2009 May Signature Natural History Auction

QUARTZ CLUSTER ON LIT FLUORITE BASE
Stone source: Brazil & Argentina
This cluster of Brazilian Quartz crystals is sitting on a highly unusual base: banded Argentinian Fluorite in a riot of colors - yellow, purple, green and orange. Both the base and the cluster light up when the switch is turned on. The rough texture of the Fluorite contrasts strongly with the lines of the Quartz crystals. In fine condition, overall measurements are 12¼ x 11½ x 7 inches.

LARGE QUARTZ CLUSTER
Brazil
This large Quartz cluster consists of numerous transparent crystals that are aesthetically arranged with the largest and finest prisms rising from the center mass. Many of the crystal faces show growth striations and helix, and some exhibit green Chlorite inclusions. This cluster is in fine condition, especially considering the large size of the crystals. Overall measurements are 18½ x 15¼ x 14 inches.

RUTILATED QUARTZ GROUP
Novo Horizonte, Bahia, Northeast Region, Brazil
Two large, water-clear prisms of Quartz punctuated by silvery Rutile needles. The primary crystal is pristine and the second crystal has a very small "wilber" on its tip, which does not distract from the overall aesthetics of the specimen. It is unusual to have such well formed prisms because rutilated Quartz from this locality is generally more massive. A fine small cabinet specimen that measures 4 x 4 x 2 5/8 inches.

AMAZONITE & SMOKY QUARTZ
Crystal Peak area, Park and Teller Cos., Colorado, USA
Three dark smoky Quartz crystals are rising from a bed of blue-green Amazonites. The tallest crystal is 3 inches high with one very tiny 'ding' on the termination, the smaller prisms have 'wilbers' and one of them shows indications of regrowth and healing. This specimen has not been repaired, as is so common for specimens from this classic locality. In good condition, it measures 3½ x 3 7/8 x 2¾ inches.

CELESTITE
Holloway Quarry, Berlin Township, Monroe, Michigan, USA
This classic Celestite matrix specimen was purchased in February 2000 from John Medici by Ed David. It is a very nice medium blue color and the Celestite is a very well formed crystal with lustrous faces that measures 1 5/8 inches across. It is well centered on the matrix. It is accompanied by a custom labeled base and Ed David's collection label. Overall measurements are 2 1/8 x 2½ x 1½ inches.

PREHNITE REPLACED LAUMONITE
Bombay Quarry, Mumbai District (Bombay District), Maharashtra, India
A large aggregate of jack-strawed mint-green Prehnite pseudomorphs after elongated, elegant crystals of Laumontite. This is a fine specimen from this classic formation, with distinct well defined pseudomorphs. Excellent luster and coloration, it is from the Ed David collection and bears his collection #16C. Overall measurements of this cabinet-sized specimen are 4 ¾ x 4 ½ x 3 inches.

POLISHED LABRADORITE FREEFORM SCULPTURE
Madagascar
Labradorite is a rare member of the feldspar group of minerals, crystallized from the molten magma that forms beneath the surface of the earth. Its characteristic green-grey appearance does not seem especially remarkable until a specimen is worked to a high polish, as is the case with the present example; when light hits the surface in a particular way it brings to life the incredible shimmering labradorescence that makes this such a popular mineral. The iridescent sheets of color that ripple across the surface are the result of twinning on a microscopic level; the alternating parallel layers of feldspar crystals selectively reflect only those light waves of the proper wavelength or color. This is not seen on all labradorite specimens - some exhibit no areas of iridescence at all - but the present example, displays brilliant sheets of gold, green and blue over all of its surfaces. Highly polished, the better to display this wonderful natural phenomenon, it measures an impressive 15 3/8 inches high.

HUGE FLUORESCENT SPHERE
Purple Passion Mine, Wichenburg, Arizona
Many mineral specimens are prized for their characteristic fluorescence under ultraviolet light, but the rarest and most desirable are those specimens which combine two or more of fluorescing minerals. Viewed under normal light, this incredible sphere looks simply like a mass of grey and white speckled stone, but it actually contains four different fluorescents: fluorite (purple), aragonite (light blue), calcite (red), and willemite (green). Not only that, but it is simply enormous, carved from a single 12,000 lb. block and weighing in at approximately 300 lbs. It measures over 16 inches in diameter and is one of only two known spheres of this size from this locality. Interestingly, as with most Wichenburg specimens, it can fluoresce under all three of long, medium and short wave ultraviolet light, changing color under each one.

POLISHED FLUORESCENT FREEFORM
Sterling Hill Mine, Franklin, New Jersey, USA
The Sterling Hill mine in the Bucolic Hills of New Jersey is an old silver mine, now closed but famous for having produced some of the finest fluorescent minerals to be found anywhere in the world. By day or tungsten light, this superb example is mostly colored in a dull gray with red-brown patches and black accents, but under short wave UV light it bursts into vibrant and fiery shades of orange and green, testifying to the presence of willemite and calcite, with some sparkling crystals of zincite and black franklinite. Polished to a lustrous finish, the specimen is mounted on an ovular black marble base, shimmering with pyrite inclusions, and stands 25¼ inches high.

FLUORESCING HALITE
Salton Sea, California
Halite is the crystal form of rock salt, formed from the drying-up of inland seas and salt lakes such as the Salton Sea in southern California. This was once a vast inland sea that covered much of the area, but by the nineteenth century it had all but vanished. Heavy rainfall and snowmelt in 1905 caused the Colorado River to breach a dyke and the modern Salton Sea was formed, exploited a pleasure spot in the 1950's; today, however, it is regarded as an ecological disaster which hurricanes, floods and agricultural run-offs have turned into a stagnant pool with a level of salinity deadly to most of the fish inhabitants. Despite the sad modern history of the area, it still boasts fine halite specimens such as this; the soft translucence of the cubic crystals displays a peach-yellow blush in daylight but under the ultraviolet rays of shortwave light it bursts into fiery life with a strong and vibrant orange color. This fine example measures 8 x 7 3/8 inches.

FLUORESCENT ENGLISH FLUORITE
Rogerley Mine, Weardle, Co. Durham, UK
The famous Rogerley Mine in northern England is the only mine in that country worked exclusively for mineral specimens. It was discovered in the 1970's in an abandoned limestone quarry and, following a period of inactivity, reopened in 1999 when new excavations found more and more spectacular cavities lined with the location's characteristic fluorite. The present specimen is a good example, coated with small translucent cubic crystals indicative of the mineral's isometric habit. Under artificial indoor lighting they appear almost colorless, with just a soft hint of violet; this effect is strikingly enhanced in natural sunlight displaying a lovely soft purple tint, but it is under long wave ultraviolet light however that the crystals really spring to life, glowing with a strong fluorescent purple tinged with deep blue. This fine collector's specimen measures 5 inches across.

CRAZY LACE AGATE SPHERE
Mount Magnet, Western Australia
Most commonly associated with volcanic locations, agates can also be found in metamorphic rocks, such as those of the Western Australian Hammersley Range. This large sphere is a crazy swirl of colored bands, speckles and orbicules: it looks almost like the gaseous clouds surrounding a planet of some distant nebula. Bands of soft white and creamy yellow, snake between dotted patches of orange and blue, highlighted by pockets of soft white quartz. Highly polished to display this incredible patterning to its best advantage, the sphere has been left with a few natural vugs in the surface for added contrast, and measures 10½ inches in diameter on a rotating wooden display base.

GOETHITE AND HEMATITE
Luis Lopez Mining District, Chupadera Mountains, Socorro Co., New Mexico
This hydrothermally-formed goethite and hematite-glazed specimen dates to approximately 6.2 million years ago. The hematite covers the outer surface of the hydrothermal flow because it is formed out of heated goethite. The large bulbous mammillary formation at the center developed from three stalactitic fingers at the base of the specimen and measures 4 ½ inches across, with other reniform growths elsewhere on the surface measuring from 3 to 4 inches across. Considering the age of the specimen and its having been subjected to numerous earthquakes, it has survived very well; excavated in April 2007. There is minimal damage in spots around the outside edges from its being pried away from the surrounding hydrothermal flow in the original rhyolite cavity, otherwise in fine condition, 11 x 10 x 5 inches and weighing 26 lbs.

GOETHITE AND HEMATITE
Luis Lopez Mining District, Chupadera Mountains, Socorro Co., New Mexico
Goethite is an iron ore known since prehistoric times, even detected in pigments from the famous cave paintings at Lascaux. When heated, it transforms into hematite, as has happened here, and so the outer surface of this specimen is comprised of a hydrothermally-formed hematite glaze. Probably precipitated by groundwater, this formation flowed into a cavity approximately 6.2 million years ago, capturing some of the surrounding rhyolite rocks, around which the goethite then solidified. It was removed from the active mining claim in October 2007 and displays minimal damage in spots around the outside edges from being pried away from the surrounding hydrothermal flow in the original rhyolite cavity. Uncommonly large, measuring 15 x 14 x 11 inches overall, weighing 112 lb, and for the successful bidder on this specimen there are also pictures available of its discovery and excavation.

MATCHED PAIR OF AMETHYST GEODES
Stone source: Brazil
This deep-purple, matched pair of Amethyst cathedrals has the intensity of color that the finest Uruguayan material is known for - but this pair is from Brazil! Excellent color and large crystal size is their hallmark; additionally they have a few druzy coated areas and one side has a Calcite cluster overcoated with orange druzy. All of the exposed Agate edges of these geodes have been polished mirror bright and they are in fine condition. Overall measurements of each half are 15¼ x 45½ x 10¾ inches and 15¾ x 46 x 11¼ inches respectively.

HOT PINK COBALTOAN CALCITE
Mashamba West Mine, Kolwezi, Katanga Copper Crescent, Katanga (Shaba), Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaïre)
This "hot pink" Calcite (Var: Cobaltoan Calcite) has an intensity of color that is seldom seen in nature - the color is so saturated that it literally appears to glow. There is minor nicking to the edges, not unexpected, but otherwise in fine condition with excellent crystallization. Overall specimen measurements are 4 3/4 x 2 1/2 x 3/4 inches.

FIBROUS MALACHITE
Mashamba West Mine, Kolwezi, Katanga Copper Crescent, Katanga (Shaba), Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaïre)
Fibrous needles of forest green Malachite in aggregate form, the radiating shimmering masses of crystals give chatoyancy to the specimen. From the recent 2008 find, this specimen is in fine condition and measures 3 7/8 x 3 7/8 x 1 1/2 inches. Sits on a custom labeled base.

CLASSIC "BISBEE" AZURITE
Bisbee, Warren District, Mule Mts, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA
This classic, old Bisbee Azurite was acquired in a trade from the Sorbonne, the historic University of Paris, France. The Sorbonne had purchased this with funds from the Marie Curie endowment and indeed the rich royal blue coloration of the Azurite indicates that it is indeed an early specimen from this famed mining district. The Azurite is an aggregate of botryoidal balls captured in a vug of country rock. Covered with micro crystals, the Azurite dances in the light. Measuring 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 3 1/4 inches, the specimen is in fine condition, especially in consideration of its age.

HISTORIC AZURITE
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
Now that the fantastically prolific locality at Tsumeb, Namibia, is closed and flooded, large Azurite specimens such as this one are becoming not only increasingly rare but increasingly valuable as time goes on. The phenomenon is very similar to what happens in the art world when a renowned painter dies: the number of extant works becomes fixed and values start to appreciate. Large specimens (such as this one) and ones with historic provenance (like this one with a Smithsonian Roebling collection label, #R08495, indicating that this is a very early specimen) become much sought after. Washington Roebling; designer and constructor of the Brooklyn Bridge, was an avid mineral collector who endowed the U.S. National Museum with his collection and the resources to maintain and expand it. This specimen is a matrix type with multiple, brilliant Azurite crystals with some accessory Malachite, but very little alteration. With fine deep blue color and brilliant luster, there is some minor damage to some crystals and one invisible repair, otherwise in excellent condition. Between what it is and who has owned it: this specimen is a bit of history made real. The relatively low catalog number (#R08495) indicates that it was acquired early in the 20th Century. Overall measurements are 5 1/4 x 6 x 1 3/4 inches, with crystals up to 2 3/4 inches in length.

EXCEPTIONAL DRUZY CHRYSOCOLLA
Cyprus Baghdad Mine, Baghdad, Eureka District, Yavaphai County, Arizona
This exceptional specimen of druzy Chrysocolla was rescued by the miner's wife, who argued that it was too beautiful to cut up for jewelry and should be left intact. She won. Displaying exceptional areas of bright robin's egg blue Chrysocolla that have been generously overcoated by brilliant, colorless Quartz crystals, there are interwoven veins of green Malachite, subtle swirls of white Quartz, as well as contrasting patches of ochre country rock. Current mine production of druzy Chrysocolla is virtually non-existent and it is unknown when, if ever, more of these colorful specimens will be unearthed. This aesthetic specimen measures a sizable 19 x 19 x 9 inches and weighs 95 pounds.

RHODONITE
San Martín Mine, Chiurucu, Huallanca, Bolognesi Province, Ancash Department, Peru
Rich deep pink translucent bladed terminated crystals of Rhodonite over 3/4 of an inch in length, form an aesthetic cluster. Well crystallized all around with good terminations and intense color. The crystals are translucent when examined up close and the specimen has been mounted on an acrylic base. Overall measurements are 2 ¼ x 1 ½ x 1 1/8 inches.

RHODOCHROSITE
Capillitas Mine, Andalgalá, Catamarca, Argentina
Alternating bands of light and dark pink Rhodochrosite undulate across the surface of this polished slab. It has been polished mirror bright on both sides and the highly desirable, deep 'ruby red grapefruit' color indicates that this is an older specimen when the deep coloration was dominant in the mine. Current production is a much lighter pink. Overall measurements are 5 7/8 x 4 inches and it is 1/4 of an inch thick.

RHODOCHROSITE
Huayllapon Mine, Pasto Bueno District, Pallasca Province, Ancash Department, Peru
This deep cranberry pink Rhodochrosite specimen is an intergrown cluster of rhombs up to 1 inch on edge with small, random Quartz crystals as accents. Bearing collection #5095, this colorful specimen is from an older, unknown collection. It has rich coloration, slight nicking to a few edges but is otherwise in fine condition. Overall measurements are 2 1/8 x 1 7/8 x 1¾ inches.

RHODOCHROSITE
Uchucchacua Mine, Oyon Province, Lima Department, Peru
Deep cranberry pink Rhodochrosite crystals are nestled in a vug of black Manganese, offering a contrast in color and form. Classic Peruvian specimen, the main crystal is gemmy, well-formed, 1 1/8 inches long and is surrounded by numerous secondary crystals. There is a custom base and overall dimensions are 2 3/4 x 2 x 2 inches.

LARGE RHODOCHROSITE ON QUARTZ WITH TETRAHEDRITE AND PYRITE
Sweet Home Mine, Mount Bross, Alma District, Park Co., Colorado, USA
One of the more notable recent specimen mining ventures was the re-opening of the Sweet Home Mine in a cold and desolate mountain canyon high above Alma, Colorado. The prime focus for this mining operation was the recovery of specimens of the bright reddish-pink carbonate of Manganese: Rhodochrosite. Most of the material recovered was in the form of small, pink rhombs scattered on a dark matrix. Quite a number of these smaller specimens were recovered. Occasionally; when space and conditions permitted; much larger Rhodochrosite crystals formed. Such is the case with this example. It is composed of a single large rhombic crystal of deep, cherry red coloration perched amongst a small forest of colorless Quartz needles and black Tetrahedrite masses. The brilliant luster and freedom from damage, coupled with the very deep coloration, combine to make this an extremely fine example of this mineral. Ex Cargill and Freilich collections, the specimen has been aesthetically trimmed to its present overall size of 4 1/2 x 3 3/4 x 2 5/8 inches and the primary crystal is an impressive 1 3/4 inches on edge. Previously auctioned by Sotheby's in January of 2001, it has a custom labeled base.

ADAMITE
Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Mun. de Mapimí, Durango, Mexico
From the premier collection of Mexican minerals: the Miguel Romero S. Collection, now dispersed: comes a fine and large example of Adamite. In fact, in the book on the Romero collection, editor Wendall Wilson describes it as one of the finest large Adamites of this style that is known. The Ojuela Mine is justifiably famous in its production of exceptional mineral specimens and particularly, of fine Adamites. Chartreuse globular clusters of Adamite cover the surfaces of hollows in the chocolate colored gossan matrix. At over 8 inches long this specimen is both larger and finer than most. In SW Ultra-Violet light, it fluoresces a strong green color. In excellent condition. Comes with custom base.

ADAMITE
Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Mun. de Mapimí, Durango, Mexico
This classic 1970's specimen has bright chartreuse globular clusters of Adamite perched on a contrasting chocolate colored gossan matrix. The Adamite is lustrous and well formed. In excellent condition, overall measurements are 2 3/8 x 1 3/4 x 1 1/4 inches high.

BRIGHT ORANGE STELLERITE
Sarbai Mine, Rudnyi Altai, Qostaney Oblysy, Kazakhstan
Two intertwined, honey orange globes of Stellerite on a Stilbite matrix measure an aggregate length of approximately 1 1/2 inches - quite sizable for the species. The rich orange color contrasts strongly with the white matrix and the specimen is in fine condition. This unusual zeolite, with excellent luster and form, measures 2 3/4 x 2 1/4 x 1 7/8 inches. Ex. Marc Weill collection.

CREEDITE
Navidad Mine, Rodeo, Mun. de Rodeo, Durango, Mexico
This very large ball of radiating, bright orange Creedite crystals is from the Ed David collection and is accompanied by his collection label #271B. This specimen is in excellent condition and measures an impressive 4 3/4 x 4 x 2 7/8 inches - significantly larger than a softball.

BARITE
Meikle Mine, Bootstrap District, Elko Co., Nevada, USA
This mirror-bright Barite cluster is from the Meikle Mine of Nevada. The largest crystal measures an impressive 2 1/2 inches across, and the deep honey colored specimen is in excellent condition. Ex Rebecca Stewart collection, famed glass paperweight artist, and bears her collection #280. Overall measurements of this cabinet-sized specimen are 4¼ x 3 x 3¼ inches.

PYROMORPHITE
Daoping Mine, Gongcheng Co., Guilin Prefecture, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
Bright green Pyromorphite crystals stud this specimen in profusion, individually measuring up to 3/8 inches in length. This specimen is from the Daoping Mine of China, which once produced hundreds, if not thousands, of specimens. In recent times, no more Pyromorphites have been found from this locality and it is assumed that the zone has been played out. Good quality specimens, such as this, are getting scarce. Ex Ed David collection #7M. Overall measurements are 4 1/8 x 4 1/8 x 1 inch.

ACANTHITE "CHRISTMAS TREE"
Imiter Mine, Boumalne-Dadès, Ouarzazate Province, Souss-Massa-Draâ Region, Morocco
The forbidding Moroccan desert has many secrets. One of those secrets is the presence of rich silver ores at the little town of Imiter. Most of the Silver ore is a dark and nondescript mass with little pretension to aesthetics. Occasionally open fissures are encountered with well formed crystals of Silver minerals lining the interior. Most are small and usually damaged during the course of removal. The "Christmas Tree" seen here is very obviously an exception to the rule: it is in absolutely perfect condition and it is one of the most aesthetic Acanthite crystal groups ever found: here or anywhere else. Measuring 3 1/4 inches high, 2 1/4 inches wide and 1 7/8 inches deep, it has a custom labeled base.

MOLYBDENUM
Goodwins Pipe, Kingsgate, Gough Co., New South Wales, Australia
The silvery, metallic hexagonal crystal of Molybdenum is perched on a grayish matrix of massive Quartz - looking like a tin foil "flower". This is a very aesthetic specimen, particularly for the species, as one does not usually associate the word 'aesthetic' as a descriptor for Molybdenum. De-accessioned from the Australian Museum, collection #30553, it was obtained in trade in 1996. The main crystal is 1 5/8 inches across and has been stabilized to prevent damage. It sits upright in a custom base and is in fine condition. Overall specimen measurements are 3 1/8 x 2 3/4 x 1 1/4 inches. Ex M. Rausch collection.

CASSITERITE
Viloco Mine (Araca mine), Loayza Province, La Paz Department, Bolivia
Very bright, lustrous Cassiterite crystals sit amongst a bed of clear Quartz prisms. The Cassiterite faces are highly striated and have a metallic sheen. Overall specimen condition is excellent. Ex Ed David collection, it bears his collection #19G. The largest crystal is 1¼ inches long and the overall specimen measurements are 3 x 3 x 1 1/8 inches.

EXCEPTIONAL HEMATITE CRYSTAL
Congonhas do Campo, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil
Hematite, one of the many varieties of iron oxide, is found on every continent at countless locations. That being said; it is surprising how few localities produce crystallized examples of any size, much less the giant version seen here. At 4 3/4 x 4 1/2 inches and 1 3/4 inches thick, this massive tabular crystal is HEAVY. Its metallic black luster varies from 'frosted' to mirror-bright depending on crystallographic orientation. There is a small amount of accessory Calcite on the lower part of the crystal, otherwise no matrix. Some damage to crystal edges but this is inconsequential from the normal viewing angle. Coveted by many prominent collectors when it was first found in the 1950's, it was featured in the Mineralogical Record, Vol. 23, Sept/Oct 1992 issue, p. 405. To this day, over 50 years later, it is still a notable and exceptional specimen. Ex. Smale Collection.

"KIDNEY ORE" HEMATITE
Egremont, West Cumberland Iron Field, North and Western Region (Cumberland), Cumbria, England
"Kidney Ore" Hematite is the compact variety of Hematite with a reniform or botryoidal surface. The most classic of these specimens are from Cumberland, England and their crystal habit defines the species. This old world classic has a very dark metallic luster with reddish highlights and has a distinguished pedigree: ex. John W. Ward collection (brother of noted naturalist and explorer Henry Ward, founder of Ward's Scientific). This dates this specimen to the last half of the 19th century. In more recent times it was in the Evan Jones collection. It is in excellent condition for its age, with only one minor ding. It is accompanied by a custom base and measures a hefty 8 x 7 1/4 x 4 1/2 inches.

VERY FINE CASSITERITE
Beryl-Scheelite deposit, Mt Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China
Although there are a number of minerals that contain Tin as an integral component; only Cassiterite: the mineral form of Tin Oxide, occurs in economic quantities. Since the period from approximately 3,300-1,200 BCE constitutes the "Bronze Age", it stands to reason that the process of mining and refining Tin; an essential component of Bronze, had to have started around the same time. As a result; it may safely be said that Cassiterite has been a very highly valued ingredient in the development of primitive as well as modern technology. Cassiterite normally is extracted from the heavy, black sands and gravels of certain river sediments, but there are a number of mines where the mineral occurs in high enough concentrations to be worthwhile to extract. Crystals of this indispensible mineral are typically: rare, small and usually damaged in mining. This Cassiterite specimen is not only an exception to that rule - it is so far above it that it constitutes a 'World Class' specimen when compared to any other mineral specimen. The single, twinned Cassiterite is extremely large at around 3 inches in length and it possesses the brilliant, almost metallic luster that fine Cassiterites are known for. The surface of the crystal is complex and mirror bright. This crystal is in pristine condition with no damage whatsoever. This black jewel is boldly perched upon a matrix of silvery, bladed Muscovite crystals that serve to contribute complexity and drama to the overall effect. Few, if any, Cassiterite specimens are the equal of this large and perfect example. Overall measurements are 5 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 3 inches and it has a custom labeled base.

DIOPTASE WITH PLANCHEITE
Brazzaville (Renéville; Djoué), Brazzaville Region (Renéville Region), Republic of Congo (Brazzaville)
A natural 'vug' of classic Congo Dioptase dotted with Plancheite, this 'Reneville' specimen probably dates back to the 1960's. The deep green Dioptase crystals have exceptional vitreous luster and the specimen is in excellent condition. Ex Jack Halpern collection #2516, it has a custom base and measures 3 1/2 x 4 x 3 1/2 inches, with crystals to approximately 3/4 inch.

DIOPTASE WITH CALCITE
Altyn-Tyube deposit, Kirghiz Steppes (Asiatic Steppes), Qaraghandy Oblysy (Karaganda Oblast'), Kazakhstan
The rich, deep, blue-green coloration of the Dioptase crystals indicates that this specimen is from the type locality for the species: Altyn-Tyube in Kazakhstan. The colorless Calcite crystal is 1 5/8 inches in length and provides an excellent color contrast to the rich green of the Dioptase. There is a small amount of damage to the edges of the specimen, but it is in otherwise fine condition. Ex Dr. Marvin Rausch collection #241 - he purchased it from Anthony Chavez in 1994. Overall measurements are 7 x 3 3/4 x 1 3/4 inches.

RARE SPECIMEN: TORBERNITE
Musonoi Mine, Kolwezi, Western area, Katanga Copper Crescent, Katanga (Shaba), Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaïre)
Lustrous, rich, emerald-green bladed crystals of Torbernite to approximately 5/8 inches in length. Torbernite is an uncommon mineral, found occasionally in the secondary zone of copper bearing uranium deposits. This rare specimen comes from the original, unprecedented, 1970's discovery, which has never been equaled. Originally dubbed "green Wulfenite" because of the stunning, metallic quality of the windowpane crystals; Dr. Marvin Rausch purchased it in the 1970's, when the initial discovery was made. This brilliant green specimen has little or no damage, is in excellent condition and measures 3 3/4 x 3 1/4 x 2 3/4 inches.

RARE MINERAL: BLUE SCORODITE
Hezhou Prefecture, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
Scorodite is one mineral that is very rarely seen in crystalline form; virtually all of the material found is massive and without crystal faces. Classic localities for this rare mineral include: Japan, Mexico, Namibia and now: China. Here the mineral takes the form of a multitude of sharp, lustrous, dark blue crystals dispersed over an oxidized Pyrite matrix. There are a few small, accessory Pyrite crystals to add variety to the overall effect. Condition is excellent. Accompanied by a custom labeled base, this rare specimen measures a sizable 4 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 inches.

CLASSIC WULFENITE
Erupción Mine, Los Lamentos Mts, Mun. de Ahumada, Chihuahua, Mexico
Wulfenite is a mainstay of any self-respecting mineral collection. There is enough variation in color and habit to keep the interest level high. When a fine example has an excellent pedigree; so much the better. This caramel orange confection first saw daylight in 1949. It was purchased with USNM/Roebling Collection funds and resided for a number of years in the Smithsonian. In a purge of duplicate specimens, it was de-accessioned and ended up with German dealer Helmut Bruckner. Dr. Rausch purchased it from Herr Bruckner at a Nuremburg show. The sizable (7 inches long) matrix specimen is sprinkled with orange pseudo-cubic crystals that look very much like the caramel candies given out on Halloween. Besides the fetching color, the Wulfenites display excellent luster and freedom from the kind of unsightly damage that commonly afflicts examples from this locality. A custom base is included. Overall specimen measurements are 7 x 3 1/4 x 2 1/2 inches with individual crystals to 3/4 of an inch.

Provenance: Smithsonian Museum; M. Rausch Collection.

WULFENITE
Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Mun. de Mapimí, Durango, Mexico
From the recent discovery of January 2008, this Wulfenite specimen is literally coated with a myriad of greenish orange tabular crystals over coating a limonite matrix. In excellent condition, the specimen measures 5 3/4 x 4 x 2 inches.

