TOURMALINE

06823

Locality

Pech, Kunar Province, Afghanistan

Dimensions (H x W x D)

12.3 x 11 x 10 cm

Weight

965 g

Description & Provenance

Tourmaline is one of the most popular semi-precious gems in the world. It forms in such a wide array of colors and color combinations that it is very easy, and actually quite common, for collectors to have extraordinarily diverse suites (and even collections) comprised entirely of tourmaline. Tourmaline’s admiration dates back to ancient times and has been sought-after ever since for statuary, jewelry, and its purported metaphysical properties. It can be found around the world with fine examples coming from Brazil, Afghanistan, Madagascar, and California. Pech in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan is one such outcrop, and although it is not a frequent or mass producer of fine material, it has been the source of a small handful of exceptionally fine mineral specimens (the handful consisting of not just tourmaline but morganite, and kunzite as well). This arresting example is among a rare and gorgeous occurrence of deep-blue tourmaline crystals from the region. This specimen exhibits an extravagant gradient of blue tones that intensifies towards the base of its crystal. The lustrous, translucent, and sharply-terminated crystal is positioned front and center, juxtaposed against its contrasting, bladed, white matrix of albite and colorless quartz. Its composition has a stunning simplicity that is instantly impactful and serves to enhance the lavish blue tones. Striking and of exceptional caliber, it is a specimen well-suited for the finest collections.

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