SOLD
SM22-157
Ettringite on Calcite
N'Chwaning Mines, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field, Northern Cape, South Africa
Miniature, 3.3 x 2.5 x 2.4 cm
Ex. Charlie Key; Matthew Webb; Robert Sielecki
SOLD
This remarkable specimen came to us in the early 2000s in the thumbnail collection of the late, legendary dealer and collector Charlie Key (purchased in partnership with Marshall Sussman at the time). It is a superb TN with a 2.4 cm crystal of unusually high luster AND intense color. You normally see one or the other quality, not both. We sold it to Matthew Webb in Melbourne, who traded it to Rob Sielecki (also of Melbourne), and from whom I reacquired it recently after he held it for a decade and more. For shocking eye appeal and contrast of yellow on white, I still regard this as one of the best overall thumbnails of the species. Although there are singles, and even some thumbnail sized clusters, out there, this has the matrix association with sparkling, jewel-like calcite that takes it to another level. The lemon peel yellow color is so saturated, it is difficult to focus the eye on.