NATIVE GOLD: "SOLAR CORONA"
Eagle's Nest Mine, Placer Co., California, USA
Mother Nature sometimes throws us a curveball in the form of mineral specimens whose actual existence is totally improbable. A beautiful example of this (in more ways than one) is this fanciful structure composed of Native Gold. That it exists at all is unlikely. That it was discovered at all: more so. That it was not damaged in discovery and removal: ditto. The "Solar Corona" is composed of flattened octahedra of shining high-karat gold with an occasional Spinel Law twin thrown in for variety; naturally arranged in a ring-like structure rising like a sculpture from a base of white Quartz that part of it is still encased in. This golden treasure measures 4 7/8 x 4 1/4 x 2 1/4 inches and sits on a custom labeled base.

FINE GOLD NUGGET
Rheola, Victoria, Australia
Gold has been used as currency for over 4000 years and will never lose its value. One reason for its consistent popularity is the seductive aesthetic appeal, a characteristic perfectly demonstrated in this wonderful nugget. The beautiful pure gold color denotes a high karat content, but the whimsical, natural curving, organic-seeming form is what really sets this specimen apart - two large "ears" protrude from a spheroidal mass at the centre like the giant spreading horns of a moose. The surface has been naturally burnished to a smooth finish by the action of water tumbling. Further pitted with characterful craters and thumbprint-like impressions, it weighs in at 414.7g (13.33 Troy oz) and measures approximately 2 7/8 x 2¼ x 1 inches.

NATIVE GOLD NUGGET
Wedderburn, Victoria, Australia
This characterful nugget exhibits the bright yellow color that denotes a high karat content common to many such Australian samples. Its unusual appearance makes it look almost as though gold leaf had been crushed and sculpted to form the profusion of dips and ridges, with natural apertures and botroidal protrusions rubbed to a smooth burnished finish. Despite its delicate appearance, gold is surprisingly hardy for a soft metal, and this natural sculpture retains the fragile-seeming form given it by Mother Nature, measuring approximately 2¼ x 1 5/8 x 5/8 inches and weighing 97.6g (3.14 Troy oz).

UNUSUAL GOLD NUGGET
Lake Carey, Western Australia
Most gold recovered today is microscopic, the massive scale of modern mining techniques being antipathetic to the recovery of specimen gold. Thus, natural gold nuggets such as the present specimen become rarer and rarer as productivity increases and technology marches onwards. Yet it is in this form that gold shows its most alluring natural beauty, in particular such specimens from Australia, famed for their high karat content, as denoted by the lovely yellow golden hue. This specimen has been almost entirely flattened, providing a good wide surface area, pitted with tiny craters like some golden lunar surface. The elongated form narrows to a neck-like section at the center beneath a characterful growth along with apertures. Weighing in at 96.4g (3.14 oz) it measures approximately 2 7/8 x 1¼ x ¼ inches.

NATIVE SILVER WITH ACANTHITE
Batopilas, Andres del Rio District, Mun. de Batopilas, Chihuahua, Mexico
The wealth that motivated the Conquistadors and so many others who came to exploit the mineral riches of Mexico can be summed up in one word: Silver. It was the Silver of the New World that made the Spanish Empire what it was. In an absolute sense, this classic Native Silver specimen embodies that bloody history and makes it real. Probably dating from the finds of the early 1980's, this classic Batopilas "Herring Bone" Silver was purchased from dealer Gene Schlepp in 1986. The term "Herring Bone" is a reference to the odd crystal growth pattern shown by these specimens in particular. Larger than most extant specimens, it exhibits elongated Silver crystals up to 2 inches in length. These Silvers are found in massive white Calcite traces which are visible between the Silver 'bones'. The patina is fine and gradational - which contributes considerably to its charm. In excellent condition, it has a custom base and measures 4 x 3 x 1/2 inches thick.

Provenance: Ex Rausch collection.

NATIVE SILVER
Kongsberg Silver Mines, Kongsberg, Buskerud, Norway
A rather large Wire Silver from the historic Kongsberg Mines in Norway. It is unusual for both its considerable height as well as possessing its original patina and associated Chalcopyrite and Bornite. Its history is rather distinguished also; having resided in the respective collections of: British dealer Richard Barstow (#1542), Nixon Science Adviser - Dr. Ed David (108H) and former New York dealer - Lawrence Conklin (#548). If straightened out the wire would measure around 10 inches in length. As it stands, it is some 5 3/8 inches in height. Comes with an older style black custom base. A large and showy example from this classic locality.

NATIVE SILVER ON QUARTZ
Silver Islet mine, Silver Islet, Sibley Township, Thunder Bay District, Ontario, Canada
While the great majority of mines and mineral locations are remote and often constitute hardship postings for the miners that work them; some localities can be hair-raisingly dangerous places just to be at. Silver Islet is one of those charming and occasionally exciting places to be stuck on. 'Islet' is a term that hints of a rather small amount of land above the high tide line. In this case the term is somewhat misleading. When first discovered in 1868, the 'Silver Islet' was nothing more than a minor exposure of rock some 25 meters across that extended up only a couple of meters above the frigid, storm-tossed waters of Lake Superior. Specimens recovered at that time, subsequently assayed over 2000 ounces of Silver to the ton. That was the good news. The bad news was that the frequent, devastating storms on the lake would often wash completely over the islet; destroying equipment and threatening to drown anyone foolhardy to be on the islet under those conditions. Nevertheless, assay returns as high as $17,257 per ton kept the miners coming back for more. At prevailing prices of the time, this meant that the ore was just about one-half pure Silver. This matrix specimen from that exotic locale consists of a number of massive crudely bladed fins of Native Silver with some included white Quartz in the basal area. The Silver is lustrous and metallic in appearance with a warm golden patina. Condition is excellent. A piece of exotic mining history on a custom labeled base that measures 4 1/2 x 2 3/4 x 2 inches. Ex. Charles Leavitt collection, ex. Kevin Ward collection.

LARGE PYRITE WITH QUARTZ
Spruce Claim, Goldmyer Hot Springs, King Co., Washington, USA
Dating from the early days of the Spruce Claim is this wonderful Quartz and Pyrite group. The Pyrite portion of the specimen is absolutely monstrous in size for this locality. The largest crystal measures a whopping 2 7/8 inches on edge. All of the Pyrites show strong parallel striations and only a minimal amount of basal fracturing typical of material from this locality. The Quartz crystals are the characteristic, elongated, colorless prisms this locality is noted for. They are in atypically fine and undamaged condition. This specimen is as fine as anything that has ever been produced by this locality, and with no damage and no repairs, is in pristine condition. Accompanied by a custom base, overall specimen measurements are an impressive 8 x 3 x 4 1/2 inches.

HISTORIC FLUORITE: CARNEGIE COLLECTION
Weardale, Heights Mine, Durham, England
Robber Baron, Philanthropist, Visionary: Many are the claims and counter-claims about this enigmatic individual - Andrew Carnegie. Perhaps he was all of these and more. Starting from the bottom as a Scottish immigrant, he held a succession of jobs until at age thirty, he quit his last job in order to start his own business. This morphed into the Carnegie Steel Company. After another thirty-five years expanding the business, he sold the company to rival businessman J.P. Morgan for the unheard of sum of $480,000,000; an amount that led to Morgan's comment on sealing the deal: "Congratulations, Mr. Carnegie. You are now the richest man in the world." The next phase of his career involved as diligent an effort to disburse his fortune as he did to assemble it. Carnegie funded over 2500 public libraries around the world at a time when such concepts were truly radical: only rich people had libraries. In addition to developing a business empire that had few rivals, Carnegie found the time to indulge his passion for knowledge by collecting mineral specimens. This Fluorite was a member the collection that he assembled and displayed in his living room at home. His mineral collection was kept intact long after his death in 1919 and, in fact, the collection number it bears was written by Carnegie himself and has been matched with his catalog. It features sharp, lustrous, blue-green cubes just under an inch on edge, liberally coating a dark matrix. There is a moderate amount of the typical blue-purple fluorescence that Fluorites from this location are noted for. In pristine condition. Documentation of his catalog and a photo showing this specimen on a shelf, flanking a fireplace, comes with the lot. Ex Gary Hansen collection; purchased directly from the estate in 1984, Mr. Hansen kept this classic English Fluorite in his personal collection until 2006. Accompanied by a custom base, this historic specimen measures 5 3/4 x 4 3/8 x 3 inches.
Provenance: Andrew Carnegie; Gary Hansen collections.

ENGLISH FLUORITE
Frazer's Hush Mine, Rookhope District, Weardale, North Pennines, Co. Durham, England
This Fluorite exhibits strong light purple-blue flourescence - it literally glows - and has excellent color and form. Accented with sharp, metallic, cubo-octohedrons of Galena, the Fluorite crystals are bright and transparent with an excellent glassy luster. Ex. Dr. Marvin Rausch collection #470, who had purchased it from Kristalle in 1987. Accompanied by a custom base, this fine specimen measures 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 x 1 3/4 inches with crystals up to 3/4 of an inch across.

YELLOW FLUORITE
Moscona Mine, Solís, Llanera, Villabona Mining Area, Asturias, Spain
Group of cubic Fluorite crystals with intense honey color, good brilliance and transparency. The specimen has very bright and sizable crystal faces. In excellent condition, it sits upright on a custom stand. Ex Ed David collection, accompanied by collection label #93AH. Overall measurements are 6 1/2 x 3 3/4 x 1 3/4 inches.

PINK & GREEN FLUORITE
Kavalerovo Mine, Kavalerovo, Primorskij Kraj, Siberia, Russia
At first glance, this specimen looks like it is from the singular 1980 find of pink Peruvian Fluorites. Upon closer inspection, the Quartz matrix belies that assumption - it is from an even more unusual locality: the Kavalerovo Mine of Siberia. These pink octahedral Fluorites have pale green centers and sit on Quartz encrusted matrix. It was acquired from Keith Procter in December 1997 by Ed David, whose label accompanies the specimen. Overall measurements are 4¾ x 3½ x 2 inches and it has a custom sculpted black base to hold the specimen upright.

PURPLE FLUORITE ON QUARTZ
De'an Mine, De'an Co., Jiujiang Prefecture, Jiangxi Province, China
The deep purple, cubo-octohedral Fluorite crystal stands out in stark contrast to the absolutely white druzy Quartz. Inspection of the bottom of the specimen reveals that it is actually a ring of these purple Fluorites sitting on a limestone matrix that has been completely over coated by the Quartz. Ex. Ed David collection, bearing his number 93CA. The exposed Fluorite crystal measures 1 5/8 inches across, and the overall specimen is 5 x 3¼ x 2 inches.

MINT GREEN FLUORITE ON MATRIX
Riemvasmak, Northern Cape Province, Orange River, South Africa
Having several crystal forms or "habits", as crystallographers tend to refer to them, Fluorite can assume an astonishing variety of basic shapes. In this case, there is an almost equal development between the cube faces and the octahedral ones. That they are different down to the molecular level is betrayed by the differential luster displayed by the respective faces. The cubic ones seen here are considerably more 'stepped' than their smooth, octahedral counterparts giving the surface a complex relief. This luscious mint-green cubo-octahedron is daintily perched upon a matrix of massive Quartz topped with short colorless prismatic Quartz crystals. The color, crystal habit and perfection of form are atypical for material from this new locality. Measuring 3 3/4 x 2 3/4 x 2 5/8 inches, this fine specimen has a custom labeled base.

VERY FINE FLUORITE & QUARTZ
Shangbao Pyrite Mine, Leiyang Co., Hengyang Prefecture, Hunan Province, China
The amount of Fluorite found in the major collections of the World is all out of proportion based on availability. There is a magic to fine Fluorite specimens that has few rivals in the mineral kingdom. That distinction is very clearly brought home by this specimen from China. There were 12 specimens recovered from a single pocket, of which 2 were clearly superior to the rest. This is one of those two. The arrangement is deceptively simple: Two cubic Fluorite crystals to 1 1/4 inches, perched separately upon a matrix of 'saddle-shaped', white Dolomite crystals with scattered, colorless Quartz prisms rising here and there. It is in the details that the subtle appeal of the specimen can be truly explained. Though the Fluorites are cubic, they have multiple 'stepped' faces and a luster that isn't quite glassy and isn't quite matte. That they are quite transparent is brought home by the ease by which the blue-violet cores can be seen through an aqua blue-green exterior. The combined effect generated by the whole is startling in its power. This is arguably, one of the top Fluorite specimens ever offered at auction. There is one damaged Quartz crystal otherwise pristine condition. Overall measurements are 5 3/4 x 4 x 2 3/4 inches.

WATER-CLEAR FLUORITE ON PYRRHOTITE
Dal'negorsk, Tjetjuche, Primorskiy Kray, Far-Eastern Region, Russia
The various mines of the Dal'negorsk area are host to a diverse and exceptional suite of minerals. The Fluorite and Calcite specimens are world renowned. Especially valued are the lustrous, simple cubes of water-clear Fluorite that have been pried from the walls of fissures in the ore-bodies. Outstanding examples, of which this is one, feature sharp, undamaged crystals of large size: in this case 1 1/2 inches on edge for the largest cubes. The matrix is a dark bronze metallic mass of Pyrrhotite that contrasts sharply against the 'Ice-cube' appearance of the Fluorite. The large size of this specimen, coupled with the absolutely pristine condition of the Fluorite, means that this particular treasure has few peers anywhere in the collections of the World. Overall measurements of this impressive specimen are 8 x 6 1/4 x 3 1/2 inches. Accompanied by a custom labeled base.

CALCITE IMITATING CITRINE QUARTZ
Bremke, near Braunschweig, Germany
The habit of this unusual Calcite specimen looks for all the world like a cluster of Citrine crystals. This specimen has a distinctive pedigree as it is accompanied by a very old German label, indicating that it probably dates to the 1800's. The most current owner, Ed David, purchased it from Cal Graeber. Overall specimen measurements are 2½ x 2¼ x 1½ inches.

EXTREMELY LARGE YELLOW CALCITE ON MATRIX
Wagholi, Pune District (Poonah District), Maharashtra, India
The zeolite quarries of the Wagholi area frequently have Calcite crystals associated with the Cavansite and other rare minerals lining the walls of natural caverns in the basalt flows. Rarely do the Calcite rhombs exceed a couple of inches across. This light honey colored crystal is a giant at 5 3/4 inches on edge. It is gemmy and transparent with complex growth faces and no damage. It is situated on a matrix of druzy Quartz that is covered with a profusion of colorless Stilbite blades and a number of smaller, accessory Calcites. Overall this very large specimen measures 11 1/2 x 11 x 5 1/2 inches and is in pristine condition. Accompanied by a custom labeled base.

LARGE CLEAR CALCITE GROUP
Wuzhou Prefecture, Guangxi Zhuang-Autonomous Region, China
From the recent find in China comes this intriguing group of large, glassy, water-clear hexagonal Calcite prisms with very distinctive growth helices upon the terminal faces. Additionally; there are pronounced striations on the brilliant prism faces and dark 'clouds' of manganese inclusions interspersed with areas of limpid transparency. The specimen is composed of one main crystal measuring 4 1/4 inches long and 2 1/4 inches across along with several accessory crystals that are behind and to one side. Accompanied by a custom labeled base.

CLEAR CALCITE CRYSTAL
Wuzhou Prefecture, Guangxi Zhuang-Autonomous Region, China
This calcite crystal is a water-clear hexagonal prism with unusual trigonal growth faces on the termination. There are dark, dendritic inclusions at the base which gives the specimen more definition - otherwise it would be invisible to the naked eye - a crystal "ice cube". Nicknamed the "sailfish" for a well centered inclusion that resembles a sailfish leaping into the air. From the recent find, there is limited specimen availability. There is a minor amount of damage to some edges, otherwise fine condition. Overall measurements are 2 1/4 x 2 1/8 x 2 inches and it sits upright in a custom labeled base.

SPESSARTINE GARNET
Shengus, Haramosh Mts., Skardu District, Baltistan, Northern Areas, Pakistan
Large gemmy specimen of lustrous, dark red Spessartine Garnet crystals on a white albite matrix. The main crystal is 2 inches across and the overall specimen measures 2 1/4 x 2 x 1 3/4 inches. This well formed Spessartine is from the gem pegmatites of the Shingas-Dusso area of Pakistan and is accompanied by a custom base. In fine condition.

SPESSARTINE GARNET
Nani, Loliondo, Arusha Region, Tanzania
This large single Spessartine crystal is complete with minute attachments of a red Muscovite, which may prove to be a new species. Weighing 1,320 carats, it is a deep golden, mandarin orange color with sharply defined crystal faces. The locality was originally discovered in 2008, and a garnet rush was created in the region once market interest was established. A complete floater specimen, it measures 2 3/8 x 2 x 2 1/4 inches and is in good condition.

AQUAMARINE WITH TOURMALINE & MICA
Erongo Mountain, Usakos and Omaruru Districts, Erongo Region, Namibia
Two water clear parallel prisms of blue Aquamarine have been interpenetrated by terminated Schorl crystals and books of silvery Mica. They have a slightly deeper blue color at the terminations for a slight phantom effect. The Aquamarine prisms have flat terminations with excellent growth helix and mirror-bright faces with outstanding luster. In fine condition this exotic Aquamarine specimen, from remote Namibia, measures 2 3/16 inches tall by 1 1/8 inches wide and is 3/4 of an inch deep.

RED BERYL ON MATRIX
Violet Claims, Wah Wah Mountains, Beaver Co., Utah
Red Beryl is the red variety of Beryl and is exceedingly rare. In fact, in 2006 the Jewelers Association named Red Beryl (aka Bixbite) as the rarest gemstone on Earth. There are only a handful of localities known for this bright red crystal, and the best of them is the Violet Claim as evidenced by this specimen. The main crystal is lustrous, sharp and undamaged, measuring just under 3/4 of inch in length and 1/4 inch in diameter. It sits upright on the typical tan/beige rhyolite matrix, with a sprinkling of accessory smaller crystals. Complimented by a custom base, the overall specimen measurements are 3 1/4 x 2 3/4 x 2 1/4 inches. Ex M. Rausch collection.

MORGANITE ON CLEVELANDITE
Pech, Kunar Province, Afghanistan
A very fine matrix Morganite with excellent deep peach coloration from the Marc Weill Collection. The large (4 x 3 inches) and well defined hexagonal crystal sits on edge amid numerous white, undamaged Clevelandite blades. Off to one side of the Morganite is a stubby colorless Quartz crystal. Transparency of the Morganite is very good and the luster is glassy. There are a number of inclusions, chiefly of the 'veil' sort typical of Morganites. In excellent condition on a custom base, overall specimen measurements are 5 1/2 x 3 x 3 3/4 inches.

MORGANITE
SW Buspar Peak, Baltistan, Northern Areas, Pakistan
This deep pink Morganite crystal is perched on a small piece of feldspar matrix - an aesthetic natural sculpture. This fine specimen is notable for its excellent and well defined hexagonal crystal habit. There are complex growth faces on the rear surface of the crystal and some nicking to one edge, otherwise in fine condition. Overall measurements are 3 3/4 x 4 x 1 3/4 inches and it sits upright in a custom labeled base.

KUNZITE
Darra-i-Pech Pegmatite Field, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan
This blocky Kunzite crystal dates to the 1970's when it was considered quite the extraordinary find. It was prominently featured in the April 1980 issue of the Lapidary Journal in an article about the "Spectacular Specimens of the Seventies". This very fine crystal features complex growth helix on the termination and has excellent color. Ex Steve & Clara Smale collection, it has a custom labeled base. Overall specimen measurements are 4 x 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches.

THREE HIDDENITE CRYSTALS
Hiddenite, Alexander Co., North Carolina
This is a lot of three, doubly terminated, gemmy Hiddenite crystals from North Carolina. Hiddenite is the green variety of Spodumene and North Carolina is one of the premiere sources for gem rough. All three of the crystals are very lustrous and transparent - fine examples from this classic American locality. Found in 2001 and formally of the Ed David Collection, they are accompanied by his collection labels. They measure 1 7/8 x 3/8 inches, 1 7/8 x 1/4 inches, and 1 1/2 x 1/4 inches respectively.

MULTI-COLOR TANZANITE CRYSTAL
Merelani Hills, Umba Valley, Lelatema Mountains, Arusha Region, Tanzania
Gem Tanzanite has made a place for itself among the most sought after of the World's gemstones. One of the reasons for its popularity is the extreme amounts of pleochroism that it displays. Pleochroic gem crystals often show a different color when viewed from different directions. In addition; certain rare Tanzanite crystals show more than one color when viewed from the same direction. This beautiful example of that phenomenon features mint-green coloration surrounding a blue core and termination. There is an exceptionally good growth hillock on the back side of the crystal. This striking gem is in pristine condition with brilliant luster and great transparency. The crystal is 2 1/8 inches tall, 1 1/8 inches wide and 3/4 of an inch thick. Accompanied by a custom labeled base.

AMERICAN AMETHYST CLASSIC: "ELEGANT GARDEN"
Jacksons Crossroads, Wilkes Co., Georgia, USA
Although Georgia and the Carolinas have produced some wonderful examples of Amethyst, most of that production has been in the not-so-recent past. Recently, a small open-pit mining operation has been opened at Jacksons Crossroads in Georgia. There have been a number of finds there, mostly in the smaller size range, however; a few larger specimens found their way out of the pit and into public view. This large and pristine example is one of the best found to date - the "Elegant Garden" is an entire pocket that required 6 hours to extract. At first glance, its' appearance is that of an Amethyst lined geode, however; this is not from a volcanic deposit - so it can't be a true geode. It displays evidence of two growth stages: the primary material being a white Quartz matrix covered with a carpet of small, colorless Quartz 'needles' and the secondary material is a much smaller number of considerably larger, stubby Amethyst crystals. The Amethyst is light to medium purple and their transparency calls to mind the limpid beauty of the best Las Vigas material. The Amethyst crystals display a high degree of perfection, both in form and luster. It was dubbed the "Elegant Garden" for the flower-like Amethyst clusters and was featured in the Nov/Dec 2008 issue of Rocks & Minerals. The mine itself has been prominently documented in the recent "American Mineral Treasures" book. There is no damage to the specimen - it is pristine. Overall dimensions of this large cabinet specimen are 8 x 6 x 4 1/2 inches.

RARE PROUSTITE
Chañarcillo, Copiapó Province, Atacama Region, Chile
One of the problems associated with Proustite is that it's really high-grade Silver ore and as such; very tempting to send to the smelter. Consequently, besides being rare to begin with, most good examples got converted into coins and jewelry. The mines at Chanarcillo in Chile produced some of the most exquisite examples yet seen of this transparent red mineral. This 'hedgehog' assemblage of spear point crystals was part of the Harvard Mineral Museum until de-accessioned. It displays ruby red coloration in transmitted light and brilliant semi-metallic luster typical of Proustite. There are a few broken crystals, but this is still a specimen with extreme aesthetic appeal for serious collectors. Overall measurements are 2 1/8 x 2 x 1 1/4 inches.

Provenance: Harvard Mineral Museum.

BRIGHT RED VANADINITE ON MATRIX
Mibladen Mine, Mibladene, Upper Moulouya Lead District, Midelt, Khénifra Province, Meknès-Tafilalet Region, Morocco
A fine Vanadinite from Morocco is one of the requirements for any mineral collection that wants to be taken seriously. Considering how many Vanadinites have been produced, there is still a cognizance that there is a vast gulf, both numerically and value-wise, that separates fine examples from exceptional ones. This quite large matrix specimen is from the latter group. An absolute blizzard of deep red, tabular, hexagons with orange surface highlights, are scattered irregularly over a white bladed Barite matrix, that is itself accented by a dusting of dark gray-black Manganese oxides. The largest Vanadinite measures around 1 inch across and numerous other crystals approach it in size. The luster is brilliant and glassy unlike so many other specimens with matte surfaces. This specimen is totally undamaged and pristine, and could truly be considered to be of museum quality. Comes with a custom labeled base and measures 7 x 7 1/4 x 4 inches.

GEM SPHALERITE ON QUARTZ
Kangjiawan Pb-Zn-Ag-Au deposit, Shuikoushan Ore Field, Changning Co., Hengyang Prefecture, Hunan Province, China
As prevalent as Sphalerite is in the Zinc ore bodies of the world, it is surprisingly rare as specimens displaying decent crystallization and transparency, not to mention; freedom from major damage. The relatively light coloration of these Sphalerites is indicative of a low temperature formation: a condition rarely seen in specimens of this mineral. The deep golden-orange, complex crystals are nestled in amongst a small forest of colorless, glassy Quartz prisms. The largest Sphalerite crystal is 1 1/8 inches across. Rounded crystals of a dark metallic mineral, presumably Galena, complete the ensemble. The Sphalerites are sharp, gemmy in pristine condition. Overall specimen measurements are 6 x 4 1/2 x 1 7/8 inches and there is a custom labeled base.

CHRYSOBERYL
Var. Alexandrite
Novello Mine, Masvingo (Fort Victoria), Masvingo District, Zimbabwe
This celebrated Chrysoberyl (var. Alexandrite) has a very well documented history: it came to Dave Wilber via Hermann Bank and Ed Swoboda. A photograph in the Tucson 50th Anniversary book, shows it in Dave Wilber's display case back in 1967. Since those days, the specimen has been trimmed and remounted. It still bears a collection number 100B. It has an excellent color change that goes from green to violet depending on the light. The 7/8 inch sixling crystal sits upright on a schist matrix and it has been attached to an acrylic base. Overall measurements are 1½ x 1½ x 7/8 inches.

BENITOITE & NEPTUNITE
Dallas Gem Mine, New Idria District, San Benito Co., California, USA
Now that the only producing mine for this mineral has closed, large and fine examples of this rare species are becoming increasingly harder to find. Mined in February of 1988 by Elvis "Buzz" Gray & Bill Forrest, this matrix group features Benitoites up to 3/4 of an inch and Neptunites up to 5/8 inch. It was acquired by Dr. Marvin Rausch in 1988, in whose collection it has remained until recently. It bears his accession number 565. There are over 100 crystals covering the matrix, one of which has a broken tip, otherwise excellent condition. On a custom display base, this fine specimen measures 6 1/2 x 7 1/4 x 3 3/4 inches.

SMITHSONITE
Kelly Mine, Magdalena District, Socorro Co., New Mexico, USA
Mention the word 'Smithsonite' to a mineral collector and without a doubt, one of the first localities that will come to mind is the Kelly Mine of Magdalena, New Mexico. The soft pastel blue-green color both defies description and yet, is instantly recognizable. This very sizable specimen displays a variety of crystal habits, varying from a 'rice grain' type to the massive botryoidal form. Similarly, the luster ranges from the typical satin type of surface to a matte one. The color is deep 'Kelly' blue and even. Overall specimen measurements are 9 1/4 x 6 1/2 x 5 inches, it has a custom base and is in fine condition.

