This gorgeous thumbnail specimen is a rare rutile MATRIX specimen not from the more common Georgia location, but from the remote, mountainous old mine in California that was the historic home for such products as Champion Spark Plugs in the distant past. This mine produced little in the way of specimens, except by a few intrepid collectors. A matrix rutile of quality is rare, and this one is sculptural and elegant, competitive-level. For an interesting article on how the Champion Mine ties into automotive culture and industry, see here: https://www.fourwheeler.com/events/1210-4wd-to-bishop-and-beyond-champion-mine/
From the award-winning thumbnail collection of Sharon and William Panczner, author of the book Minerals Of Mexico, and last seen and exhibited in the 1960s.