Lot 654
Significant, Flaring Tourmaline Crystal. Paprok, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan
This is a magnificent, imposing Tourmaline that flares outwards towards its termination to maximize visual impact. It weighs an astonishing 7.1 pounds. Seldom does a natural tourmaline crystal attain this size and importance without need of a repair or restoration. This particular specimen is complete all around and nearly pristine, except only for trivial damage to small secondary crystals that are accents.
This piece has a broad and lustrous termination that is both geometrically simple and complex in color and hue patterns. The specimen is very symmetric all around and has an atypical crystal shape that is most noteworthy. This is a rare prize from a land where fine specimens are becoming harder and harder to obtain. Many top dealers and collectors consider these Alpine Tourmalines as eminently worthy additions to fine collections. Some are even buying these specimens as investments because surface deposits are exhausted and building mining infrastructure for the pursuit of deeper veins is extremely unlikely over the next several years.
Measures 15 x 12 x 11 cm (6 inches tall).
Weighs 7.1 pounds.
A custom lucite base for display is included.
Estimated Value $125,000 - 135,000.
A private collection in Seoul, South Korea.
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