ETHIOPIAN OPAL
Yita Ridge, Menz Gishe District, Shewa Province, Ethiopia
Most opal comes from either the famous fields of Australia, or from Mexico. In 1939, however, based on the discovery of artifacts in a cave in Kenya that were dated to around 4,000 years B.C., the famous anthropologist Dr. L. Leakey reported that early man used opal to fashion tools, so inferring that opal mines must exist in Africa. Years passed, and it was not until 1993 that opals from Ethiopia were first reported on sale at a Nairobi gem market. That same year excavation started in earnest, and so a new and stunningly beautiful opal was introduced onto the international market. The Ethiopian opal field extends for several square kilometers along the northern side of the Yita Ridge about 150 miles northeast of Addis Ababa, the nation's capital, and around 12 miles north of the town of Mezezo (in December 2008 a second field was discovered much further north at Gondar, the old capital and home to Ethiopia's famous castles). The opals of Yita Ridge are found in a nodular form within a continuous layer of welded volcanic ash (known as tuff, similar to obsidian in character) about 9 feet thick, and lying between weathered rhyolite layers. Although these nodules are very numerous, only around 15% of the opal recovered is of gem quality, and only around 1% shows distinct play of color: the present example flashes with brilliant hues of golden green and fiery red orange. Ethiopian opals are quite different in character from the Australian version, and are considerably less stable, although that scarcely detracts from their beauty. This one exhibits the typical but barely visible fractures throughout and measures 1 3/8 x 1¼ x 7/8 inches, weighing in at 88.89 ct.

MULTI-COLOR TOURMALINE
Cruzeiro Mine, São José da Safira, Doce Valley, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil
Fine, gemmy double terminated Tourmaline crystal from the famed Cruzeiro Mine. This beautiful Elbaite crystal is from the "lipstick pocket" found in the late 1980's. It has a flat termination on one end and a prism tip at the largely pink end - the colors graduate from pink to green to light pink to dark cranberry pink. A very clean specimen in pristine condition, it is 2 9/16 inches long and 3/8 of an inch in diameter.

TOURMALINE
Jonas Mine, Itatiaia district, Conselheiro Pena, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil
From one of the most famous Tourmaline finds - the 1978 Jonas Mine pocket, which, was considered to be one of the most spectacular Tourmaline pockets ever found. This stubby Tourmaline prism has a series of side-car crystals, is an intense reddish pink color, lustrous and well crystallized. Accompanied by a custom base, it measures 1 ½ x 1 3/8 x 1 ¼ inches.

PINK TOURMALINE CLUSTER
Paprok, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan
Mass of pastel pink Tourmaline crystals that are well formed, bright and lustrous. The terminations are a deeper, cranberry pink at the very tip. Overall specimen measurements are 2 3/4 x 2 1/2 x 2 inches with crystals up to 1 1/8 inches in length. In fine condition.

TOURMALINE "TOMMY GUN"
Barra de Salinas, Coronel Murta, Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil
Viewed from the side; it soon becomes apparent why a Brazilian miner with a puckish sense of humor hung the nickname of "the Tommy Gun" on this large and fine Tourmaline (var. Elbaite) specimen. The 'barrel' of this lustrous weapon is a deep-green prism of gemmy tourmaline almost 10 inches long with a cranberry red 'muzzle' at the termination. Next to it are a couple of parallel green prisms serving as the attachment points for a host of: pink Tourmaline prisms, colorless Quartz crystals and an occasional group of lilac-hued Lepidolite crystals. There has been a repair to the main crystal: not unusual in large Brazilian specimens, otherwise excellent condition. This sizable specimen measures 13 3/4 x 4 3/4 x 3 1/2 inches and rests upright in its own custom labeled base.

LARGE TIGER IRON SLAB
Port Hedland, Western Australia
Found in a more northerly location than the Marra Mamba tiger's eye, this tiger iron slab shows what happens when the layers of tiger's eye, hematite and the other constituent minerals are subjected to much heavier tectonic disruption and pressure. The bands become much narrower and more defined and in place of the soft flowing colors of Marra Mamba tiger's eye, tiger iron presents strong and sharply delineated layers of golden tiger's eye, red jasperlite and shimmering black hematite. The uncanny regularity of the undulating ribbons of color only adds to the aesthetic appeal, shown to its finest advantage in this highly polished piece of natural abstract art.
It is now believed that this banded, iron-rich material represents a "true fossil" of one of the oldest life forms known. During the Archean period (3.8 - 2.5 billion years ago) single celled organisms known as Stromatolites managed to prosper because they had an open niche with no competition. These simple organisms were (and still are) the Prokaryotes or Cyanobacteria; life forms so simple they had no cellular nucleus at all. Billions of years ago, huge colonies of stromatolites turned seawater, sunlight and atmospheric carbon dioxide into the first atmospheric oxygen this planet has known.
This uncommonly large slab measures 56 x 32½ x 5/8 inches.

LARGE MARRA MAMBA TIGER EYE SLAB
Mt Brockman Station, Western Australia
Tiger eye is an ancient rock, formed from sediments laid down at the bottom of a shallow sea over two and a half billion years ago, when the early Earth's atmosphere had little or no oxygen. Sometime later (approximately 2 billion years ago) the first photosynthetic bacteria evolved and began to give off oxygen as a waste product, which built up in the atmosphere and dissolved in sea water. When this came in contact with iron (produced mainly from huge submarine volcanoes), it precipitated as iron oxide in the sea-floor mud and resulted in the iron- and silica-rich bands now classified as a banded iron formation (or BIF). Other minerals were also present and heating and burial bought about the crystallization of these layers; it seems likely that solutions carrying sodium penetrated along some of the layers and this is where the mineral riebeckite was formed. The fibrous riebeckite variation with which Tiger eye originates is known as crocidolite, or blue asbestos, but pseudomorphically replaced by silica, with a fine dust of yellow goethite outlining the shape of the original crystals; this is the same way in which fossil wood preserves the outline of cells and growth rings. Tectonic activity throughout millions of years caused crumbling, folding and distortion to the layers of sediments. At the same time, heated watery fluids passing through the rock dissolved some of the material and redeposited them elsewhere. This terrific slab is a perfect illustration of these millions of years' worth of geological processes, a wonderful natural canvas of abstract art with bands of deep olive and bottle green, blood red and metallic black mingled with shimmering golden tiger eye and orange-brown limonite (goethite with other hydrated iron oxides such as lepidocrocite or jarosite) to incredible effect. Left with a naturally contoured edge, this beautiful slab measures an impressive 55½ x 19½ x 1 inches.

MARRA MAMBA TIGER EYE SLAB
Mt Brockman Station, Western Australia
About 2000 million years ago the Western Australian Pilbara and many of the other very old pieces of the continental crust were joined together in one supercontinent. When this supercontinent started to break up, waters heated by volcanic activity dissolved much of the silica from the Banded Iron Formation units leaving huge iron ore deposits of almost pure hematite (more than 65% iron). In other places, red and yellow iron oxides and/or silica were deposited as veins or replaced the wall areas of fine cracks in the host rock. In one small area of Western Australia, the resulting stone is unique, and known as Marra Mamba. In a red jasperlite host rock banded with hematite and splashes of iron pyrite, it is the most beautiful and highly sought-after variety of tiger eye there is. The source is now mined out and only rare specimens make their way onto the market, very few of a quality comparable to the lots offered here. This example displays the typical bands of golden tiger's eye, shimmering silver-black hematite, striking red jasper and the oldest of all fossils, algae-derived stromatolite. The gentle curves and waves of the layers bear witness to the immense pressures to which the rock is inexorably subjected over an almost unimaginable amount of time. This beautiful and highly polished slab is an excellent example of this rare and lovely mineral and measures 24½ x 14¼ x 3/8 inches.

LARGE ORBICULAR GRANITE SLAB
Mount Magnet, Australia
One of the most striking forms of granite, this material is found in very few places in the world and the location near Mount Magnet in Western Australia is the most renowned. The wonderful centric patterning in this unusual granite is caused by orbicular structures of radiating concentric shells, largely of hornblende and plagioclase, nucleating around cores of varying kinds in a granular matrix, formed in a cooling magma chamber. Sliced from a single huge boulder, this slab has been highly polished but left with a pleasingly natural contoured edge. The black and white orbicules contrast in beautiful monochrome with the predominantly gray granite ground, and the whole piece measures 32¾ x 29¼ x 1 inches.

RARE GEMSTONE: CAT'S EYE SCAPOLITE
Afghanistan
Scapolite is from the Greek words scapos, which means rod, and lithos, which means stone. Natural Scapolite crystals often looks stick-like, hence the name. This particular cat's eye Scapolite is a high dome cabochon with a sharp, well-centered eye. It's color is medium violet and the stone itself is translucent. There are a number of cleavage type inclusions, not uncommon for the material. This rare cat's eye gem weighs 11.47 carats and measures 15.3 x 12.4 mm.

"ROYAL AZEL" SUGILITE CABOCHON
Wessels Mine, Hotazel, Kalahari Manganese Fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa
This elongated faceted marquise is fashioned from top quality gel Sugilite. A relatively modern gemstone, fine Sugilite was discovered at the Kalahari Manganese mines in 1975. This particular gemstone probably dates to the 1980's when marketing attempts were made to designate the material as "Royal Azel" as evidenced by the Philadelphia Academy of Science label, bearing collection #26583. With intense purple color, this 'grape jelly' gemstone is representative of only the top .05% of the deposit, giving testament to its rarity. This sizable gemstone measures 14 x 42 mm.

Provenance: Philadelphia Academy of Science

UNUSUAL GEMSTONE: CAT'S EYE AQUAMARINE
Madagascar
This large cat's eye Aquamarine has a very nice, well centered "eye" and its color is a light London blue. There are some, not unexpected, cleavages below the girdle but they are not visible from the crown side. The cabochon is well cut and polished. This phenomenal gemstone weighs an impressive 48.62 carats and measures 22.6 x 17.4 mm.

RARE GEMSTONE: PHOSPHOPHYLLITE
Rough & Cut Set
Cerro de Potosí, Potosí City, Potosí Department, Bolivia
Phosphophyllite has a unique blue-green color that makes it one of the most desired species in the mineral world. Rare as a mineral specimen, and even rarer as a faceted gemstone, this "rough & cut" set of Phosphophyllites offers the unique opportunity to have both. The oval gemstone is a light aqua blue-green, with a cleavage inclusion near the cullet, otherwise clean. It weighs 1.35 carats and measures 6.7 x 5.2 mm. The Phosphophyllite specimen itself is a complex crystal with a number of gemmy areas and is partially terminated. It measures 23.2 x 13.0 mm. An exceptional rough & cut set of a rare and exotic mineral.

RARE GEMSTONE: HIDDENITE
Rough & Cut Set
Gemstone: Afghanistan
Crystal: Hiddenite, Alexander Co., North Carolina
Hiddenite is the green variety of Spodumene. This rough & cut set features two of the premiere localities for the material: Afghanistan and North Carolina. The gemstone material is from Afghanistan. It is a trillion cut gemstone that is eye clean, bright & lively and light mint green in color. It measures approximately 8 mm on edge (8.4 x 8.1 x 8.4 mm). The accompanying specimen is a light mint green prismatic crystal with a number of natural faces and is mostly gemmy. It measures 22.9 x 5.5 x 3.0 mm. This is a well matched rough and cut set.

RARE STONE: TAAFFEITE
Rough & Cut Set
Ratnapura, Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka
Taaffeite, who's formal name is Magnesiotaaffeite-2N'2S, is an extremely rare gemstone primarily found in the alluvial gem deposits of Sri Lanka. Easily confused with Spinel, it is one of the few gemstones identified from a cut stone before a crystal was found - Count Charles Taaffe discovered Taaffeite while sorting a parcel of Spinel in 1945. He found that Taaffeite is doubly refractive while Spinel is singly refractive. A very wearable rare gemstone, with hardness of 8 - 8 1/2, this facetted fancy cut gem has excellent purple color, weighs an extremely respectable 2.64 carats and measures 10.8 x 7 x 4.8 mm. The uncut crystal weighs 2.04 carats and is lighter in color.

RARE COLOR CHANGE GEMSTONE: DIASPORE
Rough & Cut Set
Mugla Province, Aegean Region, Turkey
Diaspore is a hydrated aluminum oxide colored by Manganese and was first faceted as a gemstone in the 1980's. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 and does have perfect cleavage in one direction, making it a challenge to facet. Gems that change color under different lighting are rare and Diaspore has this unique quality. Under natural or fluorescent light, it is a kiwi green color, with flashes of yellow, under incandescent lighting it is a champagne color, and in subdued lighting it has a pinkish color. Gem Diaspore has only been found in Turkey, the source of both of these specimens. The oval Diaspore gemstone weighs 4.43 carats and measures 11.58 x 7.5 mm. It is matched with a very fine "V" twinned, terminated thumbnail Diaspore crystal that measures 28.8 x 21.9 mm and has gemmy zones.

PEACH TO GREEN BI-COLOR TOURMALINE
Nigeria
This bi-colored Tourmaline gem is a very clean, bright and lively gemstone from the 1998 Nigerian Tourmaline find. It is well-centered and proportioned and displays shades from peach to light green. A standard emerald cut stone, it weighs 14.74 carats and measures 12.45 x 10.14 mm.

LILAC KUNZITE
Afghanistan
This lilac, oval brilliant gemstone has been fashioned from top grade Kunzite from the mountains of Afghanistan. Kunzite is the gemstone variety of Spodumene, found only in a few localities in the world. This Kunzite is quite clean, with only one small veil inclusion near the girdle, remarkable in such a large gemstone. The color is quite even throughout the stone and it is very well cut and polished. Weighing a sizable 40.75 carats, this fine gem measures 23.8 x 17.6 mm.

RARE GEMSTONE: SPHALERITE
Mina Las Mánforas, Áliva, Picos de Europa, Cantabria, Spain
Sphalerite has a refractive index comparable to that of diamond so from its depths come brilliant flashes. This Sphalerite is an unusually light color and as such shows the dispersion better than most. Because Sphalerite is soft (hardness 3.5 - 4.0), it is strictly a collector's gem and unsuitable for use in jewelry. Like other soft gem materials, Sphalerite is difficult to polish and presents a considerable challenge. This oval brilliant with golden yellow body color has brilliant adamantine luster, and a high level of dispersion. There are minor cloud-like inclusions near the culet and some inclusions near the girdle, otherwise bright and lively. This rare collectors gemstone weighs 32.49 carats and measures 22.6 x 16.0 mm.

RARE GEMSTONE: COLOR CHANGE CHROME SPHENE (TITANITE)
Pakistan
The traditional name for this gemstone is Sphene and although its usage has been discredited by the IMA in favor of Titanite, Sphene persists as the informal name for these rare gems. This particular Sphene is highly unusual as there is a noticeable color shift from bronze to chrome green depending on the lighting. Faceted as an oval, it has very high dispersion with some minor, negligible, inclusions. It would be a significant addition to a rare stone collection. This rare and unusual color change gemstone weighs 1.4 carats and measures 9.45 x 7.15 mm.

RARE GEMSTONE: CASSITERITE
China
When one thinks of tin, one doesn't generally think of a transparent gemstone but rather something opaque. But Cassiterite is the primary ore for tin. Very rarely some Cassiterite crystals are transparent, as was the case with this stone. Faceted as an oval brilliant, it is colorless to slightly smoky in coloration and has high refraction and dispersion characteristics. There are a number of inclusions but none of serious consequence. This rare and unusual gemstone weighs 7.51 carats and measures 10.5 x 8.7 mm.

RARE GEMSTONE: SCHEELITE
Pakistan
Scheelite is the ore of Tungsten and occasionally there are crystals that are flawless enough to facet into gemstones such as this one. Scheelite's refractive index and dispersion are moderately high resulting in a high luster and perceptible "fire" that approaches diamond. But due to its softness (4.5 to 5), cut Scheelites are best enjoyed unset as valuable collector's pieces. Additionally, Scheelite fluoresces bright sky blue under SW ultraviolet light. Faceted as an oval brilliant, this rare gemstone is light golden yellow in color, has some very minor inclusions and a very faint veil under the table, otherwise fine. It weighs 24.14 carats and measures 18.3 x 13.2 mm.

ANDRADITE-GROSSULAR GARNET
Nioro du Sahel Circle, Kayes Region, Mali
This Garnet from Mali is a rare combination of both Andradite and Grossular Garnets - the end result is a Garnet with a very high refractive index, so when properly faceted, they sparkle with an intensity of fire. This unusual January birthstone has a light gold-green body color and is a very bright and lively gemstone with high dispersion levels. It has been faceted as an oval brilliant with a pineapple crown, there is a minor nick to a crown facet, otherwise in fine condition and eye clean. This gem weighs 7.19 carats and measures 12.5 x 10.1 mm.

"ANT HILL" (PYROPE) GARNET
Arizona
"Ant Hill" Garnets are Pyrope Garnets from the Navajo Nation area of Arizona. They acquired their unusual nickname because ants actually do bring up the Pyrope crystals from below ground and deposit them on top of the ant hill. They have never been mined commercially because there just aren't enough of them - so the ants are the "miners" and gem hunters just pick up the crystals from the sides of the ant hills. "Ant Hill" Garnets have the finest bright ruby-red color of the Garnet family. As a side note, during the 1800's the Navajos used water-worn and rounded "Ant Hill" Garnets as bullets - they believed that the blood-red color helped produce fatal wounds. This fine gem is a deep "tail light" red (classic Arizona color) and there is an understandable but fairly sizable inclusion near the girdle extending along the edge of the pavilion because the stone was cut for maximal yield. This oval brilliant gemstone is huge for the species and locality - it weighs an impressive 4.44 carats and measures 12.3 x 8.2 mm.

SPESSARTITE (SPESSARTINE) GARNET
Jos Plateau, Plateau State, Nigeria
Spessartite (also known by its traditional name Spessartine) is an ideochromatic gemstone - it is always some shade of orange. The coloration in this unusual Garnet is cause by Manganese. Gem Spessartite has been found around the world but until the discoveries in Nigeria, was always considered a rare gemstone. Unlike many colored stones, Spessartites are not enhanced by any method and has never been synthesized. This round brilliant Spessartite is a warm medium orange and is a lively, bright stone that has been well cut. There are some veil type inclusions but not of particular consequence. This fine January birthstone is 10.6 mm round and weighs 5.79 carats.

RARE GEMSTONE: ZOISITE
Nangahar, Shinwari Tribal Area, Pakistan
This Pakistani Zoisite is the same material as its more famous cousin Tanzanite of Tanzania. This rare gem is from the new locality for Zoisite that has been very recently discovered in the Shinwari Tribal area of Pakistan. An upcoming article in the GIA's Gems & Gemology will be detailing the find. This rare gemstone is light lilac in color with smoky overtones and has a number of needle like inclusions. It has been custom cut to maximize yield and measures 9.0 x 7.0 mm and weighs 2.28 carats.

RARE GEMSTONE: CERUSSITE
Morocco
This colorless Cerussite has brilliant rainbow flashes and is a rare and exotic gemstone for the advanced collector looking to broaden their collection. The source of the gem rough is Morocco, one of the few worldwide localities for facet grade material. It has been faceted as an oval brilliant, has a faint yellow cast but is otherwise colorless with an extremely high degree of dispersion. There are minor pinpoint inclusions near the girdle but they are of no consequence. This well cut rare, soft gemstone weighs 24.84 carats and measures approximately 15.5 x 13.2 mm.

UNUSUAL GEMSTONE: "PINWHEEL" QUARTZ
Brazil
This amazing Quartz gemstone is an exercise in optical illusions - it has been faceted around a single Tourmaline (Rutile?) needle. When viewed from the gemstone's table it appears that there's actually a multitude of needles included in this water-clear gem. Looking across the stone, the fact that there is only a single needle becomes evident. The illusion of a "pinwheel" being captured in the gemstone is the same effect one might expect in a "Fun House" where well placed mirrors create a host of repeating images. This highly unusual gemstone has a light citrine body color, weighs 61.34 carats and is a 23.48 mm round brilliant.

LARGE "PEACOCK" BLACK TAHITIAN PEARL
Tahiti
Tahitian pearls are produced in and around Tahiti and the French Polynesian Islands. Because the oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) itself is quite large, this results in much larger-than-average pearls. The pearls are unique because of their natural dark colors and their size. This pearl has excellent black "peacock" coloration with a slight green-gold cast and using the "AAA-A grading scale" would probably be considered an AAA or AA+ gem. This organic, round gemstone is quite sizable at 15.9 mm.

SILVER TAHITIAN PEARL
Tahiti
Tahitian pearls are produced in the sizable black-lipped oyster Pinctada margaritifera, which can grow to sometimes over 12 inches across and weigh as much as 10 pounds. The pearl trade is regulated by the Tahitian government who dictate quality levels before the pearls can be exported - thus insuring that no short cuts are taken in pearl production. It takes over 4 years to create just one of these natural beauties (2 1/2 years to grow an oyster to the right size and another 1 1/2 years to produce the pearl). This particular Tahitian pearl is silver in color and measures 13.9 mm.

LARGE GOLDEN SOUTH SEA PEARL
South Sea
South Sea pearls are produced by the Pinctada maxima mollusk. They are cultured in areas throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Because the South Seas are extremely clean and there is an abundant food supply of plankton, these conditions also speed up the pearl's nacre production. The growth period for South Sea pearls is long, and the nacre is unusually thick giving South Sea pearls a unique, satiny luster that comes from the rapidly deposited nacre and warm waters. This large, golden South Sea Pearl measures 14.2 mm - a larger than average size.

RED BERYL RING WITH DIAMONDS
Violet claims, Wah Wah Mts, Beaver Co., Utah, USA
Over the years, Red Beryl has appeared under a number of names: Bixbite, Red Emerald, etc. By whichever name that it is called, this carmine gem has remained elusively rare, both in occurrence and in total quantity mined. Far rarer than diamonds, this exotic member of the Beryl family shows a deep, saturated red color whose only peers are: Ruby and Spinel. Cut stones over 1 carat are exceedingly difficult to obtain. This 1.1 carat, 7 mm round brilliant gemstone has been photographed and published in the book of the F. John Barlow Collection (page 167). At the time, it was set in a ring set with 2 smaller Red Beryls and a number of Diamonds. John Barlow commissioned Martha Gilchrist to make this special 18K ring for him. The Red Beryl gemstone was removed from the ring for weighing. The ring is included in the lot and the gemstone can be remounted by the new owner should they desire to do so. The stone has one inclusion slightly visible to the naked eye; any others require equipment to be visible. A rare and exotic gemstone for the advanced collector.

THE "SUITCASE" RING: PINK SAPPHIRE & ORANGE SPESSARTITE
Artist: Marty Key
This unusual and dynamic ring illustrates why Marty Key has won the AGTA Spectrum jewelry design Award three times. Improbable colors melded together to create unique gemstone art: a custom cut hot pink Sapphire is flanked by two, equally well faceted, bright orange Spessartite Garnets. All three stones are encased in bands of bright white 18K gold so that the colors "pop" and then the ring is completed by a surround of matte 18K yellow gold. This "suitcase" ring is a signature style of Marty Key that showcases his mastery of seamless continuity created between gems and precious metal surfaces. Overall measurements are 9.35 x 23.34 x 20.54 mm. In excellent condition.

PINK TOURMALINE RING
This bright pink Tourmaline has been faceted into a delightful, architectural gemstone - it has a light smoky tinge and is eye-clean. The abstract faceting is melded seamlessly with the ring design, which follows the facet lines and angles of this unusual gemstone. Well executed with pavé diamonds on two of the adjoining gold 'facets', this unusual, modern ring is comprised of 18K white gold and measures 21.23 x 24.19 x 10.85 mm wide.

"SONAGIRI" : ONE-OF-A-KIND TOURMALINE PENDANT
Artist: Marty Key
Three time winner of the prestigious AGTA Spectrum Award for colored stone jewelry design, Marty Key is internationally recognized for developing new cutting and setting techniques which contribute to the unique look of his jewelry. He uses an ancient form of inlay known as "intarsia" to provide a seamless continuity between gems and precious metal, as seen in his signature "Sonagiri" Tourmaline pendant. Sonagiri, literally: the golden peak, is a place sacred to devotees where they practice self-discipline and austerity in order to attain Nirvana. A rainbow of seven eye-clean Tourmalines - ranging in color from rubellite red, deep pink, hot pink, yellow, grass green, sea foam green and teal blue - have been custom cut and assembled into this unique work of art which is capped in 22K gold and strung on a 18K gold cable. The pendant measures 36.6 x 8.3 x 6.8 mm and the cable is 16 inches long. In excellent condition.

COLORFUL TOURMALINE & AMETHYST NECKLACE & EARRING SET
Artist: Marty Key
Marty Key, utilizing an ancient form of inlay known as "intarsia" while adding his own personal twist, has earned worldwide recognition for his unique jewelry style. Producing strong gemstone color sweeps, such as this Amethyst and Tourmaline set, he expresses himself through Nature's splendid palette of colors. The matching pendant and earrings have two shades of Indicolite (blue) Tourmaline sandwiched between two shades of purple Amethyst. To cap off the uniqueness of the set, the pendant is hung on a necklace comprised of faceted purple Tanzanite, green Chrome Diopside and sky-blue Apatite. The earrings are 1 1/4 inches long overall and each stone is 7/8 x 1/3 x 1/4 inches. The necklace is 17 inches long and the pendant measures 4/5 x 1/3 x 1/4 inches. This one-of-a-kind set is in very fine condition.

RUBELLITE & DIAMOND RING
Artist: Ernesto Moreira
This stunning Rubellite ring is perfectly matched with the other gemstones in this custom crafted Rubellite jewelry suite - as if they were all cut from the same Tourmaline crystal. This ring features a 7.47 carat stone that is surrounded by 71 points of diamonds, expertly crafted by designer Ernesto Moreira in 18K white gold. This exceptional gemstone measures 14.3 x 11.2 x 7.2 mm, has top Rubellite color and is in fine condition. (See Lot 41118 for the matching earrings and Lot 41117 for the matching pendant.)

RUBELLITE & DIAMOND PENDANT
Artist: Ernesto Moreira
Rubellite is the red variety of Tourmaline and the finest Rubellites are said to rival Rubies in intensity. This large 20.66 carat pendant stone is exceptional on many fronts: its quality, color and size are outstanding - it measures an impressive 19.7 x 16.2 x 10.2 mm. Framed by 1.26 carats of diamonds, this fine Tourmaline comes from the fabled gem mines of Brazil. Ernesto Moreira has created a masterful set of Rubellite jewelry, of which this is the stunning centerpiece. Meticulous craftsmanship, style and execution are the hallmarks of this Spectrum Award winning jewelry designer - looking at this pendant it easy to see why he was commissioned by the Houston Museum of Natural Science to create jewelry masterpieces. Each of the three pieces in this set (see Lot 41118 for the matching earrings and Lot 41116 for the matching ring) feature hand forged filigree work in 18K white gold. This pendant is suspended from a woven rope chain of 18K white gold and is in pristine condition.

RUBELLITE & DIAMOND EARRINGS
Artist: Ernesto Moreira
The final piece in the Rubellite Tourmaline suite by Ernesto Moreira is this set of drop earrings, whose stones perfectly match the other Rubellites in the suite. Weighing a total of 7.58 carats, this matched pair of oval brilliant Rubellites are accented by a total of 84 points of diamonds and feature the hand forged filigree work that is part of his award winning style. In excellent condition. (See Lot 41117 for the matching pendant and Lot 41116 for the matching ring.)

