Elbaite Tourmaline: Jonas mine, Conselheiro Pena, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Description

Species: Elbaite Tourmaline

Locality: Jonas mine, Conselheiro Pena, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Dimensions: 4.6 x 2.5 x 2.2 cm. (46 grams)

SOLD

The famous “Jonas Pocket” of 1978 will stand for all time as one of the most iconic tourmaline discoveries ever, and perhaps the single most important pocket discovery of a gem species of all of mineral collecting. It is simply legendary, and for obvious reasons – can you imagine a walk-in sized pocket with gemmy, intense cherry-red rubellite crystals to over 3 feet(!) surrounding you? Today, of course, over 40 years later, these crystals have all but disappeared from the resale market. Those who own them, and who were around at the time of the discovery, tend to keep them, as there is simply nothing comparable. This is an excellent single crystal for the size range, in great condition with superb, saturated color, a gemmy to translucent interior, and with no repairs or restorations. It stands flat on a sawed bottom (where a gem nodule likely was removed at the mine), and so it does set up proudly upright on its own, though this isn’t necessary as the specimen comes with a custom engraved acrylic display base. This crystal is from the collection of Jack Halpern of San Francisco, California, noted mineral connoisseur and ‘true gentleman’ of the mineral scene. Later is was part of the Alex Neufeld collection. Mark Cross photo.