Benitoite, Neptunite & Joaquinite-(Ce) Dallas Gem Mine, Santa...
Benitoite, Neptunite & Joaquinite-(Ce) Dallas Gem Mine, Santa Rita Peak, New Idria District, Diablo Range, San Benito Co., California, USA "A couple of sharp triangular blue benitoite crystals up to about 12 mm growing on a little white natrolite associated with a somewhat smaller prismatic black neptunite crystal. Got the specimen from Jim Minette when he sold Willard Perkins personal thumbnail collection. The little labels in the front of the specimens are distinctive of his mounts." - Rock H. Currier Maybe the Gods saw Benitoite getting designated "California's State Gemstone" as an act of hubris. Maybe it was just bad timing. Whatever the reason, the locality is pretty much shot as a prospective source for more Benitoite. As Benitoites go, this is a "purdy lil' thang" that can proudly hold its own against many specimens that are far larger. Classic combo of: white Natrolite, blue Benitoite and reddish black Neptunite with sprinkles of Joaquinite. The fact that this thumbnail specimen is from Willard Perkins' personal collection is icing on the cake - and a piece of mineralogical history. Overall Measurements: 0.8 x 0.7 x 0.6 inches (2.0 x 1.8 x 1.5 cm) Offered at no reserve Provenance: Bought from Jim Minette, Ex. Willard Perkins Collection [RHC #6774, acquired 1999] [Scale: 1 inch, with mark at 1 cm]
HID09710052018
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Benitoite, Neptunite & Joaquinite-(Ce) Dallas Gem Mine, Santa Rita Peak, New Idria District, Diablo Range, San Benito Co., California, USA "A couple of sharp triangular blue benitoite crystals up to about 12 mm growing on a little white natrolite associated with a somewhat smaller prismatic black neptunite crystal. Got the specimen from Jim Minette when he sold Willard Perkins personal thumbnail collection. The little labels in the front of the specimens are distinctive of his mounts." - Rock H. Currier Maybe the Gods saw Benitoite getting designated "California's State Gemstone" as an act of hubris. Maybe it was just bad timing. Whatever the reason, the locality is pretty much shot as a prospective source for more Benitoite. As Benitoites go, this is a "purdy lil' thang" that can proudly hold its own against many specimens that are far larger. Classic combo of: white Natrolite, blue Benitoite and reddish black Neptunite with sprinkles of Joaquinite. The fact that this thumbnail specimen is from Willard Perkins' personal collection is icing on the cake - and a piece of mineralogical history. Overall Measurements: 0.8 x 0.7 x 0.6 inches (2.0 x 1.8 x 1.5 cm) Offered at no reserve Provenance: Bought from Jim Minette, Ex. Willard Perkins Collection [RHC #6774, acquired 1999] [Scale: 1 inch, with mark at 1 cm]
HID09710052018
© 2019 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
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