SPESSARTINE RING
Artist: Ernesto Moreira
This fine Spessartine captures the essence of fire in its depths. The Spessartines from Tanzania are rarely this exceptional because most of the crystals are heavily included. A match to the earrings in Lot 41120, this 18k white gold ring's fiery gemstone weighs 5.36 carats and is surrounded by 33 points of Diamonds. Such a lively stone is the essence of inspiration for Ernesto Moreira's signature hallmark.

BRILLIANT ORANGE SPESSARTINE EARRINGS
Artist: Ernesto Moreira
Stunning Spessartine earrings designed by Ernesto Moreira. These unusual garnets are from the recent finds in Tanzania - the four gemstones in these drop earrings are extremely well matched and weigh a total of 9.48 carats. A match to the ring in Lot 41119, they are surrounded by .93 carats of Diamonds showcased in a meticulously crafted 18K white gold setting.

RARE GEMSTONE NECKLACE: TSAVORITE
Artist: Ernesto Moreira
Tsavorite (green grossular) is a very beautiful and rare deep green gemstone, with features that surpass those of Emerald. Tsavorite Garnets have a much higher index of refraction, which results in superior brilliance, tends to greater transparency, and occurs with fewer inclusions than Emeralds. Tsavorites are extremely rare and fine stones of over 5 carats are considered collector's items. This Tsavorite weighs an impressive 6.08 carats; has excellent color and clarity and has an AGTA Identification Report. Custom mounted in an Ernesto Moreira pendant with 76 points of diamonds, this rare gemstone is truly worthy of being dubbed 'museum quality'.

RARE GEMSTONE NECKLACE: HOT PINK SPINEL
Artist: Ernesto Moreira
"Hot pink" is the only way to truly describe the color of the natural Spinel gemstone that graces this Ernesto Moreira pendant. Weighing 6.34 carats, this fine Spinel from Tanzania measures 13.27 x 9.42 x 7.21 mm and has an AGTA Identification Report. Spinel, and pink Spinel in particular, is considered to be a rare gemstone. It is often mistaken for pink Sapphire but pink Spinel is considerably rarer. The exquisitely crafted 18K white gold pendant has a total of 76 points of accent diamonds and is suspended from a custom crafted chain, with filigree accents. In very fine condition.

RARE GEMSTONE NECKLACE: BRIGHT YELLOW DANBURITE
Artist: Ernesto Moreira
This bright, almost neon, yellow Danburite is from the gem fields of Tanzania. This fine pear shaped gemstone measures 17.63 x 11.98 x 8.09 mm and weighs 9.07 carats. The color, clarity and size of this Danburite are exceptional, and it is accompanied by an AGTA Identification Report. Ernesto Moreira has taken this rare museum quality gemstone and fashioned it into a dramatic pendant in 18K white gold. Because Danburite has a hardness of 7.5, it is a very wearable rare gemstone, unlike most of its other rare counterparts. Including the diamond accents in his hand forged filigree work, Ernesto Moreira has employed a total of 45 points of diamonds in this unusual pendant.

SPESSARTITE NECKLACE
Artist: Ernesto Moreira
Three trillion-cut Spessartites are suspended in an intricately crafted Ernesto Moreira necklace. Well matched for color and brilliance of fire, these fine garnets from Tanzania are a deep, rich red-orange, the most desirable of all Spessartite colors - each gemstone has an AGTA Identification Report. There are a total of 14.17 carats of Spessartites and 1.93 carats of diamonds in this fanciful creation. In excellent condition.

DECO DIAMOND & EMERALD PLATINUM PIN
circa 1920's
This vintage Deco Emerald and Diamond pin has two deep green Emeralds with excellent color and transparency. This well crafted brooch dates back to circa 1920's, and these fine Emeralds measure 5.47 x 5.95 mm and 5.75 x 5.12 mm respectively and are estimated to weigh approximately 2 carats each. Finely crafted in platinum, the pin itself is encrusted with approximately 5 to 6 carats of Diamonds, including three large Diamond baggettes that compliment the placement of the Emeralds. These larger diamonds measure 5.8 x 1.6 mm each. Overall dimensions are 2 inches long and 3/5 of an inch wide. In fine condition.

RUSSIAN DIAMOND MOURNING PIN
Hallmarked, from Russia, circa 1865
This unique Russian Mourning Pin features approximately 9 carats of "rose cut" Diamonds. The largest Diamond, a pear shaped stone, measures a sizable 7.4 x 9.5 mm and weighs 1.8 carats. The exposed gold areas that surround the Diamonds display a considerable amount of very fine engraving. Designed so that it can be worn as either a pin or a pendant, it has a heartshaped, finely engraved keepsake locket in the back with a transparent glass window - for placement of the loved ones lock of hair. Obviously made for a person of wealth and privilege, this very unusual and fine Mourning pin is from circa 1865 and has two hallmarks stamped on the back. Overall measurements are 2 3/5 inches long x 1 3/16 inches wide x 7/10 inches in depth. In fine condition, especially considering its age and delicacy.

RUTILATED STAR PENDANT WITH DIAMONDS
Novo Horizonte, Bahia, Northeast Region, Brazil
An extremely rare 6-rayed Rutilated "Star" has been captured in an undulating gemstone of water-clear Quartz. The broad, golden Rutile needles are very bright and radiate from a matching silver-grey metallic Hematite star. This fine gemstone has been well polished, highlighting the "Star" to its best advantage. Rutilated "Stars" make up less than 2% of total Rutilated Quartz production, and complete "Stars" are even rarer. This fine jewelry masterpiece is accented with .93 carats of diamonds, skillfully inset in 18K white gold, all of which is encased in a custom 18K yellow gold bezel with matching bale. Overall dimensions of this fine pendant are a sizable 3 x 2 inches.

CORAL & BLACK ONYX "DECO" PENDANT
Harkening back to a bygone era, this Deco style necklace is crafted from flawless salmon-red Coral, black Onyx, Diamonds and 18K white gold. The pendant itself has diamond accents on all white gold surfaces and the craftsmanship is unsurpassed for excellence. Suspended from a double chain that is delicate but strong, the overall length is 20 inches while the pendant is 1 7/8 inches long. In excellent condition.

FINE MOONSTONE PENDANT
India
Moonstone is a phenomenon gemstone that is characterized by its mysterious shimmer that transforms itself whenever the stone is moved - this effect is known as 'adularescence'. In early times, people believed they could recognize in it the crescent and waning phases of the moon, hence the name. This virtually flawless Moonstone has a high dome and strong flash - it is relatively rare to fine Moonstone gems in this size and quality. It is most likely from the Sri Lankan deposit of 'blue-sheen' Moonstone that was virtually exhausted in 1988. Custom mounted in 18K yellow gold on a specialized mounting system that allows for removable/interchangeable neckpieces. Overall length is 17 inches and the pendant itself is 2.3 x 3.8 mm. In fine condition.

EXCEPTIONAL RAINBOW MOONSTONE NECKLACE
India
Fortunately when Sri Lanka's deposit of 'blue-sheen' Moonstone ran dry in 1988, the blow was softened by the discovery of a 'Rainbow Moonstone' deposit in southern India. But this material is also becoming hard to find in top grades, not surprising given the mining circumstances: the overuse of explosives has resulted in primarily small stones, because the gem rough is heavily fractured in the mining process. Thus this necklace is indeed rare: a graduated set of near flawless Rainbow Moonstone rondells, separated by 18K white gold accent beads and finished with an 18K white gold custom clasp. Each one of these bright and lively beads has a solid blue flash that is augmented by other colors of the rainbow. In very fine condition, this necklace is 17 1/4 inches in length.

RARE GEMSTONE NECKLACE: SMITHSONITE
Choix, Mun. de Choix, Sinaloa, Mexico
Translucent aqua blue-green beads of Smithsonite have been painstakingly matched to create this unique necklace. Since Smithsonite does not yield much, if any, gem material, the lapidary artist took several years to gather enough rough to create this singular set of graduated rondell beads. Quite a feat considering the wide variety of colors and shades that Smithsonite comes in - gem rough represents less than 1% of total production - and the aqua blue-green is the most desirable color. This material is from Choix, Mexico - the only producing region for this unusual gem material. These hand-cut beads have a very high polish, have been individually knotted on silk cord, are accented by 14K gold beads and fastened with an 18k gold clasp. This one-of-a-kind treasure measures 21 1/2 inches in length.

AQUAMARINE NECKLACE
This fine Aquamarine necklace features nearly flawless, water-clear, limpid sky blue, graduated rondell beads with few, if any, inclusions. The color and quality of these beads are extremely well matched - as if all of the Aquamarine came from the same crystal pocket - each individual bead has been polished mirror bright. Finished with a custom crafted 18K gold clasp, this elegant, understated necklace is 17 inches in length.

TIFFANY-STYLE AMETHYST LAMP SHADE
This bronzed tulip-form lamp features a unique gemstone shade in the copperfoil Tiffany style, designed to resemble stained glass, with "windows" of thinly-sliced translucent amethyst. This free-flowing organic form is nicely offset by the more defined patterns in the individual slices, characterfully streaked with zigzag veins of white quartz and punctuated throughout by amethyst points, standing proud from the shade. These crystals flash with an inner fire when the lamp is turned on, while the sliced sections bathe the surrounding area in a soft and soothing amethyst glow. The whole piece stands 20½ inches tall.

TIFFANY-STYLE AGATE SLICE LAMPSHADE
Standing atop a bronze tulip-form base, this beautiful lampshade is fashioned from small translucent slices of agate, joined together with the stained-glass appearance of the famous L.C. Tiffany copperfoil technique. The slices are chosen for their dyed rainbow variety of complementary colors, in bottle green, turquoise, orange, jasper red and all shades in between, which spring into fiery life as soon as the lamp is illuminated. This incomparably decorative piece stands 19¾ inches high.

TIFFANY-STYLE PETRIFIED WOOD LAMP SHADE
The shade of this beautifully decorative lamp is fashioned from small segments of thinly sliced petrified wood, joined in Tiffany style via the copperfoil technique. Each piece has been painstakingly sliced and polished to a translucent thinness before being mounted in stained-glass-like latticework. The wood segments display a beautiful range of colors and patterns from green and red to purple and cream, and when illuminated they take on a strikingly beautiful fiery glow, warm and soothing. The shade is raised on a brass mount set into a natural piece of gnarled (unpetrified) wood, inset with two highly polished little ledges of flame mahogany branch section. The whole piece is mounted on a marble base and stands 26 inches high.

ELEGANT FLUORITE VASE
China
Fluorite is an isometric mineral, meaning it has a cubic crystal habit, and is found in a wide array of beautiful translucent colors the world over. This beautiful vase is fashioned from Chinese fluorite with a lovely soft lavender color; the natural feathery patterns and lines of crystal growth have been artfully incorporated into the vase's design. Enhanced by the natural pellucidity, the purple coloring is interspersed with white veins and, running upwards to the flared lip, a delicate blush of yellow-green. An exquisite objet, it measures 6¼ inches high.

AGATE BOWL
Artist: Peter Müller
Stone Source: Brazil
Carved from a single Agate boulder, this finely sculptured Agate bowl is a multitude of colors: blacks, greys, whites, pale blue-grey and a touch of orange. Translucent, and in some areas transparent, this fine bowl features two "eyes" and looks like a celestial constellation. It has an extremely fine, bright polish, there are no cracks or distractions and it has delicate, thin walls. Lapidary artist Peter Müller has given this unique bowl collection #8908 - he does not create bowls that often: only when he finds the right stones with good patterning. Overall measurements are: 7½ x 2½ x 6½ inches.

FREEFORM AGATE BOWL
Handcrafted in Idar-Oberstein, Germany
This freeform bowl of 'tortoise shell' patterned Agate has an organic shape with swirling patterns of black, orange and rich browns encased in a translucent, slightly milky Agate. The bowl was carved in the famed German carving center of Idar-Oberstein and was cut to maximize the rich patterns of the Agate. With an extremely high, mirror bright polish, this fine bowl measures 5 3/4 x 5 inches and is 1 1/2 high with small footed area. In excellent condition.

AMETHYST & AGATE BOWL
Handcrafted in Idar-Oberstein, Germany
Stone source: Erzgebirge Mountains, Saxony, Germany
Colorless Quartz is punctuated with bands of bright purple Amethyst and vivid orange, peach and red Agate, in this handcrafted bowl from the famed German carving center of Idar-Oberstein. The material for this shallow freeform dish is from the Saxony region of Germany and it was carved in the 1960's. The bowl is well polished, has a well defined foot and highlights the Amethyst banding as the center pattern. Overall measurements are 6 3/8 x 5 x 2 1/8 inches high and it is in excellent condition.

ROSE QUARTZ BOWL WITH GEMSTONE FLOWERS
Artist: Manfred Wild, Idar-Oberstein, Germany
Delicately gracing the Rose Quartz bowl, is a sprig of colorless rock crystal flowers with faceted Ruby centers. In an homage to Spring, this fine carving was created by master German lapidary artist Manfred Wild; the flowers have just opened to indicate Spring's arrival. Like a wonderful Mother's Day bouquet, the flowers arch aesthetically over the transparent pink bowl and are mounted on an 18K gold stem with a myriad of gently curving leaves. The flowers have a satin polish, while the bowl itself is polished mirror bright. There are a total of five deep red Rubies, seven open flowers, and one flower bud. Overall dimensions are 8 2/3 x 8 4/5 x 5 ½ inches high. The bowl itself is 4 inches high and the overall, total weight of the carving is 3 3/4 pounds.

GEMSTONE CARVING: "WILD ROSES"
Artist: Manfred Wild
Idar-Oberstein, Germany
Manfred Wild has exquisitely crafted this life-like sprig of wild roses and set them in a vase of water-clear rock crystal. Every aspect of this gemstone wonder is expertly carved, meticulously polished and artfully arranged. The single white rose is rock crystal with 18K gold stigma, stamen and pistil, the five rose hips are red-orange Coral and black Onyx, and the 12 leaves and one rose bud are Russian Jade - all mounted on an 18K gold stem with thorns. Overall, this carving by master carver Manfred Wild, is 7 inches high and the vase itself is 3.14 inches in diameter. In very fine condition.

GEMSTONE CARVING: "WOOD STRAWBERRIES"
Artist: Manfred Wild
Idar-Oberstein, Germany
This spray of wood strawberries has been executed in Tourmaline and 18K gold by master German gem carver Manfred Wild. There is one white Tourmaline flower, five red Rubellite Tourmaline strawberries, and six leaves of green Tourmaline - all mounted on an 18K gold stem. The sculpture sits in a nearly flawless water-clear vase of rock crystal. This fine gemstone sculpture is 4 3/4 inches high and the vase is 1 4/5 inches in diameter - it is a testament to this master carvers skill. In excellent condition.

ORCHID IN ROCK CRYSTAL VASE
Artist: Peter Müller
Stone Source: Brazil and Worldwide
This lifelike and life-size Orchid will never need watering. With colorless, frosted rock crystal sepals and petals, Amethyst lip and column and Aventurine leaves, it sits in a water clear rock crystal vase. Carved by master lapidary Peter Müller, it bears his collection number 8863. Overall height of the delicate bloom in its vase is 10¾ inches high and it is 3 inches wide and 2½ inches deep. In fine condition.

ROSE QUARTZ STARFISH
Artist: Gerd Dreher
Idar-Oberstein, Germany
Gerd Dreher has deservedly earned his reputation as the all time master carver of gemstones. His ability to take an inanimate object (gemstone crystals) and create highly realistic and detailed renditions of animals in motion is uncanny. This rose Quartz starfish is silently oozing over the water-worn beach cobble in its quest to explore the ocean bottom. Dreher's ability to breathe life into stone has made his works some of the most sought after masterpieces of the lapidary art. This one-of-a-kind creation is a testament to Gerd Dreher's skill, as this life size denizen of the seas is forever captured in flawless rose rock crystal.

ROCK CRYSTAL ODD-EYED SILVER PERSIAN CAT
Artist: Alfred Zimmerman
Idar-Oberstein, Germany
Water clear rock crystal cat, caught in motion while trying to snag something in mid-flight, and has been exquisitely rendered by master German carver Alfred Zimmerman of Idar-Oberstein. Detailed execution of this odd-eyed Silver Persian with its long fur and dual colored eyes (one blue and one golden), makes this captivating sculpture come alive. Standing 6 1/4 inches tall, it is a faithful rendition of the real thing.

SMOKY QUARTZ WILD BOAR ON POLISHED ROCK CRYSTAL
Artist: Peter Müller
Stone Source: Brazil
Carefully carved out of smoky Quartz, this wild Boar is sitting on a polished rock crystal base. With Garnet eyes and bone tusks, he sits patiently waiting for the rest of the group (the sounder) to catch up with him. His dense fur is captured in detail and his finely polished base offers contrast to the texture of his body. Quartz is a hard stone to carve and polish, and master carver Peter Müller shows his expertise in this carving. It bears his unique collection number #8860. The wild Boar measures 5 x 3½ x 2¼ inches and the overall sculpture is 5½ inches high, 4 inches wide and 3 inches deep. In fine condition.

CARVED AGATE HORSE HEAD
Artist: Alfred Zimmerman
Idar-Oberstein, Germany
Exquisitely detailed carving of a horse head with flowing mane, rendered in translucent Agate. Well proportioned, the Agate grades in color from grey at the mane to golden yellow at the muzzle. Carved by master lapidary artist Alfred Zimmerman of Idar-Oberstein, Germany, this fine carving measures 2 1/16 x 1 3/4 inches and is in pristine condition.

CARVED LABRADORITE PARROT HEAD
Artist: Uli Pauly
Idar-Oberstein, Germany
An extremely fine carving of a parrot head, rendered in Labradorite. It is extremely detailed, displaying excellent blue flash from all angles, especially the beak. Well proportioned, this fine carving would make an excellent centerpiece for a unique objet d'art. Measuring 1 5/8 x 1 1/8 inches, it was carved by master carver Uli Pauly of Idar-Oberstein, Germany.

TOUCAN COUPLE ON QUARTZ
Artist: Peter Müller
Stone Source: Brazil and Worldwide
Toco Toucans (Ramphastos toco) are the largest species of Toucan. Artist Peter Müller has skillfully rendered these fascinating birds in stones from around the world: their bodies are composed of black Obsidian, white Quartz, pink Rhodonite and blue Dumortierite; while their enormous beaks are made of orange Eosite, blue Dumortierite and black Obsidian. They are resting their gold plated sterling silver feet on a large, well terminated, colorless Quartz cluster. Bearing his unique collection #8870, these lifelike, and almost life-size, Toucans are 8½ inches tall from their beaks to the end of their tail feathers. This large sculpture stands 19¾ inches high overall, and is 7¼ inches deep and 10¾ inches wide. In excellent condition.

YELLOW QUARTZ MACAWS ON POLISHED SMOKY QUARTZ POINT
Artist: Peter Müller
Stone Source: Brazil and Worldwide
Macaws are monogamous for life and this couple is no exception. Amiably in conversation, they are sitting on a polished Smoky Quartz prism that is mirror bright. The doting couple is made from natural yellow Quartz and have Garnet beaks and eyes, Coral tongues and gold plated sterling silver feet. Balanced on a rock crystal plinth, the sculpture captures a moment of tropical bliss. The birds are extremely detailed down to the pin feathers and the sculpture bears the collection #8863. Created by master lapidary Peter Müller, the overall height is 13¾ inches high and it is 5½ inches wide and 3½ inches deep. In fine condition, each of the two birds is 7¾ inches long from the top of their heads to the tip of their tail feathers.

ROSE QUARTZ HUMMINGBIRD COUPLE ON TOURMALINE WITH ALBITE
Artist: Peter Müller
Stone Source: Brazil and Worldwide
Caught in a mating ritual, the male hummingbird, with his wings outspread, is singing a song designed to win over the female that is somewhat oblivious to his signals. Both hummingbirds have been carved out of Rose Quartz. They have Carnelian beaks, Garnet eyes, and gold plated sterling silver feet. They are sitting on a matrix of Tourmaline and Albite that rests on a rock crystal plinth and bears Peter Müller's unique collection #8869. This fanciful sculpture is in fine condition and measures 6½ inches high x 5½ inches wide x 2¾ inches deep. Each of the hummingbirds is 3¼ inches long.

CALIFORNIA QUAIL ON TOURMALINE MATRIX BASE
Artist: Peter Müller
Stone Source: Brazil and Worldwide
The California Quail, Callipepla californica, is the state bird of California and artist Peter Müller has faithfully captured all of the colors and patterns of his plumage. This male Quail is on alert, standing guard while his covey is eating. He has been composed by the judicious use of Labradorite, Ocean Jasper, Obisidian, Lapis and Mahogany Obsidian and has gold plated sterling silver feet. Extremely detailed and lifelike, and almost life-size, his lookout perch is a base of colorful Tourmaline in matrix. He bears the unique collection #8887, and measures 6¼ inches high. Overall, the sculpture is 9 x 9¾ x 6 inches and is in excellent condition.

LABRADORITE OWL ON TOURMALINE
Artist: Peter Müller
Stone Source: Madagascar, Brazil and Worldwide
The feathers of this Labradorite Great Horned Owl glimmer with iridescent flashes of blue and gold. Looking around with his wide Citrine and black Onyx eyes, he has a Carnelian beak and gold plated sterling silver feet - a midnight hunter looking for a tasty snack. Sitting on an impressive Tourmaline matrix base that rests on a Quartz plinth, this sculpture is 11¼ inches high overall, and is 4¾ inches deep and 4 inches wide. Overall this impressive ruler of the night skies is 7½ inches tall. Created by artist Peter Müller, it bears his unique collection #8890. In fine condition.

SUPERB AMBER CARVING
Oligocene
Dominican Republic
Amber is the common name for fossilized tree resin which seeped from the trunks and branches of prehistoric flora 30-90 million years ago. The sticky oozing substance would often trap small pieces of floral debris and even insects, but the piece from which this exceptional carving has been fashioned is, remarkably, almost entirely devoid of such inclusions, and even displays few of the naturally formed darker planes that occur as the resin slowly solidifies. These darker areas have been skillfully incorporated into the body of a finely-rendered bird of prey clutching a snake in its talons, perched on a rocky outcrop which displays almost complete clarity. The whole piece has been brought to a high polish and glows with the warm soft golden and honey tones characteristic of the finest examples, measuring 5¾ inches high.

"THE CHARIOT OF FIRE"
Artist: Lawrence Stoller
Stone source: Brazil
This sensual bottle has been carved from brilliant orange fire opal. The opal is from a mine near Campos Borges in the South Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. This exotic perfume bottle has a gold stopper and sits on a gold-plated bronze base. The transparent opal weighs 1,235 carats and has an extremely fine polish over the entirety of its undulating form. Aptly named "The Chariot of Fire" by its creator, renowned artist Lawrence Stoller, it measures 7 3/4 inches high, is 2 3/4 inches wide and is 1 3/4 inches deep.

RAINBOW OBSIDIAN CARVING
Mexico
Rainbow obsidian is volcanic silica glass, differing from regular obsidian in that the lamellar crystallites orientated parallel to the flow structure and producing the ethereal colored banding so visible here. Carved from a bright and colorful Rainbow obsidian stone, the lower section of this piece has been highly polished to highlight the beautiful patterns of shimmering purple, green and blue. The upper half has been artfully carved into the form of a reclining mermaid and polished to a matt finish aside from her tail and hair, which flows naturally into the rest of the stone. This beautiful and whimsical piece measures 14½ x 5½ x 4½ inches.

LABRADORITE ELEPHANT WITH BRIGHT BLUE SCHILLER
Artisian crafted in China
Stone source: Madagascar
A single, large Labradorite boulder was used to create this fine elephant carving. With its trunk and front legs raised, the elephant is standing upright next to a tree stump. Extremely well carved, the grey ground mass of the Labradorite mimics the natural color of an elephant's skin but with a twist - there are strong flashes of bright blue iridescence that occur when viewed from every angle. The ears are translucent, the "skin" has the correct wrinkled texture and the tail appears to be twitching. In fine condition, this delightful carving measures 9 3/4 inches high, is 7 3/4 inches wide and overall is 7 1/2 inches in depth.

UNUSUAL ONYX WALL SCONCES: MATCHING PAIR
Handcrafted in Mexico
Stone source: Mexico
Strongly patterned, undulating natural bands of color (light green, gold, caramel and white) are the hallmark of this pair of unusual wall sconces. Like a desert landscape that is seen during different times of the day, these sconces radically change character when they are lit. A mirror-image pair, they are 27 1/2 inches wide, 12 inches high and 3 3/4 inches deep. In fine condition, these sconces would make an unusual accent for any wall.

UNIQUE FOSSIL FISH CIGAR-BOX
Priscacara liops
Eocene
Green River Formation, Wyoming, USA
Mounted on the lid of this exquisitely crafted wooden box is a fine example of that familiar Green River inhabitant, the P. liops, a species of extinct perch. Beautifully prepared, as one would expect from a fossil from this location, it is presented on an irregularly-shaped slab of the natural limestone matrix mounted in resin and surrounded by three pieces of Indiana walnut, cross-cut through the branch section the better to highlight the beautiful and natural gradations of color, fine grain and growth rings. The lid is further enlivened by the inclusion of two small pieces of Arizona turquoise set into the resin. The body of the box is fashioned mostly from the same wood, but with a face made from Mexican cocobolo topped with a contrasting strip of pale spalted maple from Indiana. The underside bears hand-written information on the materials used, signed by the maker Stephen Rapp, and dated September 2008. The fossil specimen is 5½ inches long, and the box measures 16 3/8 x 6¼ x 4 1/8 inches.

FINE ULTRAMARINE BLUE LAPIS BOX
Handcrafted in Italy
Stone source: Afghanistan
The finest grade of Afghani Lapis Lazuli was used to fashion this deep ultramarine blue box. Created from a single block of gem grade material, all four sides have been matched to the top as noted by the patterning created by the flecks of golden Pyrite crystals. The color is completely natural, an intense navy blue with deep violet highlights, and there are no distracting white calcite veins. The interior and bottom is black onyx and it is completed with a hinge of gold plated brass. Overall measurements are 5 1/3 x 3 3/8 x 1 9/16 inches and it is in excellent condition.

RICH PURPLE CHAROITE BOX
Handcrafted in Italy
Stone source: Russia
Charoite is a rare silicate mineral found only in the Chara River area of Siberia, Russia, hence the name Charoite. This rare box has been fashioned from gem quality Charoite - intense rich purples and lilacs with a vibrant swirling pattern caused by its fibrous crystal habit. Punctuated by occasional accents of black Manganese and cream Tinaksite, the box has been created from solid slabs and all sides have been matched to the lid. It is hinged with gold plated furniture and has a black onyx interior. With rounded edges, it measures 7 1/3 x 4 7/8 x 2 inches, is well polished and is in excellent condition.

