This is a stunning, unusual specimen of Hematite pseudomorph (replacement) after original magnetite crystals, from a major discovery in the late 1990s at a volcanic vent that produced these probably recently, in geologic time. They are unique, sculpturally, in all the world - and although production came out in several batches over the late 1990s and early 2000s, only a very few pockets produced the most desired combination of large crystals, aesthetics, and the metallic shiny surface sparkle you should see here on the video. While there are many that are a bit smaller and a lot less expensive, this one is a rare larger size that commands visual respect, has a very dramatic vertical shape, and has the sparkle all around. It is in the top percentile, maybe the top few dozen pieces, out of hundreds. I was there when the first came out, through Argentine dealers in the late 1990s and then through San Diego dealer John Attard who was helping them come to market. He had the best of them, now over 20 years ago, and I would bet this is from that age. Until recently, in the Keith Proctor and then the Scott Rudolph collections. Comes with custom engraved base (an oval style, favored by previous owners), but we can make a traditional square lucite base as needed. This is common material in lower quality, but not in this quality and size.