CCHB-11
Scheelite on Quartz
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang Co., Chenzhou, Hunan, China
Small Cabinet, 6.9 x 6.1 x 2.6 cm
SOLD

Highly lustrous and razor-sharp, these dozen or so very attractive Scheelite crystals populate one face of this large and gemmy Quartz crystal. The translucence and superb luster really enhance the smoky brown (with just a hint of purple) color, and the largest of these pseudo-octahedral crystals, perched right on top, is 2.4 cm on edge. The Scheelites are in excellent condition and, of course, they have the vivid, blue-white fluorescence you would expect. The high quality and outstanding aesthetics of this small cabinet are exactly the reason that pieces like this catapulted the Yaogangxian Mine up there among the ranks of the world's best localities. Combinations from here are, to me, the most interesting around today. Scheelite is actually quite rare for the mine, and a major scheelite combination like this, all the more so. The sharpness and contrast of this specimen are stunning, taken together. Scheelite is common at other locations in China, to be sure - but this is something quite unique in its contrasts and style.