COLORFUL OCEAN JASPER BOX
Handcrafted in Italy
Stone source: Madagascar
Richly patterned in a wild array of colors (forest green, gold, white, cream, purple, moss green, ochre, light blue grey, salmon pink, light green, mauve, lilac and mustard yellow) this fine box has been created by a master lapidary from top grade Ocean Jasper. The numerous "eyes" and intense coloration indicate that this material was from the early history of the mine - current production is much more tame and lackluster. The box is almost seamlessly matched on all sides. There is a black onyx interior and an inset gold plated brass hinge. Fine Italian craftsmanship is evident throughout and the box measures 7 1/8 x 4 1/4 x 1 5/8 inches.

BRECIATED RED JASPER BOX
Handcrafted in Italy
Stone source: Africa
Bright red and pink Jasper, with accents of orange, have been broken up by crystallized, colorless Quartz - providing a strong contrast to the vivid coloration. Worked from a single block of stone, the sides of this fine box have been seamlessly matched with the strongly patterned top. There is a black onyx interior and gold plated brass hinge. Well polished and in fine condition, this box measures 7 7/8 x 4 3/4 x 1 5/8 inches.

TRANSLUCENT AMETHYST BOX
Handcrafted in Italy
Stone source: Morocco
The strongly patterned Amethyst used to fashion this translucent box was mined years ago in Morocco and then spirited away to a master carver in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. It languished for years in his inventory until it was sold to the Italian master lapidary artist who created this fine box from a single block. All six sides show the growth patterns and phantoming of the Amethyst crystals in shades of deep purple, lilac and mauve. Each of the sides has been skillfully matched to the top and the bottom, and the box itself is translucent. Brightly polished, this unique box measures 5 7/8 x 3 3/4 x 2 1/16 inches. It has rounded edges and is complimented by an inset gold plated brass hinge. In excellent condition.

UNUSUAL ORBICULAR GRANITE BOX
Handcrafted in Italy
Stone source: Australia
Orbicular granite is found in only a few places in the world: Finland, Chile, Mexico and Western Australia - as seen in this unusual box. A very rare igneous rock type, it has strong concentric patterns in black, white and grey that contrast strongly with the light grey granite ground mass. A large, strongly defined orb has been centered in the box lid, surrounded by smaller orbs, making a dynamic statement. Created by a master Italian lapidary artist, it is flawlessly matched on all sides. Complemented by a black onyx interior and gold plated brass hinge, this box is in excellent condition and measures 8 5/8 x 5 5/8 x 2 5/8 inches.

"VECTOR EQUILIBRIUM"
Artist: Lawrence Stoller
Stone source: Brazil
Over the years, internationally recognized artist Lawrence Stoller has fashioned some of the most unique and striking lapidary constructions that the art world has ever seen. Single crystals of exceptional optical properties are studied, then carefully cut and polished to bring out their unearthly beauty. In this case; a very large blue Topaz crystal (14,755 carats) has been cut to showcase a single gem Spessartine garnet, suspended as if it was floating in air, in the lower center of this coolly crystalline work of art. The large back facet is designed to produce a glowing blue background that starkly contrasts with the Garnet. Additional facets are carefully arranged to produce an unearthly 'vanishing point' effect that is stunning in its own right. The Topaz is quite large at seven inches in height and four inches in depth. It is both supported and lit by a handmade bronze base that projects a beam of light upward into the Topaz, where it is re-directed to the observer. More than most Stoller works, this unique piece generates a strong feeling of an alien technology brought to Earth. This masterful sculpture measures 18 1/2 inches high on its base, is 7 3/4 inches wide and 7 1/4 inches deep from front to back.

POLISHED QUARTZ POINT ON CUSTOM LIT BASE WITH RHODOCHROSITE SLICE
Stone source: Brazil & Argentina
A water-clear polished Quartz point sits on top of a custom black stone base that lights up the crystal to reveal the floating veils and inclusions within the Quartz - creating an euthereal effect. At the bottom of this exceptional Quartz point is a distinct black phantom consisting of unidentified (Tourmaline?) needle inclusions. The base is furthered enhanced by the inset of a ruby-red Rhodochrosite slab from Argentina - which appears as a bright pink cloud structure floating in the dark depths of the black stone sky. Everything is very well polished and this lapidary sculpture measures 10 x 26½ x 8¾ inches.

CITRINE "FLAME" ON LIT STONE BASE
Stone source: Brazil
This Citrine 'flame' has been hand carved from a single block of rough - it has a very sensual form, is extremely well polished and comes up to a very sharp point. Mounted on a stone boulder pedestal, there is an internal light that lights up the flame. The smoothness of the Citrine is in stark contrast to the rough surface of the stone boulder. In excellent condition, overall measurements are 6½ x 17½ x 8 inches.

AMETHYST TABLE WITH WOOD CRADLE & GLASS TOP
Stone source: Brazil
The deep-purple crystals in this Amethyst table have excellent color, size and luster. Colorless scalenahedral Calcite crystals dot the interior of this very large geode, for additional contrast. The Agate exterior has been polished mirror bright, giving it a finished, contemporary look - something that is not normally done because of the amount of labor involved. Resting in a Brazilian hardwood cradle that supports a round glass top, this unusual table is in fine condition. The geode measures 39½ x 9¾ inches wide and 9½ inches tall; and the overall table measurements are 45¼ x 18¾ x 36 inches.

LARGE ROUND AMMONITE TABLE TOP
Agoniatites sp. & Orthoceras sp.,
Devonian (410 to 360 Million Years Ago)
Sahara Desert, Morocco
Constructed from a single fossil slab, this ammonite and orthoceras table top is a riot of form and color. Swirling patterns of brick red and grey matrix are punctuated by stark white ammonites with black, brown and grey suture patterning. There are six Agoniatites sp. ammonites measuring up to 9 1/2 inches and accompanied by their rod-straight Orthoceras cousins, up to 8 1/2 inches long. Strengthened by a masonite backing, this very large round table top is almost 5 feet in diameter at an impressive 57 1/2 inches. Well polished and in fine condition.

STRIKING FOSSIL TABLETOP
Agoniatites sp.
Devonian
Sahara Desert, near Talmud, Morocco
This striking tabletop has been sawn and polished from a single thick piece of fossiliferous marble over 400 million years old. Devonian marble from Morocco is prized for its decorative qualities, in no small part due to its proliferation of ammonite remains. At opposite corners of this slab, the black and white patterning of two striking specimens stands in strong contrast to the rest of the soft gray marble, itself swirling with dots and red-brown patterns like the gaseous clouds of some distant galaxy. Amongst this swirling expanse can also be discerned the ghostly traces of further ammonite remains, adding yet more character to this marvelous furnishing piece. The surface has been polished smooth and flush, with a lightly beveled edge, and measures 42½ x 23 5/8 inches.

INLAID FOSSIL TABLETOP
Agoniatites sp. and Orthoceras sp.
Devonian
Sahara Desert, near Talmud, Morocco
The center of this dramatic tabletop is composed of the stark monochrome fossiliferous marble bearing the remains of orthoceras cones, ancient ancestors of today's gastropods such as the squid. It is a striking centerpiece, outlined with brass banding, and perfectly framed by red-brown Devonian marble from the same region; this stone displays a multitude of ammonites and orthoceras cones, their ghostly outlines in some cases so frail as to give the whole plaque an impressionistic feel. The surface of this fine tabletop has been polished and brought to a lustrous finish, and it measures 39½ x 32 7/8 inches.

ONE OF THE LARGEST METEORITES FROM THE "WEST, TEXAS" FIREBALL OF SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH
L6
West, Texas
The basic facts are now well known. On Sunday morning, February 15th, a fireball streaking over a clear Texan sky was seen by countless witnesses from Austin to Dallas. While filming the Austin Marathon, a "News 8 Austin" cameraman happened to capture the meteorite's descent. Dozens of the world's foremost meteorite hunters happened to be in Tucson at the time and did a descent of their own on the town of West - approximately 15 miles north of Waco.

What is less well known is that this is the first meteorite shower to be captured on Doppler radar. The Doppler images provided meteorite hunters with the best clue where to look. Yet despite the efforts of dozens of professional and amateur hunters working tirelessly for weeks, just nine kilos of meteorites were ever recovered - an amount that barely fills an adult shoebox. The current offering is the fourth largest complete meteorite from this event known to exist.

Covered with hallmark black fusion crust (the result of being toasted by frictional heating while plunging through the atmosphere), this pristine meteorite has never been touched by human hands. It was first picked-up in a plastic bag, and gloves were used when fitting the meteorite during the fabrication of the custom armature that accompanies this offering. As a result of other broken specimens associated with this event, we know the meteorite's internal matrix is an ivory-cream hue with a sprinkling of metalflake and a scroll of filigree-like impact melt throughout (see lot #). Accompanied by a front-page newspaper article on this event and images of this meteorite's recovery. The Texan meteorite shower of 2009 is destined to be historic, and this is among its finest meteorites. 63 x 52 x 29 mm (2.5 x 2 x 1 inches) and 209.9 grams (½ pound).

NEW TEXAS METEORITE - COMPLETE "WEST, TEXAS" METEORITE FROM FEBRUARY 15TH METEORITE SHOWER
L6
West, Texas
Similar to the previous lot, yet more modestly sized. With 97% fusion crust, an image of this particular specimen appeared in newspapers and magazines throughout the world. Recovered by famed meteorite hunter Robert Ward; a distinguished example. 38 x 29 x 19 mm (1.5 x 1.1 x .75 inches) and 27.7 grams.

NEW TEXAS METEORITE - SMALL END PIECE OF "WEST, TEXAS" METEORITE SHOWER - INTERNAL STRUCTURE REVEALED
L6
West, Texas
Similar to the previous two lots, this meteorite was cut and polished to reveal the exquisite internal character of the meteorites that fell on West, Texas on February 15th. Covered with sought-after fusion crust except on the cut and polished face which reveals metalflake dispersed throughout an ivory matrix, and fine, articulated lines of impact melt - an extraterrestrial scroll-like webbing which resulted from a collision in outer space with another mass at a cosmic velocity of at least 10 miles per second. A splendid representation. 32 x 22 x 12 mm (1.25 x 0.9 x 0.5 inches) and 7.7 grams.

WELLS, THE RAREST OF ALL TEXAS METEORITES
LL3.3, Chondrite
Found 1985 near Wells, Texas, Identified 1996
Total Known Weight 4,135 grams
The incredible, February 15th, 2009, fireball over Waco, Texas caused a worldwide sensation with hundreds of global media outlets playing the video that a lucky reporter in Austin shot of the exploding fireball. Many meteorite hunters from all over the world rushed to the town of West, Texas when it was announced that pieces of the meteorite had been recovered, sparking a frenzied "Gold Rush" to find more of this extraterrestrial treasure.

A real rarity was found, however, in 1985 by farmer P. M. Sherrill in his grain field near Wells, an exceptionally rare LL3 type meteorite. Indeed this meteorite has a petrologic grade, assigned by Dr. Alan Rubin at UCLA, of 3.3, tied with St. Mary's County meteorite as having the lowest petrologic grade ever found in the entire Western Hemisphere. This very low petrologic grade literally means that the Wells meteorite has been virtually unaltered since the formation of the Solar System. Wells represents a "time capsule", preserving the moments at the inception, 4.565 billion years ago, of our Solar System, and which, clearly tells scientists the composition and environment of the first celestial bodies to be formed. Wells also contains carbonaceous inclusions which sample the composition of the proto-star that would become our Sun. Indeed, Wells is possibly the most scientifically important meteorite to have ever been found in America! This specimen is a partial slice from the main mass of Wells which is still held in a private collection. Very few museums and collectors in the world possess a sample of this very rare meteorite which exhibits the beautiful circular cross-sections of the unaltered reddish-gray, green and brown chondrules in profusion, along with the dark black carbonaceous inclusions from the Proto-Sun, and the gray background matrix which samples the original gaseous nebula from which our Solar System formed. Measures 65 x 42 x 8 mm thick (2.5 x 1.6 x .3 inches) and weighs 47 grams and has fusion crust present around one third of the edge.

ODESSA METEORITE - MAJESTIC IRON METEORITE FROM THE LONE STAR STATE
Iron, coarse octahedrite
Odessa, Texas
The British Museum of Natural History, the Field Museum in Chicago and the American Museum of Natural History in New York do not have an Odessa meteorite as large as the current offering. Originating in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, it was approximately 75,000 years ago that the Odessa meteorite entered Earth's atmosphere as a large fireball and broke up in flight, creating several craters in what is now a working Texas oilfield. The sculptural example now offered originates from the second most famous American impact event (the first being Meteor Crater, Arizona - see lots 41181 and 41182 ). Having weathered on Earth for thousands of years, this is the quintessence of a large Odessa iron meteorite. A wide seam runs the length of the left margin, with a wealth of furrows and ridges rendered in a deep gunmetal patina. A custom museum-display armature accompanies this dramatic representation from the largest meteorite shower to occur in Texas. An imposing, majestic example from a historic event. 331 x 219 x 147 mm (13 x 8.5 x 5.75 inches) and 21.8 kilograms (48 pounds).

ODESSA METEORITE - METEORITE NUGGETS
Iron, coarse octahedrite
Odessa, Texas
Similar to the previous lot, this is a collection of shiny Odessa fragments, most likely the result of a large "parent" mass rapidly spinning at the moment of atmospheric impact. As meteorites typically travel at a cosmic velocity of at least 7 miles/second before penetrating Earth's atmosphere, a rapidly spinning mass at the time of impact would account for the spalling of the small specimens now offered. An enchanting group of mini-meteorites. Average size of each specimen 3 x 2 x 1 mm; total weight 75 grams.

HENBURY METEORITE - END PIECE REVEALS THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF A FAMOUS AUSTRALIAN METEORITE
Iron IIIAB
Northern Territory, Australia
Falling to Earth approximately 5,000 years ago, Henbury is one of the great meteorite showers on record. Over the years, meteorites have periodically been found in the Henbury strewn field (the elliptical area in which a meteorite shower is strewn across Earth's surface) in Central Australia. First found in 1931 following reports of metal stones being used by Aborogines, more than one dozen distinct meteorite craters have been documented. This end piece features the quintessential internal and external structures of a Henbury meteorite.

The scalloped reverse is bathed in a muted oxidized patina, while the obverse has been cut to provide a reveal of its internal crystalline structure - a latticework only found in select iron meteorites. [When the planetary body from which this meteorite originated broke apart billions of years ago, the hot metallic core found few molecules in the vacuum of space to which it could transfer its heat, thus providing sufficient time - millions of years - for the molecules of the alloys kamacite and taenite to form their octahedral crystalline habit. As there is no other place other than the vacuum of space that can provide such an extended cooling curve, the presence of this pattern, known as a Widmanstätten pattern, is diagnostic in the identification of meteorites.] The medium octahedral banding seen here is to be contrasted with the fine octahedral matrix of Gibeons (see lots 41217 and 41218). Showcasing superior presentations of the interior and exterior of an iron meteorite; a most handsome example. 121 x 104 x 24 mm (4.75 x 4 x 1 inches) and 959 grams (2.1 pounds).

CAMPO DEL CIELO - CLASSIC IRON METEORITE
Iron, coarse octahedrite
Gran Chaco, Argentina
Almost 4000 year after its fiery descent to Earth, the Campo del Cielo meteorites were reported by Spanish explorers in Argentina in 1576. The first large meteorite on display at the British Museum of Natural History was a "Campo", and many other large masses from this fall are to be found in the finest museums throughout the world. This classic example is covered in the gently undulating contours of the characteristic regmaglypts - small thumbprint-like impressions in the fusion crust caused by burning and melting as the meteorite falls to Earth - although one section with deeper impressions seems almost to have been fashioned with deliberation to fit the right-hand thumb. The meteorite's fusion crust alternates in tone from a glossy dark gray gun metal color to soft matt areas, and is speckled throughout with attractive hints of rust-red and shining silvery highlights that afford a glimpse of the shimmering metal within. With an attractive, twisted form enlivened by a whimsical protrusion at one end, it measures approximately 7¼ x 6½ x 6¼ inches and weighs 23 lbs, 9 oz.

CANYON DIABLO METEORITE - NATURAL TABLETOP SCULPTURE FROM THE BEST PRESERVED METEORITE CRATER ON EARTH
Iron, coarse octahedrite
Meteor Crater, Coconino County, Arizona
Meteorites do not typically look like this unusual thunderbolt-like example. This offering originated in the asteroid belt, like most meteorites, but approximately 45,000 years ago this meteorite was part of an errant asteroid that plowed into the Arizona desert with the force of more than 100 atomic bombs. While fragments were ejected more than 11 miles away from the point of impact, the main mass vaporized, creating the most famous and best-preserved meteorite crater in the world - the renowned "Meteor Crater" near Winslow, Arizona -nearly one mile across and 600 feet deep. Canyon Diablo ("Canyon of the Devil") is the quintessential American meteorite, prized by museums and private collectors everywhere. This unusually elongated specimen features a bright patina with soft ridges and a smoothly textured surface. Accompanied by a custom armature and Macovich Collection provenance. 244 x 77 x 109 mm (9.5 x 3 x 4.25 inches) and 2977 grams (6.5 pounds)

CANYON DIABLO METEORITE - THE QUINTESSENTIAL AMERICAN METEORITE - FLANGE-LIKE SPECIMEN WITH NATURAL PATINA
Iron, coarse octahedrite
Meteor Crater, Coconino County, Arizona
Similar to the previous lot...yet somewhat more diminutive. Canyon Diablo meteorites are not known for possessing rich patinas, and this exception is rendered in mango to cocoa earth-tones. From the most famous astrobleme (a blemish created by an asteroid impact) on Earth, and originating from the asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars, this fine representation is at the intersection of outer space and Americana. 132 x 73 x 29 mm (5.25 x 2.75 x 1 inches) and 555.3 grams (1.2 pounds)

CANYON DIABLO METEORITE - FROM METEOR CRATER, ARIZONA
Iron, Coarse Octahedrite
Canyon Diablo (Devil's Canyon)
Coconino County, Arizona
The largest and best known meteorite impact crater on the planet is found near Winslow, Arizona. Called "Meteor Crater", it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in America, and the source of this fine and aesthetic meteorite. Approximately 50,000 years ago, this specimen was part of a very large meteoroid that exploded over the Arizona desert with a force of over 100 large atomic bombs creating a gigantic crater over 600 feet deep. The explosion was caused by thermal instability, whereby the tremendous heat, generated by friction as the meteoroid passed through our atmosphere at cosmic velocity, could no longer be dissipated by melting and ablation of the nickel-iron surface of the mass, or by thermal radiation from the surface of the meteoroid. When the heat build-up reached a critical state, there was a sudden, catastrophic release of energy, an explosion, which vaporized the entire mass of the meteoroid. In an instant, over 98.5% of the mass of the meteoroid was converted to a cloud or mist of hot nickel-iron gas and droplets which precipitated as microscopic metal spheres fell to the ground in a white-hot rain of death. Only a few percent of the mass, from the surface of the meteoroid, remained intact as metallic nickel-iron shrapnel and were ejected as much as 11 miles away from the crater. This specimen is one of these rare unvaporized remnants of this cosmic catastrophe. An excellent lustrous example with sharp angular edges, measuring 3 1/2 x 2 3/4 x 1 3/4 inches and weighing 697 grams (1 1/2 pounds).

MUONIONALUSTA METEORITE - SHARK'S TOOTH FROM OUTER SPACE
Iron, fine octahedrite
Kiruna, Norrbotten, Northern Sweden
Meteorites almost never look like this singularly-shaped example. Smooth, perfectly tapered and a naturally abstract objet d'art is not the way iron meteorites are typically described. Further, this anomalous example is nearly the perfect evocation of a tooth from a megalodon, a monstrous prehistoric shark (see lot 41286 ), the largest carnivorous fish to have existed. The unusual morphology of this meteorite has everything to do with the earthly locality at which it was found. Muonionalusta is located in northern Sweden above the Arctic Circle. While meteorite hunters have unearthed several masses in recent years, it was in 1906 that children discovered the first Muonionalusta while engaging in a favorite childhood pastime: kicking rocks - and striking something surprisingly dense which was later verified to be an iron meteorite. When you cut through a Muonionalusta meteorite, the internal crystalline structure enthralls. Its fine octahedral matrix is very similar to that of a Gibeon meteorite (see lots 41217 and 41218 ). While the pattern is a function of the meteorite's composition and the cooling rate in outer space, this meteorite's shape is due to its immersion in moving water and repeated glaciation over a period of many thousands of years. In fact, estimated to have been on Earth for 800,000 years, Muonionalusta meteorites are among Earth's oldest known meteorites. The smooth surface of the current example is accented by a dappled ebony and ochre patina characteristic of the finest Muonionalustas. This highly aesthetic abstract sculpture from outer space packs quite a bite. Accompanied by a custom armature and a Macovich Collection provenance - the finest collection of aesthetic iron meteorites in the world. 205 x 193 x 88 mm (8 x 7.5 x 3.5 inches) and 8.37 kilograms (18.5 pounds).

MUONIONALUSTA END SECTION
Iron, Fine (IVA) octahedrite
Kiruna, Norrbotten, Northern Sweden
Although it was first discovered by a pair of children in 1906 (with oral reports of a lost specimen from 1870 or so), and a second specimen recovered only in 1946, the Muonionalusta meteorite is believed to have fallen over 800,000 years ago. This marvelous end piece displays the best of both worlds: much of the surface is covered in the rough metallic fusion crust, formed by the intense heat and velocity of the meteorite's fiery descent through the Earth's atmosphere, but where it has been sliced, the flat surface was etched with nitric acid to reveal the strange Widmänstatten patterns characteristic of iron octahedrites. This intermeshed pattern of lines in different shades of silvery gray is formed by a lattice of kamacite and taenite, two otherworldly nickel-iron alloys. Count Alois von Beckh Widmanstatten was an Austrian printer and scientist who discovered the extraterrestrial phenomenon in 1808 whilst heating an iron meteorite. Although he did not publish his findings, communicating them only via word of mouth, he was given full credit and the honor of their being named after him. In fact, these patterns had already been discovered by G. Thomson, an English geologist working in Palermo who had actually published his findings four years earlier, but only rarely are these referred to as Thomson patterns. This excellent specimen shows particularly good definition and three-dimensionality to the patterning, and measures 3 7/8 x 2 5/8 x 1¾ inches, weighing in at 979 grams (2.158 pounds).

MUONIONALUSTA SLICE
Iron, Fine (IVA) octahedrite
Kiruna, Norrbotten, Northern Sweden
Believed to have impacted the Earth over 800,000 years ago, only a handful of these mysterious meteorites have been recovered since its initial discovery in 1906. Searches for the impact crater from the original shower have been in vain; the site where these specimens are found is in a remote area of northern Sweden, well into the Arctic Circle, but it is generally assumed that they were transported there by glacial action from the original, ancient strewnfield. The fragments are few and far between and almost always buried, and so must be located with specialized metal detectors. To add to the difficulty, Swedish law dictates that a license must be obtained for use of a metal detector, and then those pieces buried in the perma-frost must be excavated by hand. Not only are specimens therefore rather rare, but the Muonionalusta is also significant as the first iron meteorite in which stishovite was found, a rare and extremely hard silicon dioxide polymorph of quartz that is formed by very high shock pressure, such as the hypervelocity of a meteorite impact. Presented in a slice such as this, the classic Widmanstätten patterns are wonderfully visible; characteristic of iron meteorites they form an unearthly metallic grid in shimmering shades of gray and silver, comprising two forms of extraterrestrial nickel-iron, kamacite and taenite. Rarity and difficulty of recovery make these specimens uncommon on the market, and the present example is of a good size, measuring 9 5/8 x 6 7/8 inches on a wood and metal display stand.
Chemical analysis: apart from an 8.42% nickel content, these meteorites are known (so far) to contain Akaganeite (Fe O OH), Daubreelite (Fe2 CR3 S4), Gersdorffite (Ni As S), Goethite (Fe3 (OH)), Iron (Fe), Kamacite (Fe Ni), Lepidocrocite (Fe O (OH), Magnetite (Fe Fe2 O4), Stishovite (SiO2), Taenite (Fe Ni) and Troilite (Fe S). The high nickel content galvanizes the iron to some extent, which aids immensely in the meteorites' survival for so long under conditions highly favorable to rusting.

A HUGE FULL SLICE OF A MOON ROCK
NWA 2995 (NWA=Northwest Africa)
Lunar Feldspathic Breccia
Lunar Meteorite with a Total Known Weight of 538 grams
Algeria - Found 2005
This specimen is a slice of a beautiful, very fresh, feldspathic fragmental breccia that contains many FHT (Feldspathic Highlands Terrain) fine-grained rock types including norite, olivine basalt, gabbro and others.
This meteorite comes from the lunar highlands which cover 84% of the Moon's surface. This type of lunar meteorite is produced by shock-welding lunar soil - Shock-welding is caused by the impact of a large meteorite nearby which, much like a nuclear weapon, releases massive amounts of heat energy (thermal radiation) and shock waves. Shock-welding occurs when the impact is far enough away that no direct melting occurs, and only the massive shock wave crushes and compresses the rock or regolith (lunar surface soil) together, creating a new rock, very much like making a snowball by squeezing the snow between one's hands. The incredible pressures generated by these nuclear weapon-strength impacts regularly produced very large zones of shock-welded material which, then, had to be blasted into space by an even larger impact in order to get to Earth. This particular lunar meteorite is composed of multiple types of rock from at least four generations of impact events which successively blasted the lunar surface rock apart and re-welded it into a new breccia - repeated at least four times. There is some impact or thermal melting as well as shock-melting in pockets and veins. The source of the material for the breccia was not regolith, but deeper fragmented lunar soil with no exposure to the solar wind or cosmic rays. Because the source rocks for the lunar soil are from the highlands, only the oldest and more common lunar rock types are usually represented with ages of approximately 4.2 - 4.3 billion years old. This gorgeous slice has the added attraction of being virtually indistinguishable from an actual Apollo Mission moon rock with its large white anorthosite fragments being offset by the dark gray and black background matrix. This slice has a larger surface area than any lunar meteorite in any US museum or university collection. It also has a rind of desirable fusion crust on half of the edge. A superb, museum-worthy, eye-catching lunar meteorite! This slice has a very large surface area for the weight and measures 50 x 28 x 1 mm thick and weighs 4.70 grams.

SMALL PARTIAL SLICE OF THE MOON
NWA 2995 Lunar Meteorite
Lunar Feldspathic Breccia
Algeria - Found 2005
Similar to the previous lot, this partial slice is from the same mass and possesses the same beautiful character. Measures 12 x 8 x .8 mm thick and weighs .3442 grams.

A SLICE OF A MARTIAN METEORITE
DAG 1037, Basaltic Shergottite
Dar al Gani, Sahara Desert, Libya
Discovered 1999
This meteorite, identified and described in The Meteoritical Bulletin in 2004, is probably one of the most important Martian meteorites ever discovered because it contains large shock-melt veins, gas vesicles, and shock-altered olivine, indicating that it was very close to, if not precisely at, the impact site of the asteroid believed to be the source of most of the Martian meteorites as described above. The basalt (iron and magnesium-rich cooled lava) composition of this meteorite proves that there was active vulcanism on Mars 474 million years ago which means that Mars was not a dead planet like the Moon. Indeed, the early Martian atmosphere was much thicker, warmer, wetter and possibly capable of sustaining life! The lovely green color is reminiscent of fine spinach jade with black, shock-altered olivine crystals pleasingly interspersed throughout the matrix. A large black shock-melt vein runs diagonally across the edge of the slice and has numerous gas vesicles filled with micro crystals. Shock-melting and veins are caused by huge shock waves or gravitational shear, where solid rock instantly liquefies, in veins where the greatest stresses build up within a rock body, during a cataclysmic event such as a meteoroid impact. This attractive specimen measures 32 x 23 x 1.5 mm thick and weighs 1.81 grams.

