pieces. I believe this will be one of the most important localities of the decade, looking back. I now have a single larger crystal I am keeping, although it is not on matrix and not as aesthetic as this one, overall. This one is exceptional, and was in my 2012 museum exhibit at the University of Arizona Museum in Tucson: China's Crystalline Treasures.