Description/Interesting Notes:
A historic, old time example of tourmaline var. rubellite from Russia!!! This classic specimen likely dates to the
late 1700's or early 1800's and came from the collection of
famed early mineralogist Sir Robert Ferguson (1767-1840) for whom the mineral fergusonite is named!!! Sir Robert Ferguson
was a man of significant wealth and standing, he was a member of parliament and he was also a man of science, being a member of
the Royal Society!!! This specimen consists of a single crystal of pink rubellite tourmaline that has
marked clarity, bright glassy luster, and handsome pink color with a very thin dark blue cap on its flat termination!!!
The specimen retains an antique chess-piece style base and - most importantly - its original label from
Sir Robert Ferguson in his pen!!! Sir Robert Ferguson and his mineral collection were featured in the September 2000 issue
of the Mineralogical Record (text of the article is available online, for further details please feel free to email me)!!! This is a significant and valuable specimen not just for its age and historic locality, but for its
important provenance as well!!! Don't miss out on this historic gem!!!
The pics hardly do it justice!!! Must be seen in person to be fully appreciated!!!
Good luck and be sure to check out my other exciting mineral auctions on ebay!!! STAY TUNED!!! MORE AUCTIONS WILL BE ADDED SATURDAY NIGHT FOR A SPECIAL 5-DAY AUCTION, ENDING THURSDAY JUNE 21st!!!
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