AN EXCELLENT COMPACT SLICE OF A MARTIAN METEORITE
DAG 476, Basaltic Shergottite
Dar al Gani, Sahara Desert, Libya
Discovered May 1, 1998
In 1999, the Max Planck Institute in Germany made absolute, incontrovertible scientific determination of the origin of this meteorite. It was one of the very first Martian meteorites identified by the newly developed techniques necessary to absolutely determine the planetary origin of meteorites. It was found by a German team of intrepid meteorite hunters who believed that concerted efforts to search the hot deserts of our planet would yield a large number of new meteorites. They were right! The present specimen is a gorgeous spinach-green thin slice with black olivine phenocrysts interspersed throughout the matrix. This lovely little slice could even be used to make a fantastic and unique piece of jewelry. Measures 16 x 13 x 1.5 mm thick and weighs 1.05 grams.

AN ANGRITE - A METEORITE POSSIBLY FROM MERCURY
NWA 2934 - A New and Possibly Unique Angrite
Algeria - Discovered 2004
Angrites are an exceptionally rare type of achondrite meteorite and are from a parent body much closer to the Sun than Earth. They were formed as the result of a very large impact which penetrated to the mantle of the parent body and mixed crust and mantle materials along with the impact body, thought to be a very large iron meteorite, resulting in the unique characteristics that only Angrites possess. Several mineralogical and structural characteristics point to Mercury as the origin for the Angrites, but the evidence is insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mercury is the parent body. Thus, we can only hope that more of these exotic and extremely rare meteorites are found so that the source body can one day be definitively identified. Angrites are rarer than meteorites from the Moon or Mars and are likely the rarest and most desired class of meteorite from any large asteroid or planet.
This specimen is characterized by large polygonal grains of anorthite (purple and gray), shocked olivine (black) and spinel (ruby red and orange contai ned in a fine-grained matrix. This meteorite is quite beautiful in thin sections or reflected light with the ruby and orange colored grains of spinel standing out in sharp contrast to the other minerals. Indeed, this very thin slice will transmit light through the spinel crystals. A very interesting, attractive and exceptionally rare meteorite sample! The specimen represented here is a full slice measuring 22 x 21 x .5 mm thick and weighing 1.16 grams.

ALLENDE METEORITE - END PIECE CONTAINS THE OLDEST MATTER THAT CAN BE TOUCHED - TRUE "STARDUST"
Carbonaceous-CV3
Chihuahua, Mexico
Allende, the most studied meteorite in the world, contains interstellar particles that are believed to have formed during an explosion of a super nova prior to the formation of our solar system. The white calcium-aluminum inclusions (CAIs) seen here are among the earliest materials to have condensed out of the hot nebular gasses that initiated the formation of the planets. In effect, the CAIs are aggregates of primitive "stardust"- the oldest matter mankind can ever touch -and Allende is among the few meteorites to contain such particles. This specimen was part of the meteorite shower that descended on Chihuahua, Mexico on February 8, 1969. Its light charcoal matrix is loaded with CAIs, spherical chondrules and myriad other inclusions. The reverse is a naturally fractured, non-fusion encrusted surface. This is a superb example of what is inarguably one of the most scientifically important meteorite showers in history: more than one hundred scientific papers have been devoted to the study of Allende. 84 x 54 x 5 mm (3.3 x 2.1 x 0.2 inches) and 51.9 grams.

RARE CARBONACEOUS CHONDRITE METEORITE - THE OLDEST KNOWN MATTER
NWA 3118
CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite
Sahara Desert, Discovered 2003
Carbonaceous Chondrites are very rare by virtue of the fact that they seem to sample the original Solar Nebula at a very early stage of our Solar System and their elemental composition closely approximates that of the Sun. In addition, the CV3's contain CAI's or Calcium Aluminum Inclusions which are the very large cream to white, cloud-like structures present in large numbers in this exceptional specimen. CAI's formed just after the explosion of the supernova responsible for the gravity collapse which started the formation of our Solar System. These CAI's were the first matter to condense after the nova out of our solar nebula and were later incorporated into the accretion masses that condensed out of the proto-planetary disc which formed around the Sun. These particles existed before the formation of our Solar System and thus, they are the oldest matter known in any meteorite! Probable ages of around 4.571 billion years plus are associated with CAI's. In addition to the numerous CAI's in this specimen, there are huge numbers of very densely packed and nearly perfectly formed chondrules, attesting to this meteorite's nearly pristine unchanged condition since the creation of our Solar System. The chondrules run the gamut of colors from violet-blue to gray to orange, to olive green to brown to reddish yellow oxide, with some having blue centers with different colored rims. Some of the CAI's are huge, measuring up to 13 mm across. An incredible, gorgeous and scientifically important specimen measuring 118 x 98 mm (4.6 x 3.8 inches) and weighing 199 grams. This end piece is the largest known specimen by surface area of this rare meteorite.

GUJBA - AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE CARBONACEOUS CHONDRITE METEORITE
CBa Carbonaceous Bencubbinite
Fell April 3, 1984 @ 18:30 local time
Yobe, Nigeria
Bencubbinites are Carbonaceous Chondrites just like the previous listing, but have one important distinction: They did not condense out of the Solar Nebula like other members of this group; instead, an impact on an undifferentiated, carbonaceous chondritic proto-planetary body resulted in a vapor plume with high enough partial pressures to generate metal-enriched gas. Differential condensation, according to boiling point, then occurred in space, resulting in a cloud of liquid metal globules and silicate globules. Density sorting concentrated the metal remainder and depleted the silicate remainder, which then was quench-cooled below the melting point and accreted at cold temperatures, resulting in a metal rich Carbonaceous Chondrite with huge spherical structures resembling chondrules and no evidence of metamorphism at the globule boundaries. Lead isotope dating of Gujba yields and age of 4.563 billion years showing that the cataclysmic collision on the carbonaceous body occurred about 2 million years after the formation of the Solar System. Gujba is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful meteorites in the world with its huge brecciated silicate and metal globules and dark fragment-rich matrix. The Silicates possess reddish oxide and cream, gray, red, black and brown colors which, when contrasted with the bright metal spheroids, create a gorgeous, unique appearance matched by no other meteorite in the world. A superb slice of this very rare and scientifically important meteorite. Measures 38 x 30 mm (1.5 x 1.2 inches) and weighs 20.6 grams.

CHIANG KHAN METEORITE - EXOTIC ORIENTED METEORITE FROM THAILAND
H5
Chiang Khan, Loei, Thailand
For the sophisticated collector, this is a noteworthy offering. In the July 1989 issue of Mineralogy and Petrology, an abstract on Thailand's Chiang Khan meteorite shower begins: "In the early morning of 18th November, 1981, a meteorite flight was observed at Prachuap Khirikhan, to the Southwest of Bangkok, Thailand, where shock wave sounds were also heard. The meteorite fell at a low angle at 5:30 am at Chiang Khan, Loei, Thailand, near the border with Laos." It was a small meteorite shower, and one small meteorite pelted a fisherman while aboard his boat. In the Meteoritical Bulletin, the scientific journal of record, the total known weight of Chiang Khan was reported to be only 367 grams (less than one pound) spread over three-dozen different meteorites. Chiang Khan meteorites are, like most chondrites, composed of olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, nickel-iron, troilite, chromite and plagioclase. What sets the current offering apart, however, is rather notable: it's among the finest oriented meteorites known to exist.

Unlike most meteorites, this meteorite did not tumble as it descended through Earth's atmosphere. Largely as a result of the distribution of its mass, it simply plunged to Earth. The parabolic "heat shield" curvature seen here was naturally sculpted by frictional heating with Earth's atmosphere - some of the hottest temperatures found in the natural world. A large portion of this meteorite either vaporized or ablated off its edges. The curve in evidence is the most efficient angle in nature at which heat deflects from a falling object, and NASA engineers copied this curve from other oriented meteorites when designing the heat shields for the first manned space capsules. (See lot 41206 to contrast this specimen's appearance with a more typical morphology). With a thick layer of fusion crust, and highly evocative of an australite, this is a singular meteorite from an exotic locale, and a prestigious addition to any collection. 26 x 26 x 21 mm (1 x 1 x .75 inches) and 27.4 grams.
Provenance: the Macovich Collection-the finest collection of aesthetic meteorites in the world.

TALAMPAYA - PARTIAL SLICE OF RARE PATAGONIAN EUCRITE ORIGINATING FROM THE ASTEROID VESTA
Eucrite - AEUC
Patagonia, Argentina
The headlines in the newspaper declared "New York City Marathon Results in Rare Meteorite Recovery." On November 10, 1997, the American Museum of Natural History confirmed that a most unusual rock an Argentine marathoner brought with him to New York prior to competing in the New York City Marathon was a rare eucrite (see lot 41197) - and a stunningly beautiful example. The marathoner acquired the meteorite from a mountain climber, who while climbing several years earlier in Patagonia was nearly blasted off a cliff by the pressure wave created by the meteorite's punching through Earth's atmosphere. The climber recovered the meteorite, yet was sufficiently rattled that he felt compelled to take an extended vow of silence. Unlike most meteorites, eucrites have a known address; scientists believe they originated from the asteroid Vesta. The milky-white matrix contrasts strikingly against this eucrite's characteristic "burnt sugar" fusion crust. With a total known weight of only 1400 grams - and the largest specimen in New York's American Museum of Natural History, this is a rare offering of a partial slice of Talampaya. 48 x 42 x 2 mm (1.9 x 1.6 x 0.1 inches) and 15.2 grams.

MILLBILLILLIE METEORITE - FROM THE ASTEROID VESTA
Eucrite - AEUC
Wiluna District, Western Australia
Extensive research points to the asteroid Vesta - at 550 kilometers in diameter, among the largest asteroids - as the parent body of this rare calcium-rich meteorite that fell in Australia's Outback in October 1960. Both this and the previous lot are among the few meteorites that come from a known address. In the early 70's, only after aborigines left their government subsidized jobs in the citrus fields to earn more collecting meteorites, was Millbillillie widely recovered. The current offering is an archetypal example of both Millbillillie and a eucrite (an achondrite primarily composed of igneous material). This diamond-shaped specimen is wrapped in the glossy "burnt sugar" fusion crust characteristic of calcium-rich eucrites. A vivid accent is provided by an unusual feature, the desert soil line, rendered as a bright ochre band which bonded into the meteorite's calcium crust. If one examines the crust more closely, evidence of the meteorite's plunge through the atmosphere is richly evident. Multiple lipping is conspicuously visible, and additional layering with cascading flow lines provide further substantiation of the superheating this meteorite experienced while plunging through Earth's atmosphere. Embodying a eucrite's most exquisite qualities, this is an exemplary example of a fabled Australian meteorite. 89 x 64 x 51 mm (3.5 x 2.5 x 2 inches) and 317.1 grams (0.7 pounds).

NINGQIANG METEORITE - RARE AND EXOTIC CHINESE CARBONACEOUS CHONDRITE WITH FUSION CRUST
Carbonaceous - CKANOM
Shanxi, China
Ningqiang is the world's only meteorite classified "CK-Anomalous" (Carbonaceous Karoonda type); it is also China's only carbonaceous chondrite, making Ningqiang doubly rare and all-the-more desirable to both the scientist and collector alike. Only four fragments with a total weight of 4.6 kg were recovered from the Ningqiang fall that occurred on June 25th, 1983 of which more than one kilogram is unaccounted. Following an exchange with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Macovich Collection supplied several of the world's most esteemed research institutions (The Smithsonian, The Natural History Museum in London, etc.) with this exotic and exceedingly difficult to obtain meteorite. The obverse exhibits a charcoal-gray matrix filled with various clasts and prominent CAIs - the oldest matter mankind can ever touch. The reverse is covered with fusion crust. For meteorite cognoscenti, this is a choice example of an exotic and rarely available meteorite. 25 x 19 x 12 mm (1 x 0.75 x 0.5 inches) and 10.06 grams.

IMILAC METEORITE - LARGE COMPLETE SLICE OF A METEORITE WITH PERIDOT FROM OUTER SPACE
PAL - Pallasite
Atacama Desert, Chile
Strikingly beautiful, pallasitic meteorites are the most sought-after meteorites, and this large complete slice amply reveals why specimens of Imilac are among the most coveted. All pallasitic meteorites - less than 1% of all meteorites - originate from the boundary between the stony mantle and molten iron core of a planetary body that broke apart during the formation of our solar system (whose remnants today are collectively referred to as the asteroid belt). Nothing naturally occurs on Earth that resembles this material. The olivine crystals seen here are the result of small chunks of stony mantle becoming suspended in molten nickel-iron which slowly cooled and crystallized over a million years in the vacuum of outer space. Imilac occasionally contains - as does this dazzling example - gem-quality olivine or peridot, the birthstone of August.
This specimen has the archetypal dispersion of Imilac olivine crystals, and a complete rim of fusion crust. Found in the Atacama Desert in Chile - the highest desert on Earth - the source material is now thoroughly exhausted. It is now extremely difficult to obtain large complete slices of what is inarguably the most resplendent extraterrestrial material known. This is an outstanding example of an exquisite meteorite. 261 x 174 x 3 mm (10.3 x 6.8 x 0.1 inches) and 706 grams (1.5 pounds).
Provenance: Macovich Collection of Meteorites.

IMILAC METEORITE - OTTHERWORLDLY MOSAIC - SLICE OF A METEORITE WITH SPACE GEMS
PAL - Pallasite
Atacama Desert, Chile
Similar to the previous lot, this is a complete slice of the Imilac pallasite, among the most sought-after of all meteorites. Originating from the mantle-core boundary of a planetary body that broke apart during the formation of our solar system, the olivine and peridot crystals seen here are the most resplendent gems on Earth from outer space. With a complete rim of fusion crust. 143 x 89 x 2 mm (5.6 x 3.5 x 0.1 inches) and 70.1 grams.

IMILAC METEORITE - END PIECE WITH SPACE GEMS - INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF AN EXOTIC METEORITE REVEALED
PAL - Pallasite
Atacama Desert, Chile
Similar to the previous two lots, Imilac meteorite specimens are showcased in the world's greatest natural history museums and it's not difficult to see why. The example offered here provides a fascinating display of the interior and exterior surfaces of this exotic meteorite found in Chile's Atacama Desert. Cut and polished to a mirror finish, gleaming olivine crystals in hues ranging from chartreuse to orange are scattered throughout a lustrous metallic matrix. This example also contains peridot (birthstone of August).The reverse is bathed in a milk chocolate hued patina studded with persimmons colored crystals with voids and pockets where crystals had melted-out of the matrix during the meteorite's fiery descent to Earth. With a Macovich Collection provenance, this is a dramatic example of the interior and exterior of an exquisite meteorite; compelling from any angle in any orientation. 133 x 97 x 13 mm (5.25 x 3.8 x 0.5 inches) and 398.3 grams (0.9 pounds).

SIKHOTE-ALIN METEORITE - METEORITE WITH NATURAL HOLE FROM THE LARGEST METEORITE SHOWER OF THE LAST SEVERAL THOUSAND YEARS
Iron, coarse octahedrite
Maritime Territory, Siberia
The next four lots originate from what was among the most frightening natural phenomena ever experienced: the largest meteorite shower since the dawn of civilization. According to eyewitness accounts, the sky appeared on fire while seemingly unzipping apart, a nightmarish vision further punctuated by terrifying sonic detonations. It was at 10.30 AM on February 12, 1947 that the sky was briefly ablaze above Siberia's Sikhote-Alin Mountains. Craters were created, trees were impaled, yet miraculously, no one was injured, as the impact area was largely unpopulated. This is a choice, animated specimen from this historic event which features a much-desired naturally formed hole. The aerodynamically formed regmaglypts (thumbprints) and the perforation itself are proof that this specimen experienced an extended solitary descent to Earth (unlike the next lot), sculpted by Earth's upper atmosphere by temperatures hotter than surface of the sun (~10,000° F). A charming artifact from an Earth-shaking event. 39 x 34 x 24 mm (1.5 x 1.3 x 1 inches) and 85.1 grams.

SIKHOTE-ALIN METEORITE - DIAMOND-SHAPED END PIECE REVEALS THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FEATURES OF HISTORIC IRON METEORITE
Iron, coarse octahedrite
Maritime Territory, Siberia, Russia
The current offering also originates from the largest meteorite shower since the dawn of civilization (see previous description) - and it's fortuitous it occurred in Siberia quite far from civilization. This specimen was ripped from a larger mass by the colossal force of having slammed into Earth's atmosphere at a cosmic velocity of ~14 miles a second. The rhombic shape is the result of a larger mass having been splintered along its crystalline planes in a low altitude explosion; (if it were an upper altitude explosion, the specimen would exhibit the thumbprints seen in the following lot). The reverse features the fluted exterior surface while the obverse has been cut and etched to reveal its internal structure: a coarse octahedral Widmanstätten pattern - a crystalline matrix whose appearance is diagnostic in the identification of iron meteorites. This pattern forms as a result of there being few molecules in the vacuum of outer space to which a hot object can dissipate heat, so molten iron can remain warm in space for a million years or more - which is precisely what is required for the molecules of taenite and kamacite, two nickel-iron alloys, to orient into their crystalline habit. The cut surface also reveals Neumann bands, the result of an extraordinary collision in outer space that was more immense than its collision with Earth. A captivating example of a cataclysmic event frozen in time, from the most terrifying meteorite shower of modern times. 109 x 79 x 34 mm (4.25 x 3 x 1.25 inches) and 439.1 grams (1 pound).

SIKHOTE-ALIN METEORITE - NATURAL SCULPTURE FROM OUTER SPACE
Iron, coarse octahedrite
Maritime Territory, Siberia, Russia
Similar to the previous 2 lots, this highly decorative meteorite originates from the massive Siberian meteorite shower of February 1947. The monumental forces exerted on this meteorite as it rocketed through Earth's atmosphere are amply evident: blanketed with fusion crust and scores of fresh regmaglypts (the aerodynamic thumbprints which result from its fiery plunge through Earth's atmosphere), this wing-shaped meteorite was shorn from a larger mass before its solo descent to Earth, as revealed by having split along a flat crystalline plane as seen on the reverse. This meteorite is also somewhat oriented (it largely drifted to Earth without much tumbling as exhibited by the far smoother surface character also seen on the reverse). This captivating kinetic vision is burnished in a bright patina with chrome highlights. Accompanied by a custom armature, and from the Macovich Collection, this is a most graceful sculptural object particularly when considering the event from which it originates. 155 x 129 x 63 mm (6 x 5 x 2.5 inches) and 1849 grams (4 pounds).

SIKHOTE-ALIN METEORITE - EXCEPTIONAL EXAMPLE OF NOSE CONE ORIENTATION
Iron, coarse octahedrite
Maritime Territory, Siberia
The final Sikhote-Alin meteorite in this offering is a prized and fascinating example of an oriented meteorite. (Unlike the vast majority of meteorites, oriented meteorites "plunge" to Earth and maintain a single point of entry through the atmosphere; they do not tumble or change their vertical axis during descent). As one might imagine, such meteorites end up looking rather different as a result - and few look more exotic than the example now offered. Unlike most meteorites of this type, this specimen does not possess flow lines, but it does possess a lip around the meteorite's circumference where material melted and ablated off the edge. The "dark side" of the meteorite (pictured) is flat and the telltale bubbling of molten material in what was the low-pressure area during the meteorite's descent is richly evident. The parabolic curve on the leading edge of this specimen (not pictured) is the optimum angle at which heat is deflected most efficiently during atmospheric entry; this same angle was emulated by scientists while studying other oriented meteorites in the heat shield design of the first manned space capsules. From the largest meteorite shower of the last several millennia, this is a most engaging, well-balanced celestial cargo. 54 x 41 x 31 mm (2.1 x 1.6 x 1.25 inches) and 280 grams (½ pound).

LAS PALMAS METEORITE - COMPLETE MELON-SIZED IRON METEORITE
Iron meteorite
Las Palmas, Paraguay
Found near the strewn field of the famous Campo del Cielo ("Valley of the Sky") meteorite shower in Argentina. Las Palmas meteorites were initially thought to be part of the Campo del Cielo event, but researchers have determined otherwise: this was a completely separate meteorite shower, and meteorites originating from the Las Palmas area possess a different - and typically superior - surface character than their Campo counterparts. With a dusky platinum patina, bright chrome highlights and a textured surface, further accented with fine dimpling, this is a superior example of an iron meteorite. 177 x 119 x 128 mm (7 x 4.75 x 5 inches) and 5189 grams (11.4 pounds).

LAS PALMAS METEORITE - PALM-SIZED METEORITE
Iron Meteorite
Las Palmas, Paraguay
Similar to the previous lot, but pocket-sized. Found two hundred miles east of what was thought to be limit of the Campo del Cielo strewn field, Las Palmas meteorites are considerably more lively than their Campo counterparts - and the current example more lively than most. Three depressions on this softly triangular specimen evokes a feint anthropomorphic scream. 109 x 65 x 41 mm (4.25 x 2.5 x 1.6 inches) and 679.9 grams (1.5 pounds).

MORASKO METEORITE - EMINENT, IMPOSING SILICATED IRON METEORITE FROM EASTERN EUROPE
IAB - Silicated Iron
Poznan, Poland
Not quite as sizable an event as that at Meteor Crater, Arizona, the officially designated Morasko Meteorite Nature Preserve is nonetheless an important Eastern European locality. Seven meteorite craters have been identified outside the town of Morasko, Poland - five of which contain small lakes. In 1914, during World War I, the first meteorite was discovered by German soldiers constructing a military fortification. Since that time many other masses have been recovered including this example - among the most aesthetic Morasko meteorites known. Unlike the vast majority of nondescript Morasko masses, the example now offered is otherwise endowed. Regmaglypts and fusion crust, the aerodynamic features acquired by a meteorite during its descent to Earth, and rarely seen in Moraskos, are richly evident. In addition, a deep gunmetal patina with platinum highlights blanket the meteorite's highly textured surface.

It is unusual to acquire meteorites associated with impact craters, as most craters have eroded over the millennia, and this is one of four examples in this sale. Moreover, Morasko is classified as a IAB meteorite - it is a rare silicated iron (see the following lot). The exotic internal structure of this particular specimen should never be seen, however, as this is an exemplary complete meteorite from the Morasko event. 206 x 155 x 69 mm (8.1 x 6.1 x 2.75 inches) and 5272 grams (11.6 pounds).
Provenance: Macovich Collection.

COMPLETE SLICE OF A NEW SILICATED IRON METEORITE -INTERIOR CRYSTALLINE STRUCTURE OF AN EXOTIC METEORITE REVEALED
Silicated Iron, IAB
Algeria
Silicated iron meteorites are basically iron meteorites with large silicate inclusions. Less than 1% of all meteorites are silicated irons - one of the rarer subgroups on record. The mass from which this slice originated was recently discovered in southern Algeria by nomadic Berbers and is as yet unnamed - a situation to be shortly remedied by scientists on the Meteoritical Society's Nomenclature Committee. Very few iron meteorite meteorites have ever been found in the Sahara; it is believed nomadic tribesmen recovered them over the generations to manufacture implements or for barter. Featuring the signature formica-like appearance of the finest silicated irons, this complete slice showcases angular silicate inclusions embedded throughout its crystalline matrix. This is a superb complete slice of an exotic, newly recovered meteorite. 179 x 141 x 3 mm (7 x 5.5 x 0.1 inches) and 291.7 grams (2/3 pounds)

AN EXCEPTIONAL LARGE ORIENTED STONE METEORITE
M882, a Probable L6 or H6 Chondrite
Western Sahara Desert, Discovered 2008
Northwest Africa
Among the most prized specimens sought-out by meteorite collectors are flight-orientated specimens. Typically these specimens will have a pyramidal nose-cone shape due to the melting and ablation of melted material and spalling-off of small chunks from high stress areas (i.e. the most heated) during their fiery descent through our atmosphere. During this spectacular process, a meteoroid can tumble or can assume a semi-aerodynamic orientation which minimizes friction and wind resistance. The most aerodynamic flight orientation would be with the narrowest point of the stone pointed down in the direction of flight with the mass of the meteorite equally distributed around the flight axis. As melting and spalling progresses, the meteoroid will gradually be sculpted into the shape of a cone with the point of the cone aligned with the direction of travel. Turbulence, caused by eddy air flow around projections from the surface, locally increase the melt and spall rate in these areas because the eddy flow acts like a blow torch concentrating the hottest air jets on these surface projections. This phenomenon has the effect of smoothing the flight surface of the meteoroid the longer it remains in stable semi-aerodynamic flight. The ideal situation would be the meteoroid spinning around the axis of travel as it was descending. In this situation, the stone would assume a nearly perfect cone or hemisphere shape. This stone was well-oriented during flight but was not spinning, so it has large areas of thumb printing, called regmaglypts, from differential melting during its descent. Well regmaglypted specimens such as this one are considered highly desirable. This meteorite is probably an L6 chondrite, like the famous West, Texas meteorite offered elsewhere in this catalog, or an H6 chondrite, among the most common types. 90% of the stone is covered with fresh and beautiful black and reddish-black fusion crust from the flight-melting and has large gorgeous regmaglypts across virtually the entire surface, but especially on the surfaces furthest from the point of the nose cone (the top surfaces, as it is oriented on the stand). It is mounted on a custom black steel stand in an orientation with the nose cone down that approximates its flight position as it traveled through the atmosphere. It measures 9 1/2 x 5 3/4 x 5 inches and weighs 4.95 kilograms or approximately 11 pounds. Stone meteorites this large are very rare, less than 1 in a thousand is this big. An outstanding, very aesthetic display specimen.

A HUGE SLICE OF A VERY RARE MESOSIDERITE METEORITE
NWA 2932
MES-Mesosiderite
Found 2005, Northwest Africa
Mesosiderites are the rarest type of stony-iron meteorite. Much rarer than the beloved pallasites, they comprise only .4% of all known meteorite types meaning that only 1 out of every 250 meteorites is a mesosiderite. While mesosiderites and pallasites are related, both likely originating from the mantle of a destroyed or badly damaged planet, they have little else in common structurally and chemically. Pallasites are samples of intact mantle material while mesosiderites are broken and fragmented mantle rock which has been mixed with lighter silicate rock from the crust of the parent body. Mesosiderites are polymict breccias meaning that they are composed of a mixture of broken and smashed angular rock fragments of different mineral compositions as a result of the catastrophic events which disintegrated or catastrophically altered the source planet. During such an event, great amounts of heat were generated which liquified some of the nickel-iron from the mantle material. As the remnant fragments of the planet formed into smaller accretion bodies (as a result of gravity and electric charge effects), the molten metal was disseminated within the polymict breccia of silicates which helped to cement the masses (meteoroids) together. Sometimes the metal formed uniform grains, dispersed evenly throughout the meteorite, and sometimes it formed as jagged masses set into the stony matrix. Rarely, large nodules or spheres formed within the matrix of the mesosiderites probably due to remelting and migration of the original metal in the meteoroid. Rounded masses of olivine are also found that are probable remnants of the olivine crystals associated with the nickel-iron of the mantle as seen in pallasites. This slice samples one the rarer areas where the large metal spheres are abundant along with the previously mentioned uniform metal grains. The matrix between the metal is primarily composed of brecciated and partially recrystallized granular basalts that enclose larger subrounded olivine crystals (with only minor alteration from the original pallasitic mantle material). The matrix has a dark reddish-brown cast with the olivine being dark green, reddish and black (the more shocked the olivine, the darker the color). The meteorites cut surface reveals the gorgeous metal-rich interior, highlighted by the dark basaltic silicates and olivine, making this meteorite the most beautiful mesosiderite known and one of the most attractive meteorites of any type - its appearance is, quite simply, stunning. This specimen is a superb and probably irreplaceably fine example of a mesosiderite suitable for even the most discriminating collector. This end piece of a complete stone measures 93 x 65 x 8 mm thick (3.6 x 2.5 x .3 inches) and weighing 262 grams.

