KRE-55
Diopside and Grossular var. Hessonite
Mussa Alp, Balme, Ala Valley, Piedmont, Italy
Miniature, 4.1 x 3.0 x 1.3 cm
Ex. John Sinkankas; Kay Robertson
SOLD
Lovely and elegant for this historic material, this very fine combination piece is a competition quality miniature from Mussa Alp, a classic Italian locality. The Diopsides have excellent luster and a soft, mint green color that is accented by the translucence as well as the luster. A terrific aspect of these crystals is that they are subtly doubly-terminated, which makes them even more desirable. These Diopsides are in combination with about a half-dozen choice Grossulars, each of which is partially gemmy, has an attractive cinnamon color, and very good form and luster. The Garnets average about 5 mm across. Naturally, there is some contacting along the bottom, but it has no effect on the presentation view. Really, this is a choice combination miniature with excellent aesthetics, acquired by Kay in 1981 from renowned dealer Walt Lidstrom, who acquired it from John Sinkankas (and indeed, it has his carefully crafted ID on the back side!).