A RARE LL4 TYPE METEORITE
NWA 984,
LL4 Chondrite
Morocco, Discovered 1999
The LL4 meteorites are among the most primitive and unaltered remnants of the Proto-Solar System, and thus, are highly valued by scientists because they sample a slice of time, approximately 4.565 billion years ago, during the formation of our Solar System. Low number chondrites are also considered to be the most beautiful and sought after of all chondrites because of the multi-colored spheres of which they are comprised. This specimen perfectly shows the gorgeous character of these rare meteorites with its clearly defined chondrules, some of which are very large, and its variety of colors, with its numerous dark green and orange-red to brown chondrules, and pretty orange matrix (i.e. the material between the chondrules). The matrix also exhibits sparse silvery metal and metal sulphide grains further increasing the aesthetic value of this piece. This specimen represents a full slice from a complete stone and possesses a gorgeous rind of black fusion crust around its margins formed from the heat and melting of the surface of the stone during its passage through our atmosphere at cosmic velocities. Measures 55 x 48 mm (2.1 x 1.8 inches) and weighs 28.4 grams.

NWA 2993 - A UNIQUE ACHONDRITE METEORITE
Winonaite-"Evolved"=A Lodranite Analog from the Winonaite Parent Body (Asteroid)
Found June 2006 in the Algerian Sahara
Total known weight = 625 grams
When first submitted for analysis and classification to Northern Arizona University and The University of Washington, this meteorite created huge excitement among the scientists because its mineralogy and appearance were nearly identical to the famous Lodran from Pakistan, the namesake of an exceptionally rare class of meteorites called Lodranites. Only when the researchers did the Oxygen Isotope analysis did they realize that they had discovered an entirely new class of meteorites analagous to Lodranites, but sourced from a different asteroid parent body altogether. Lodranites and their cousins, the Acapulcoites (named after Acapulco, Mexico where this type was first witnessed as a fall) are very rare achondrite meteorites which originated on a large chondritic parent body with a unique composition unlike any of the other chondrite groups known. The Acapulcoite-Lodranite parent body was excessively heated and underwent the partial differentiation and layering that normally would accompany such a high degree of thermal metamorphism. The original Acapulcoites are finer grained and contain rare chondrules and thus are considered the missing link between the chondrites and the achondrites. They originated from the crust and were less heated and metamorphosed than the lodranites which formed deep within the parent body, and which, underwent extensive partial melting and recrystallization.

While the heat on the Acapulcoite-Lodranite source asteroid (parent body) originated primarily from the decay of radioactive isotopes formed during the birth of our solar system, another unique but analagous asteroid, differentiated in a very similar fashion, but was destroyed by a huge impact event just as it was about to form an iron core and evolve into a true planetoid - the Winonaite-IAB Iron meteorite parent body. This was most likely a much larger asteroid than the Acapulcoite-Lodranite asteroid, and the longer term effects of increased gravity, from mass accumulation through accretion, and heating from radioactive decay, had nearly fully differentiated the original chondritic body into an evolved achondritic body. A silicate-rich crust and iron-rich core and mantle, were formed through density concentration, whereby the heavier (denser) elements and minerals migrated to greater depth while the lighter and less dense elements and minerals migrated to shallower depths in the mantle and crust. The catastrophic impact event blasted the asteroid completely apart and intermixed silicates from the crust with molten nickel-iron from the core, forming the IAB Iron meteorites. It also mixed olivine-rich residues from partial melts into the solid silicates from the crust and upper mantle forming the Winonaites. And most importantly, it is now known, a third class of meteorite was created by this impact when molten silicates mixed with molten nickel-iron, which then re-accreted into the deeper levels of the asteroid as gravity gradually reconstituted the asteroid out of the cloud of fragments left after the impact. This meteorite, NWA 2993 is the only known member of this new class making it arguably the rarest meteorite ever found!

This gorgeous thin slice of this extremely important meteorite exhibits a large field of reddish, green and black high temperature silicates, primarily orthopyroxene and olivine, with an attractive "leopard-spot" pattern of bright silvery nickel-iron injected into the silicates. It looks almost exactly like Lodran, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful meteorites in the world, but the olivine in Lodran is a lighter green color. Samples of this meteorite are virtually undistributed to the major museums and universities around the world as well as private collectors, leaving an important hole in virtually every collection in the world for this new type of meteorite. The slice measures 21 x 15 x 1 mm thick (.82 x .6 inches) and weighs 1.96 grams.

A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE METEORITE FROM KANSAS
LL3.7 Chondrite
Richfield, Kansas
Found 1983, Identified 1995
This meteorite is truly one of the most beautiful stony meteorites from America. The matrix is a dark green color reminiscent of jade with thousands of multi-colored chondrules clearly visible, along with large white recrystallized anorthositic clasts and other dark stained silicate clasts (due to dispersion of small troilite (ferrous sulphide) blebs inside silicate grains). Numerous breccia fragments, the remains of other meteorites mixing and shock-welding during impact events, are visible across the entire surface of this slice. Thousands of tiny silvery nickel-iron and troilite grains are dispersed throughout the matrix. The chondrules show very little alteration or deformation, hence the LL3 classification. Some of the chondrules are rare "armored chondrules" which have a halo of metal, either nickel-iron or troilite (iron sulphide), around their circumference. Armored chondrules only occur in meteorites with very little alteration from their pristine primitive state, and Richfield is a rare LL3.7 petrologic grade, meaning that it contains some of the oldest unaltered matter in the Solar System like other LL3's. An excellent, very large, display-quality partial slice, measuring 110 x 97 mm (4.3 x 3.8 inches) and weighing 223.7 grams.

NWA 869 - EXTRATERRESTRIAL METEORITE STEAK (WELL DONE)
L4-6, fragmental breccia
Sahara Desert, Algeria
It's most unusual for a stone meteorite to be flat and attenuated like the example now offered. And this particular extraterrestrial serving is certainly well done - having cooked in the Sahara for centuries. Meteorites are named after the nearest city, county or geological feature near where found by scientists on the Nomenclature Committee of the Meteoritical Society. When there are no such landmarks, such as in the middle of a massive desert, meteorites are numbered. This is an example of NWA 869 - the 869th meteorite to be classified following its recovery in the Northwest African grid of the Sahara Desert. Hundreds of kilograms of NWA 869 specimens have been recovered by desert nomads, effectively making NWA 869 the Sahara's largest meteorite shower. But almost none are as...well-flavored as the current example: its charcoal grill patina is coated with a natural desert varnish, all of which serve to accentuate the tastiness of this extraterrestrial culinary treat. 196 x 109 x 51 mm (7.75 x 4.25 x 2 inches) and 1383 grams (48 oz).

STONE METEORITE SPHERE - INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF A STONE METEORITE REVEALED
H6
Sahara Desert, Algeria
As described in the "meteorite steak" offering (see previous lot), to avoid confusion, meteorites are named after the nearest city, county or geological feature in proximity to the point of recovery. When there are no such landmarks, such as in the middle of a desert, meteorites are numbered. This is an example of NWA 099 - the 99th meteorite to be classified originating from the Northwest African (NWA) grid of the Sahara Desert. As it is less exotic as meteorites go, some NWA 099 specimens were subdivided and fashioned into spheres - something that would never occur otherwise given the amount of material lost in the grinding and fashioning processes. A variegated matrix with hues ranging from cream to chocolate is plainly evident, and a dappling of metalflake - diagnostic in the identification of chondritic meteorites - is seen throughout. 79 mm in diameter and 925 grams (2 pounds).

GIBEON METEORITE SPHERE - CRYSTALLINE STRUCTURE OF AN IRON METEORITE DRAMATIZED IN THREE DIMENSIONS
Iron, fine octahedrite
Great Nama Land, Namibia
Offered here is a sphere of another sort: a true crystal ball from outer space. When revealed in three-dimensions, the crystalline structure of an iron meteorite is mesmerizing. The crystalline pattern seen here is specific to Gibeon meteorites and requires a cooling curve of more than a million years, a circumstance which can only occur in the vacuum of outer space - thus providing a fail-proof test of extraterrestrial origin. A far larger chunk of a Gibeon meteorite is required to create a sphere of this size. This superior example vividly showcases Gibeon's otherworldly latticework in three-dimensions. 59 mm (2.3 inches) in diameter; 1016 grams (2.25 pounds).

GIBEON METEORITE - COMPLETE SLICE OF AN IRON METEORITE
Iron, fine octahedrite
Gibeon, Great Nama Land, Namibia
Similar to the previous lot, the gleaming etched surface of this complete slice showcases Gibeon's fine crystalline structure - a pattern that can only derive from unearthly origins and thus is diagnostic in the identification of an iron meteorite. This specimen also contains Neumann bands, the result of a violent impact and consequent shocking of material in space. It should be noted that the majority of Gibeon iron meteorites are not aesthetic objects - unlike the following 2 offerings - but prosaic lumps of nickel-iron, less attractive as a whole, yet perfect for subdivision. Displaying the captivating, radiant beauty of an iron meteorite's internal structure and external crust, this is a select example. 241 x 129 x 5 mm (9.5 x 5 x 0.2 inches) and 905.1 grams (2 pounds).

GIBEON - TABLETOP SCULPTURE FROM OUTER SPACE
Iron, fine octahedrite
Gibeon, Great Nama Land, Namibia
Recovered by Namibian tribesmen, the shape of this striking iron meteorite is largely due to terrestrialization (exposure to the elements) over thousands of years. The dramatic hollow in the center of this specimen is the result of water having collected in what was previously a shallow depression. This smooth concavity is in a stark yet artful contrast with the animated ridges and scoops that surround it. The seemingly flattened edges seen here are where this meteorite split along crystalline planes. (If cut, this meteorite's internal crystalline structure would be identical to the crystalline pattern seen in lot 24.) Both elegant and abstract, and accentuated by a muted earth-tone patina, this singular tabletop sculpture from outer space is accompanied by a custom armature. 311 x 335 x 157 mm (12.25 x 13.25 x 6 inches) and 37.58 kilograms (83 pounds).
Provenance: Macovich Collection

GIBEON METEORITE - FIST- SIZED METEORITE
Iron, fine octahedrite
Gibeon, Great Nama Land, Namibia
Thousands of years ago, a gigantic extraterrestrial mass crashed into the earth's atmosphere, exploding into thousands of fragments and falling across an elliptical 275-100km area on the edge of the Kalahari Desert. First discovered in modern times in 1836 by English Captain J.E. Alexander, the meteorite shower was named Gibeon after the nearest town, and is one of the most popular collectors' meteorites. It had been popular with the locals for many years however: just as with the Cape York meteorite in Greenland, fragments were collected by local tribesmen for use as spear and knife blades and other tools. This fine example is a complete and particularly aesthetic specimen, with an intriguing triangulated form, superb surface texture, and a series of striking ridges, their rubbed edges highlighted by the shimmering nickel-iron highlights of the meteorite's interior. A first-class collector's piece, it is presented on a metal display stand and measures 5¾ x 4 x 3¼ inches, weighing 4 lbs, 5½ oz.

GIBEON METEORITE - SHERIFF OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Iron, fine octahedrite
Gibeon, Great Nama Land, Namibia
This is the internal matrix of a Gibeon meteorite cut and fashioned into a star. The internal crystalline structure of this meteorite - diagnostic in the identification of an iron meteorite - Is vividly revealed. This is a choice display of a Gibeon meteorite's fingerprint, and a lively artifact of cosmic law enforcement. 59 x 59 x 6 mm (2.25 x 2.25 x 0.25 inches) and 48.5 grams.

PARK FOREST METEORITE - FAMOUS "GARZA STONE"
L5 Chondrite
Park Forest, Illinois, USA

At approximately 11:30pm on March 26, 2003, it seemed as though the sky was falling on the quiet village of Park Forest in the southern suburbs of Chicago. The sky turned a deep blue then blinding white, brighter than ten lightening flashes, as an extraterrestrial bolide (meteoric fireball) tore through the atmosphere, observed across four states; the accompanying series of thunderous sonic booms were heard as far away as Western Canada. Exploding in a fireball approximately 20 miles up over the American mid-west, the meteor was estimated to be the size of a VW beetle and weighed up to eight tons. Despite this spectacular explosion the resulting fragments were mostly tiny and fell only on the small area of Park Forest and neighboring Olympia Fields, the only instance in modern times where a town was plummeted by a meteorite fall - most occur in rural or entirely deserted areas. The episode was made further unique by the fact that video footage of the actual fall was captured, allowing scientists the extremely rare opportunity to study the meteor's trajectory. Only nine meteorite falls have ever been recorded in the state of Illinois, and never before in the Chicago area. The majority of the damage was in the form of dings to cars and windows (a hole in the roof of the local fire department); to have a meteorite plough straight through your house is, in the words of one resident, "like winning the space lottery". Fortunately no-one was hurt, but one young man had a close call.

It is unusual for a meteorite to gain title to its own name but the now-famous "Garza Stone" earned its moniker after the havoc it caused when it crashed through the house of Noe Garza at 426 Indiana Street, Park Forest. Noe's 14 year old son Robert was abruptly awakened when the 2.7 kilogram mass crashed through his bedroom ceiling, missing his head by a mere few inches. It smashed through roof tiles, plywood and 2 x 4 joists, ricocheted from ceiling to window to mirror-fronted closet and finally came to rest in the middle of the bedroom. The damage was sudden, shocking and extensive, and Robert curled up in fear on the other side of his bed, the only undamaged part of his bedroom.

Noe himself had been standing exactly where the meteorite entered the room a few moments earlier when he had tucked his son in for the night. He did not know what else to do other than to comfort his son and call the police. The police showed up and immediately picked up the largest part of the meteorite (2,333 grams, the largest to impact a human-made object) and sealed it in an evidence bag, together with a smaller fragment that had broken off. They discussed what it might be and realized it must be a meteorite because no human would be strong enough to through a stone that hard. The meteorite was taken to the police station and assigned case number 03-04895; under offense they listed "N/A (Act of God)". The meteorite spent several weeks in the jailhouse until it was released back into the custody of the Garzas.

In the meantime, Garza patiently answered reporters' and onlookers' questions for months, resulting in much more press attention than for other stone from the shower. His insurance company denied his claim because meteorite strikes are not covered, but the problem of funding the repairs soon evaporated as offers from all over the world came in for the now famous "Garza Stone". He held out for months until the Hupé Brothers made an offer he could not refuse, enough for the repairs, home improvements, a vacation, a Beer Meister Refrigerated Cooler and to pay off all of his bills.

Meteorites that hit man-made objects are affectionately referred to as "Hammer Stones" by collectors. They carry a great deal of appeal because each has its own rich history, and because they are extraordinarily rare. Well-documented "Hammer Stones" become historically important without fail and often realize prices running to hundreds of dollars per gram, growing ever-more valuable with time. One need think only of the house-hitting "Barnes Stone" from this same fall, which weighed less than a quarter of this specimen and generated only a fraction of the amount of press, yet sold for a justifiable $50,000.00. Another example is an ordinary mailbox hit by a meteorite in Claxton, Georgia, a now somewhat mangled metal mess with its red flag still in the up position, recently sold for over $82,000.00 in a New York auction. The Garza stone along with the evidence bag, affidavits and impact debris is a far more famous and impressive offering.

In addition to the atmospherically created fusion crust, this piece displays the wood, sheetrock and paint markings caused by passing through a man-made structure. It weighs 2,333 grams (5.143 lbs.), which represents over 10% of the entire mass of the fall, and measures approximately 5½ x 4½ x 4¼ inches (142 x 112 x 109 mm), accompanied by the police evidence bag, affidavit and fragments of impact debris - glass, wood, plasterboard and a fragment of venetian blind.

Provenance: The Hupé Collection

TEKTITE - MOLDAVITE FROM LOCENICE
Moldau River Valley, Czech Republic
Arguably the most beautiful of all tektites, moldavite is found in the Moldau River Valley in the Czech Republic. Moldavites were created nearly 15 million years ago by the asteroid impact that created the 14.5 mile diameter Nördlinger-Ries crater near Stuttgart, Germany. Revered as a talisman by Paleolithic humans, worn as pendants in the Middle Ages, delivered by men to their fiancées in the 17th-19th centuries to assure harmony in their marital relations, moldavite is often cut into gemstones, and uncut specimens are found in museum and private collections throughout the world. Prized for its clarity, shape and green color, moldavite's character is substantially determined by the chemistry of the soil in which it landed: a bluff across a road can provide a markedly different sample than one found in a fallow 100 yards away. Thus, moldavite is identified by the village near which it was found, and grooves and crenellations abound in this fine example of Locenice (Low-che-NEE-che) moldavite. The hues, which range from emerald to tourmaline, result from the variations of the specimen's density in this exquisite natural glass form. 58 x 21 x 12 mm and 22.9 grams.

HISTORICAL TEKTITES
Central European Strewn Field, centered around Moldavia, Czech Republic (Czechoslovakia)
USN Captain, amateur mineralogist, author, rare book collector, mine owner, master gem cutter, devoted father and husband, and a whole host of other avocations; John Sinkankas wore many hats and defied easy categorization. This small collection of Moldavite Tektites display the calm, deliberate attention to detail that marked John's approach to everything. There are nine Moldavites up to 1 3/4 inches in the group, but the real gem of the lot is his handwritten collection accession card that accompanies the specimens. Matching accession numbers are found on several of the moldavites. For mineral aficionados with a sense of history; this is a find to be treasured. For those of us who knew him, it is a chance to preserve a connection otherwise found only in our memories.

LIBYAN DESERT GLASS - WHEN AN ASTEROID AND THE EARTH COLLIDE
The Sahara Desert at the Libyan/ Egyptian border
The present offering is among the finest large-sized Libyan Desert Glass specimens known to exist. Worthy of the finest natural history museums, it's extremely rare for large specimens to be as translucent, and with as much color and as few blemishes as the example now offered. Libyan Desert Glass has been revered by early Egyptian civilization and found in Egyptian tombs. Its origin was long considered a mystery, but scientists now agree it is the result of an asteroid slamming into Earth 28.5 million years ago. Meteorite components have been found to be embedded in Libyan Desert Glass. The extraordinary heat and pressure that resulted from this impact liquefied terrestrial rocks and sand, which was splashed into the upper atmosphere before returning to Earth as solidified glass.

The specimen offered here is slightly chartreuse. It was found in an extremely remote and inhospitable area of the Sahara Desert referred to as the Great Sand Sea in Egypt -an area so remote that when a scientific team went to explore the locality, a previously missing Egyptian plane was discovered, intact, with the remains of its passengers who had died of thirst. There are what appear to be organic inclusions in the glass, but they're not. The muted yet lustrous surface appears to have been sandblasted-and that is precisely what occurred over millions of years of natural sandblasting by desert winds. Accented further by elongated ribbing and a hint of scalloping, this natural glass sculpture is a matchless example - and the result of a massive asteroid impact that would today result in a calamity of apocalyptic proportions. 154 x 151 x 109 mm (6 x 6 x 4.25 inches) and 1998 grams (4.4 pounds).

EXCEPTIONAL COLLECTION OF 61 NEOLITHIC AND MESOLITHIC GEM POINTS
13,000 - 5,000 B.P.
Northern Sahara, southwest Algeria
With the end of the Ice Age and the meltdown of the glaciers, massive lakes were formed over what is now the Sahara desert. Our early ancestors lived and hunted these shorelines and estuaries, which teemed with wildlife. That the human species prospered well during this time is evidenced by the many objects they left behind. Now the water is gone and the winds sweep the sands across the ancient lake bottoms, covering and uncovering the discarded artifacts. This superb collection comprises 61 northwestern Saharan masterpieces, representing several cultural groups. The various types of point are fashioned from agate, chalcedony, jaspers and chert and mounted in a 12 x 12-inch hardwood frame, glazed on both sides to allow natural light to illuminate the many colors and patterns. All the specimens come from being surface collected - no archeological site was disturbed. Representing two distinct periods of time, the Neolithic and Mesolithic ages, they range from 1 to 2½ inches in length.

EXCEPTIONAL COLLECTION OF 45 NEOLITHIC AND MESOLITHIC GEM POINTS
13,000 - 5,000 B.P.
Northern Sahara, southwest Algeria,
Across the immense rolling sands of the Northern Sahara, the intense desert sun beats down remorselessly. Its gamma ray radiation literally sun-burns these prehistoric artifacts left behind by our huntsmen ancestors. This burning and the natural action of wind-blown sand-blasting create a beautifully rich and lustrous patina, entirely unique to specimens from this part of the world. The fine quality gemmy agates and jaspers from which some of these points are fashioned are the result of local volcanism, whilst metamorphic limestone formed from ancient deep-water sea beds created the beautiful varied colors of fine gemmy cherts and seam agate. All these specimens come from being surface collected - no archeological site was disturbed. Presented in an 18½ x 11 5/8-inch glazed wooden display case to allow natural light to illuminate the many colors and patterns of the points, they represent two distinct periods of time, the Neolithic and Mesolithic ages, and include Caspian and Burkina Faso points, serrated leaf points and barbed oddities, reworked probably from minor damage during the production of fan tails and barbed Burkina Faso points. The specimens range from 5/8 to 4 5/8 inches in length. For the centerpiece, a fine red jasper bi-point.
Provenance: Martillo Collection.

FINE COLLECTION OF NEOLITHIC GEM POINTS
5,000 - 9,000 B.P.
Sahara Desert
These 23 variously-colored gem points are finely knapped and expertly made from chert, chalcedony, jasper and quartzite, displaying a variety of notched shoulders, stems and serrations. Exposure to the intense gamma radiation of the north African sun over thousands of years have given them a rich patina, lightly burnished by the polishing action of the hot and sand-heavy Saharan winds. Displayed in a 16¼ x 12¼-inch Riker mount, the largest point measures 1¾ inches in length.

COUGAR MOUNTAIN KNIFE - A VERY RARE PALEO KNIFE FROM A CLASSIC SITE
11,500-9,000 BP
Fort Rock Valley, Oregon
This is a classic knife from a classic locality. Fashioned from obsidian, it is a finely knapped specimen well patinated with alkali residue and measures an impressively large 5¾ inches long x 1¾ inches wide, with approximately 2 inches of basal grinding. Cougar Mountain Blades are very rare; found associated with the Haskett points, they are contemporary with the Clovis culture and later developed into Lind Coulee points.
Provenance: D.Dietz collection, M. Martillo collection.

FOX-EARED NORTHERN SIDE NOTCH KNIFE
10,500-5,500 BP
Crump Lake, Oregon
This classical fox-eared side notch knife dates from the early Archaic period, made from beautifully knapped obsidian with deep furrows and no damage. It displays long fox ears and attractively heavy patination, and measures 3½ x 1 inches.
Provenance: D.Dietz collection, M. Martillo collection.

LARGE NORTHERN SIDE NOTCH KNIFE
10,500-5,500 BP
Crump Lake, Oregon
This is a lovely example of an early Archaic side notch knife. Fashioned from obsidian, it boasts a long slender blade, attractively patinated and alkalized, with lovely knapping and good serrations. It is complete with no damage and measures 3½ x 1 inches.
Provenance: D.Dietz collection, M. Martillo collection.

DOUBLE-FLUTED CLOVIS POINT
14,000 - 10,000 B.P.
Origin unknown
The Clovis point is the oldest style of point from North America, and they have been found associated with extinct Mammoth, Mastodon and Bison kill sites. This is a classic example, finely knapped from white flint, with fluting on both sides. Although the origin is unknown, it has been authenticated by Tom Davis and measures 2 1/8 x 1 inches in a Riker mount.

FINE CLOVIS POINT
14,000 - 10,000 B.P.
Carter Cave, Ohio, USA
This fine point is fashioned from tan/gray chert and of medium to large size. It is fluted on both sides, with a lanceolate point, convex sides and an auriculate, concave ground base. The point exhibits minor ancient blade and basal damage, and measures 3 x 1¼ inches, with a C.O.A. prepared by Jeff Baker.

DALTON POINT
10,500 - 9,000 B.P.
Arkansas, USA
The Dalton point is a variant of the classic Clovis point, bi-facially worked with a hollow base rather than fishtail outline. It is characteristic of the Dalton culture, which emerged across the American southwest at the end of the Paleoindian period over 10,000 years ago. The present example has been finely knapped from light tan/brown chert, with good serrations and ancient resharpening to the tip over an impact fracture. It measures 2 1/16 x 7/8 inches and comes with a C.O.A. from Dwain Rogers.

LARGE ETLEY SPEAR POINT
5,000 - 3,000 B.P.
Stanton, Franklin Co., Missouri, USA
This large Late Archaic point is one of many found in this area associated with the Titterington Phase in the Lower Illinois Valley. They are often discovered in association with Wadlow, Sedalia, Smith and other similar points, which some believe are variations of the Etley type. They are typically, as here, made from white Burlington chert and somewhat crudely fashioned with percussion and pressure flaking. The present example displays no recurving to the blade but has a sharp point, straight shoulders and a wide stem and measures 5 3/8 x 1 3/8 inches, with collection labeling and C.O.A. from Jerry Dickey.
Provenance: Wiesbecker collection, Knott collection, Hall collection.

LITTLE BEAR CREEK POINT
4,000 - 1,000 B.P.
Tennessee, USA
Dated to the Late Archaic to Late Woodland period, this is a fine example of the Little Bear Creek point, fashioned from Baileys chert and graded at 8.5. The blade exhibits asymmetrical curving and is a lovely soft warm brown-yellow in color, with good flaking, patination and mineralization. Measuring 3½ x 1 1/8 inches it comes with a C.O.A. prepared by Jeff Baker

KIRK CORNER NOTCHED POINT
11,500 - 8,900 B.P.
Johnson Creek, Clay County, Arkansas, USA
This fine Early Archaic point is fashioned from characterful brown-gray Baileys chert, with good percussion and pressure flaking and possible evidence of resharpening to the tip. With asymmetrical curvature, good notches and flared stem, it measures 2 3/16 x 1 9/16 inches and comes with a C.O.A. from Jeff Baker.
Provenance: Johnny Parnell collection.

GIANT ARCHAIC SPEAR POINT
8,900-3,200 B.P.
Little River Preform, Arkansas, USA
This enormous spear point is fashioned from brown and tan novaculite, a very hard and dense form of chert. It displays good flaking on both sides and a minimally bifurcated straight base. It measures 5 7/8 x 2½ inches and comes with a C.O.A. from Jeff Baker.
Provenance: Johnny Parnell collection.

GIANT RUSSIAN BROWN BEAR FULL-BODY MOUNT
Ursus arctos
This is a monster of a beast from the Kamchatka Peninsula of Russia, squaring 11 feet in the field. To square a bear you must measure from the tip of the nose down the spine to the tip of the tail, and then from the tip of the claw to the elbow, to the hump on his back down to the other elbow, and then on to the next claw tip; the measurements are added together and divided by two to give the bear's squared measurement. A bear never stands what they measure because of the bends of the foot, back, and knees, and the head is perched level with the floor. Most adult Brown Bears on their back legs do not reach 8 feet in height, but this giant stands 9 foot 6 inches tall. The base is 62 x 50 inches and the animal displays superb quality taxidermy with excellent hair. He is a Record Class and stunning mount.

POLAR BEAR FULL-BODY MOUNT
Ursus maritimus
Along with the Kodiak Bear, the Polar Bear is the largest terrestrial carnivore on the planet. This one was taken in 1962 prior to the Marine Mammal Act; it is a mature female, taken near Kotzebue, Alaska. These mounts are becoming increasingly difficult to find as all Polar Bears are under strict conservation laws now and so they are rarely seen for sale. This mount has all real claws and measures 7 foot 5 inches tall on a 50 x 30-inch base.

RED FOX FULL-BODY MOUNT
Vulpes vulpes
The Red Fox lives mostly in the Northern United States and is cunning and secretive in its ways. This is a beautiful example with prime fur, mounted in a relaxed pose, its head turned to observe a butterfly that has landed whimsically on its hindquarters. The taxidermy is competition quality and the mount measures 26 inches in length.

GRIZZLY BEAR SHOULDER MOUNT
Ursus arctos
The Grizzly Bear is native to Alaska and western Canada and grows to a larger size than the Black Bear, but not as big as the Coastal Brown or Polar Bear. They are omnivorous, meaning they eat meat as well as vegetation and bugs, and when cornered or wounded they can be extremely dangerous. The taxidermy quality of this mount is very good and measures 27½ inches from the wall to the tip of the nose. It is accompanied by all legal papers.

ZEBRA SHOULDER MOUNT
Equs hippotrigris granti
This is a stunning mount of a beautiful Grant's Zebra from Masailand in northern Tanzania, East Africa. It is a stallion, with great markings and a full thick mane and very good taxidermy quality. It measures 19 inches wide, 38 inches high and is 29 inches from the wall to the tip of the nose.

LESSER KUDU SHOULDER MOUNT
Tragelaphus imberbis
The Lesser Kudu is sometimes called the "Gray Ghost of Africa" because of its elusive nature; they are mainly nocturnal, with keen senses of hearing, smell, and eyesight. A third of the size of their cousin, the Greater Kudu, they live in Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia. The horns on this example have beautiful ivory tips and measure 27¾ x 27 1/8 inches long around the spirals with bases 6 5/8 x 6½ inches around. These animals are considered one of the world's most coveted trophies and the taxidermy quality of this specimen is excellent.

RECORD BOOK ELK SHOULDER MOUNT
Cervus elaphus nelsoni
This is a huge Rocky Mountain Elk from Colorado. This big bull will score 375 Boone & Crockett points and is in mint condition, with superior quality taxidermy workmanship. The antlers have a 49-inch spread with 6 big points on each side and the mount measures 67½ inches in height from the bottom of the brisket to the top tip of the antlers, standing 48 inches from the wall to the nose tip.

STONE SHEEP SHOULDER MOUNT
Ovis dalli stonei
The Stone Sheep has been aptly described as being "A Dall Sheep in evening dress". It is a handsome animal, differing from the Dall mainly by not being white, and is found only in British Columbia, Canada. This particular ram is a full-curl trophy with horns that measure 35½ inches long around each curl; the bases measure 12¾ x 12½ inches around and the spread is 25½ inches wide tip to tip. The taxidermy quality is very good.

LARGE TROPICAL BUTTERFLY DISPLAY CASE
Lepidoptera
South America
This exceptional collection boasts over 100 specimens of almost as many different species of tropical butterflies. Each has been meticulously mounted between the two panes of glass, affording one views not only of the mind-boggling array of colors and patterns present on the upper side of the wings, but also the equally varied appearance of the undersides. Each of the insects is in superb condition and the whole collection is held in a 35 x 24 7/8-inch mahogany frame, handmade in Peru.

TROPICAL BUTTERFLY DISPLAY CASE
Lepidoptera
South America
A beautiful example of the lepidopterist's art, this display case contains 6 specimens of the shimmering blue Morpho amathonte, 7 bright yellow Phoebis philea and 9 examples of the small Panacea prola with its striking red and black wings enlivened by white highlights. Mounted between two panes of glass, they display the underside of their wings to equally good effect; most striking is the contrast between the iridescence of the Morphos' upper surface with the soft brown underside dotted with uncanny "eyes", and the whole collection is held in a 27 x 17-inch mahogany frame, handmade in Peru.

EXOTIC BUTTERFLY SWARM
Graphium weiskei
Papua New Guinea
This dramatic display case features twenty-one mounted specimens of the Purple Spotted Swallowtail butterfly, strikingly arranged in a curving swarm pattern. Found only in Papua New Guinea, the G. weiskei boasts lovely patterning on its swallow-tailed wings, with patches of lime green, pale blue and cream, and violet shades from soft mauve to bright purple. These beautiful specimens are presented under glass in a molded gilt frame measuring 22 x 18 inches.

PAIR OF GIANT AFRICAN LUNAR MOTHS
Argema mittrei
Madagascar
This spectacular display piece contains both a male and a female example of the enormous Comet Moth, a native of Madagascar. They are amongst the world's largest moths, and the specimens here boast wingspans of 6 5/8 and 5 5/8 inches respectively. They are a wild silk moth, but as caterpillars they eat only fresh eucalyptus leaves, making them hard to breed in captivity. The furry body covering extends part way onto their bright yellow wings, which are patterned with delicate brown patches and striking "eyes", those of the male terminating in long slender swallow-tails. Another striking characteristic is the delicate fern-like antenna boasted by both sexes. This exceptional mount is presented under glass in an ebonized frame, 20 x 12 inches.

MULTIPLE CRUSTACEAN DISPLAY
Various species
Philippines
This fantastic glazed display case contains 29 different species of various crustacean, from tiny-bodied crabs with long spindly legs, to large fat-bodied beasties with heavy foreclaws. The species include 3 lobsters, 3 slipper lobsters, 7 spider crabs, 1 prawn, 1 mantis shrimp, 1 spanner crab, 1 fiddler crab, and 12 others. The case itself measures 47 7/8 x 40 7/8 x 5½ inches - a fantastic display piece for a seafood lover.

STARFISH DISPLAY CASE
Various species
Philippines
Asteroidea, or starfish, are among the strangest creatures to be found in the world's oceans. They typically have five elongated arms, although some exhibit more of a compact pentagonal shape, such as the cushion star and sun star. The wide anatomical variety of the class is perfectly exhibited in this excellent display case, containing 29 different species of all shapes and sizes, including 7 pillow stars, 2 brittle stars, 4 Linkia starfish, and 16 others. The largest measures over 19 inches across, and the smallest only 1¼ inches, and the case itself is 48 7/8 x 40 7/8 x 5 3/8 inches.

ANTARCTIC KING CRAB MOUNT
Lithodes antarcticus (syn. santolla)
Antarctica
This monstrosity is one of the forty species of King Crab to be found in oceans the world over. They inhabit cold waters, often thankfully too deep for unsuspecting divers to come across them, but are an important harvest, for their size and taste make them especially appealing to hungry diners. A close relative of the popular Alaskan King Crab, the Chilean King Crab is especially elusive, occupying the benthic zone (the lowest level of a body of water) at depths up to 600m. These crabs grow very slowly, mainly scavenging on carcasses that sink to the ocean floor. The present specimen is a huge individual, with a span of 42 inches when outstretched, long wicked-looking spines covering his body carapace, and smaller protruding spines lining his legs. Presented in a glazed display case, 45½ x 31¾ x 6¼ inches.

NARWHAL TUSK
Monodon monoceras
Unlike any other cetacean, the Narwhal is the strangest and rarest of all species of whale to be found in the modern day oceans. Nicknamed "the Unicorn of the Sea" the narwhal is one of the most unusual-looking animals on our planet today, related to the Beluga and the Irawaddy Dolphin, but distinguished by the unique growth of its left tooth to form a spear reaching up to 10 feet in length - its Latin name means "one tooth, one horn". A native of the Arctic oceans, it was once thought that the distinctive tusk was a tool for breaking through the thick ice covering its native waters, or that perhaps its use was primarily ritual. Typically the elongated tooth is found only in the male of the species, although some few examples of a female tusk have been recorded. Recent research suggests, however, that unlike the protruding horn-like teeth and tusks found in other mammals, that of the narwhal may in fact be a sensory organ; electron micrography reveals millions of tiny tubules leading from the surface of the horn and apparently connecting to the nervous system; such tubules are found in many species, but do not typically extend to the outer surface of healthy teeth. In medieval Europe, the narwhale tusk was presumed to be that of the mythical Unicorn and they were sold for considerably more than their weight in gold, prized for their supposedly magical properties. In the 16th century Queen Elizabeth of England paid an astounding 10,000 British pounds for one carved and bejeweled example, for which money at the time she could equally have bought herself another castle; elsewhere, two crossed narwhal teeth adorn the entrance to the Korninkaku Palace in Japan, and multiple teeth comprise the frame of the Danish throne. Similarly prized by the Vikings, they were also used to fashion cups, and thought thereby to negate the effect of any poisons that might have been slipped into the drink they contained. The present specimen is an excellent example at 65¾ inches in length with an undulating left-handed helix growth structure and superb tapering tip.

GIANT CLAM SHELL
Tridacna gigas
Australia
The giant clam is the largest living bivalve mollusk, and feature of numerous lurid literary and cinematic adventure tales as a fatal trap for unwary divers and foolhardy pearl-hunters. It is native to the warm seas of the Indo-Pacific region and known traditionally to the Pacific Islanders as pa'ua. Pa-ua is the name of the second of the children of Puna, King of the Underworld in Polynesian and Hawaiian myth. In some versions, the young hero Rata becomes king after his father and uncle are eaten by Pa-ua, but their bodies are later recovered when the clam is killed by Rata's servant/companion Nanoa. The Pa'ua can grow up to 4 feet across, weighing over 440lb, and they enjoy an average life span of 100 years or more, although they are entirely sessile in adulthood, meaning that they are unable to move about. The brightly colored mantle that lines the inside of the shell acts as a habitat for symbiotic single-celled algae from which the clam gets its nutrition; by day, the shell opens up to allow the algae to receive the sunlight they require for photosynthesis. Of an elegant, undulating form, the exterior of this present example displays an evocative rough ocean texture, and even has some remains of the connective tissue that hinged the two halves of the shell in life; both halves are present and each measures approximately 33 inches across.

SABRE-TOOTHED TIGER SKULL CAST
Created from an original Rancho La Brea Smilodon californicus (fatalis) skull held by the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, this represents one of the most dramatic and desirable of all prehistoric osteological specimens. The great Sabre-Toothed Tiger ranged across North America during the Wisconsinan Glaciation of the late Pleistocene epoch, approximately 12-20 thousand years ago, but was found nowhere outside of the New World, and as such is an evocative symbol of American paleontology. Smilodon was a true cat, a member of the Felid family, and grew to roughly the size of the modern African lion. Its most striking feature was of course the enormous canine teeth that provide its common name; the present cast is presented with the mouth wide open, the massive teeth like curving scimitars, ready to tear into the flesh of its helpless prey. The teeth have been given a natural ivory finish, contrasting pleasantly with the simulated tar-stain brown of the skull itself, with finely reproduced bone texture. Mounted on a metal stand it makes for a dramatic and striking display piece, and stands 13 inches high.

FLY LAYING EGGS IN AN EXCEPTIONAL AMBER "MENAGERIE"
Oligocene
Dominican Republic
As the sticky resin ran down the trunks of trees in the forests of the Oligocene epoch, 34-23 million years ago, its inexorable progress would often trap tiny objects, insects and even small animals in its path. Over millions of years, the resin hardened into what we now know as amber. Those creatures trapped in amber are unique - unlike fossils, no replacement of the original tissue has taken place. They are complete and perfect down to the tiniest detail, preserved exactly as they were in life and, more strikingly, at the exact moment of death. This eerie suspended animation affords us, the modern observer, a fascinating glimpse back in time, a snapshot of a specific, passing moment. In this marvelous nugget of clear, gem-quality amber an amazing moment was captured - a perfectly preserved fly, complete with color-patterned wings, in panic at its impending doom, has laid a clutch of fifteen eggs, all perfectly visible and likewise suspended for all eternity - a rare glimpse between life and death. Not only are there several fine flies and wasps but there is also a colorful 1-inch tree section, extremely rare in amber, complete with bark, vines and boring insects. This is a remarkable, museum-quality piece with a rich golden honey color and exceptional clarity. It has been perfectly polished to form a lens-like cabochon, measuring 3 x 2 x 1 inches.

WOOD GNATS IN AMBER
Oligocene
Dominican Republic
These two wood gnats were going about their unsuspecting business 30 million years ago when the sticky resin of a prehistoric tree caught them in its inexorable oozing path. The almost entirely clear amber nugget is a golden cage, holding them trapped in suspended animation for all eternity. Every fine detail of their body and wing anatomy is still perfectly visible. The polished nugget has a lovely warm golden honey color and has been pleasingly domed into a cabochon measuring approximately 1 x 7/8 x 3/8 inches.

AMBER-ENTRAPPED SPIDER
Oligocene
Dominican Republic
Highly-prized by collectors, amber-entrapped insect specimens are distinct from fossils in that they are the perfectly preserve bodies of prehistoric creatures held in suspended animation in an entirely unchanged state. That is just what happened to this spindly-legged spider, captured as though still in mid-scuttle, but now trapped forever in its perfectly clear, golden honey prison. A fine specimen, the whole gleamingly polished cabochon measures approximately 1¼ x 5/8 x ½ inches

CRICKET TRAPPED IN AMBER
Oligocene
Dominican Republic
Although well-known and highly-prized, amber-entrapped insect specimens remain comparatively rare, and even then most are tiny midges, flies and gnats. Far rarer is to find a more interesting insect, such as this perfectly preserved cricket, held in suspended animation for 30 million years. Such specimens are like a snapshot of pre-history, as the oozing tree resin engulfed its unsuspecting prey, freezing it in motion forever; here the half-extended back legs of the cricket give the impression that it was just about to leap out of the way of the sticky goo. A fine specimen, speckled with pieces of floral debris, the irregularly-shaped nugget has been brought to a lustrous polished finish and measures approximately 1 5/8 x 1 x ¼ inches.

WOOD GNAT IN AMBER
Oligocene
Dominican Republic
The name Amber comes from the old Arabic word anbargris, or ambergris, the oily perfumed substance produced in the digestive tract of the sperm whale. The Romans knew it as suceinum, or gum-stone, and by the presence of insects and small recognizable pieces of floral matter trapped within, correctly deduced that it had once had a liquid form. This is one such insect, a wood gnat preserved to perfection in an almost entirely clear golden honey cabochon of amber. The fine spindly legs and the delicate veins of the wings remain perfectly visible to the naked eye, an incredibly unaltered preservation of pre-history. This fine specimen has been highly polished and measures approximately 1¾ x 5/8 x 3/8 inches.

RARE MULTIPLE LEAVES IN AMBER
Oligocene
Dominican Republic
This is a fine example of Dominican amber, the fossilized tree resin that over 30 million years has hardened into this clear honey-colored substance so popular with collectors. Many small pieces of plant debris and even insects are found trapped within these golden globules, and the present cabochon boasts, among small pieces of twig and other items, several tiny and perfectly formed leaves, the fine details of their structure still visible through the golden window of time. Finely polished, it measures approximately 1¾ x 1¼ x 7/8 inches.

LEAF IN AMBER
Oligocene
Dominican Republic
Over 30 million years ago, the oozing resin of a mighty prehistoric tree rolled slowly down its trunk and encased a small, perfectly preserved leaf. Through the soft golden-honey clarity of this amber nugget every detail of the leaf's anatomy is still visible, down to the fine and delicate veins. An excellent specimen, polished to a lustrous finish with almost complete clarity, it measures approximately 13/8 x 1 x ½ inches.

PETRIFIED TREE TRUNK
unidentified species
Triassic
Indonesia
This impressive piece is from the beautiful petrified wood deposits of Indonesia. Millions of years ago, the area was blanketed with thick rainforest and dotted with volcanoes. When these volcanoes erupted, some of the trees that grew on their slopes were instantly destroyed, but others at a slightly greater distance were completely buried in silica-rich volcanic ash. This protected the wood from the elements and prevented its decay and, slowly over millions of years, the silica minerals (quartz, chalcedony, jasper) were carried by water seeping into the wood and replaced the structure of the original tree on a microscopic level, atom by atom. So fine is this process of replacement that the cellular structure can still be observed. Much petrified wood from this area is coarse-grained, making it hard to polish, but the present example is from a fine-grained wood and has been polished all around. The original contours of the trunk have been retained, and with beautiful patination in warm shades of gray, reddish-tan, soft brown and creamy white it still has the unmistakable appearance of wood. Furthermore, several branching sections have been sawn off to reveal the perfectly preserved patterning of the wood's original growth rings, adding further character to the imposing and impressive piece, standing 52½ inches high.

IMPRESSIVE NARRA WOOD SCULPTURE
Pterocarpus indicus
Philippines
This unique sculpture is an ancient Narra log, an exotic hardwood tree and the national tree of the Philippines. The log was found in 2005, 12 feet below a rice field. It is estimated to be 200 years old. Well preserved, because it was buried and not exposed to the elements, it had to dry for over two years after the dirt and debris was removed. Once the wood was well seasoned, it took another two years to polish it entirely by hand. No machine tools were used in sculpting this wood - the deep russet red coloration is completely natural and only clear furniture wax has been applied to preserve the surface. This is the largest log of its type to be excavated and it is a strong, evocative and sensual sculpture. It stands 6 feet high, is hollow with numerous perforations and measures 32 to 35 inches across.

SPLIT FOSSIL PINE CONE
Araucaria mirabilis
Jurassic
Patagonia, Argentina
The Araucaria species is one of the oldest tree-types still on this Earth, and one of the mightiest. The A. mirabilis is an ancestor of the modern monkey-puzzle tree and the Norfolk pine; they are coniferous evergreens, abundant across the Americas in the Jurassic period. The tallest recorded fossil specimen is 500 feet, high enough even to escape the long necks of the giant sauropod dinosaurs that leisurely grazed these pine forests, stripping the bark from the smaller branches and feasting on the cones with their nutrient-rich seeds. This single cone, split and polished, stands as an object of great aesthetic beauty in its own right. Beneath the heavily textured scales of the cone's casing the striking patterns of the seeds in the cross-cut and polished face sections are colored in a lovely soft pattern of cream, pale gray-brown and orangey salmon, highlighted with dramatic patches of deep brown and black and some hints of a strong dark red color. Each half measures 3 1/8 inches in length.

PETRIFIED PALM WOOD SLICE
Palmoxylon sp.
Oligocene
Barisan Mountains, Sumatra, Indonesia
This gorgeous slab was sliced from the log of a 30 million year old palm tree in the petrified forests of the Barisan Mountains on the island of Sumatra. The striking inky black cloud at the centre is marcasite, streaked with gorgeous soft blue patches of agate. It sits on a pale gray ground within a sandy corolla, bounded by roughly textured natural bark crust. This sliced section perfectly displays the unusual inner anatomy of the original tree, with its coarse-grained structure of sclerenchyma bundles, groups of tubules that give the tall slender palm trunk its vertical strength. Brought to a highly polished finish on one side, it measures approximately 19 x 15 inches.

AN EXTREMELY RARE SABRE-TOOTHED TIGER SKULL - THE GREAT AMERICAN FOSSIL
Smilodon fatalis
Pleistocene
Rancho La Brea Formation, Los Angeles, California

Sabre-Toothed Tiger fossils are highly prized among collectors in general, particularly their skulls. The most desirable being those excavated from the Rancho La Brea Formation such as the present specimen. Fossils from this locality are seldom seen for sale due to their rarity in private collections and the fact that the site has been closed to private collecting for almost 40 years.

This specimen originates from The Wilshire Hauser Pit, located directly across the street from the original Tar Pit discovery at Rancho La Brea. Rancho La Brea is probably the single most important Late Pleistocene locality in North America. It is renowned for its extensive collections of well preserved mammals and birds, as well as numerous insects, gastropods and plant remains. A series of Carbon 14 dates ranging from 12,650 ±160 to 19,300 ±395 B.P. were obtained on Smilodon bones from other collections. This places the present specimen's geologic age as Late Pleistocene or Wisconsinan Glaciation (Rancholabrean land mammal age), or approximately between 12-20 thousand years old.

Without a doubt, the present specimen is the finest ever to appear on the open market.
The cranium and lower jaws are not composite, but are in fact from the same animal. This is fantastically rare: almost all Smilodon skulls from Rancho La Brea exhibited in museums have disassociated mandibles. In this instance, however, 95% of the skull is original to the specimen, all from the very same animal. All of the teeth are likewise original, apart from one rear incisor, which has been replaced with a cast. Bone texture is outstanding, and preservation for thousands of years in oozing black tar has imparted a warm deep wood-brown patination that is simply gorgeous. The absolute length of the skull is 12¾ inches with impressive, scimitar-shaped canines (sabres) measuring 7 5/8 inches along the outer curve; raised on custom metal display stand and armature, it stands 13 inches high overall. This specimen is not only of outstanding quality, but also of almost unprecedented completeness, and can be considered to be in the top ten of all such specimens known.

The Great Sabre-Toothed Tiger, S. fatalis, ranged throughout North America during the last Ice Age. Fossils belonging to these extraordinary cats are not found outside of the New World and are therefore considered an American paleontological icon - S. fatalis itself is the official state fossil of California.

The Smilodon is a member of the family of true cats (Felidae), classified under a separate subfamily, Machairodontinae. Its most striking and unique features are found in the skull and teeth, but the animal's external appearance has been inferred through studies of the whole skeletal structure. Overall body proportions were different from those of any living felid, although the animal approximated the same size and weight of the modern African lion.

FINE PAIR OF MAMMOTH TUSKS
Mammuthus primigenius
Pleistocene
Alaska, U.S.A.
As the tundra slowly recedes from the "top of the world", more and more Ice Age Mammoth remains are uncovered each year. It is still extremely rare, however, to find tusks of this size, and even more so, in an actual pair. Most tusks are unearthed singly, and when pairs are presented for sale, they are most often matched. This, however, is a true pair, the two tusks from the same ancient animal, and what a pair it is: each tusk boasts a massive girth of 16 3/8 inches and only one shows some (minor) tip restoration. The surface of the ivory is undulating and pitted with battle scars, and the lovely creamy white ground is streaked with dark warm brown and hints of blue and green from mineral-bearing water seepage. Both display the classic double curve that distinguishes mammoth from elephant tusks, and one has a good root section whilst the other has been broken off further down, allowing a fascinating glimpse of the interior structure of the tusk. Presented on wooden stands, they make for extremely impressive display pieces, and measure 60 3/8 and 74½ inches long around the outside of the curves.

WOOLLY MAMMOTH TUSK
Mammuthus primigenius
Pleistocene
Siberia, Russia
A beautiful example of a highly collectible ice-age relic, this specimen displays a well-preserved root canal and the classic double curve of the mammoth tusk. It is colored with a gorgeous range of muted yellows and browns, the tonal shifts creating bands and striations along the whole of its length - 5 feet, 10 ½ inches along the outside curve. Although some damage to the surface near the tip has been restored, the missing sections of surface enamel reveal the darker ivory beneath, highly polished and with natural patterning that resembles nothing so much as the growth rings found in beautifully aged and darkened wood. Comes complete with a custom display stand.

A WORLD RECORD SMILODON SABER
Smilodon fatalis
Pleistocene - Rancholabrean Age
Alachua Formation, Marion County, Florida
This truly incredible specimen is a huge specialized killing canine from the great "Saber-Toothed Tiger", Smilodon. Smilodon stands above all saber-cats in possessing the very largest canine teeth ever found in the fossil record.
Typically the sabers of a full adult cat would measure about 8 1/4 inches (tip to root base, diagonal measurement) or 10 1/2 inches around the curve. The very largest saber ever found among the hundreds collected from the world famous La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles was about 9 1/2 inches diagonal and 12 inches around the curve. This incredible specimen measures 10+ inches diagonal and 13 inches around the curve. Only a very few good quality Smilodon specimens have been found in Florida over the years so they are much rarer than in the Tar Pits. This exceptional specimen was found while trenching in order to install the utilities for a new housing project. It was broken in half below the level of the enamel on the root by the trenching machine and has been professionally restored amounting to less than 5% of the surface area. It exhibits exquisite, nearly perfect, serrations on both cutting edges and a very small worn area or facet on the tip. The color is exceptional with the enamel blade portion being a lustrous pink to orange cream color with black checking and ropy tendrils of rusty staining. The root color varies from a cream color near the blade to a reddish-brown and tan on the lower part. The blade clearly exhibits a fine texture of very tiny longitudinal striations intersecting right angles with subtle latitudinal rings for the entire length of the blade surface, giving it a very interesting and pleasing appearance. There is a wear facet on the root just below the base of the enamel blade likely caused by abrasion from tendons or bones as the cat would work its sabers in a back and forth motion to saw off larger pieces of meat. This exquisite specimen measures 10 inches long, blade tip to root tip, 13 inches around the outer curve, by a massive 2 inches wide at the fat part of the root by 7/8 inch thick. There has never been a finer saber found anywhere in North America!

ANCIENT FOSSIL WALRUS TUSK
Northeast Point, Saint Paul's Island, Pribilof's Group, Bering Sea
This fine tusk was unearthed in 1936 from a depth of between 8 and 14 feet on one of the Alaskan islands in the remote Pribilof's Group. Estimated from when walrus herds last inhabited the island and the depth at which it was found, it is judged to be over 2000 years old. At 33 inches long it is large and heavy (6½ lbs.) for a walrus tusk, and has been polished to a lustrous finish with a lovely creamy color shading to soft tan towards the tip, where it even displays a small amount of crystallization.

A RARE GIANT SLOTH HAND CLAW
Megalonyx jeffersonii
"Jefferson's Ground Sloth"
Pleistocene
Alachua Formation, Marion County, Florida
Megalonyx jeffersonii was named after our third President, Thomas Jefferson after he described the first bones ever discovered of this rare giant sloth in 1796. He incorrectly thought that they might be bones of a gigantic lion or tiger because the hand bones that he described had huge claws on the fingers! Later researchers noted that the bones were very similar to an extinct giant sloth named Megatherium that had been discovered in Paraguay by the famous naturalist, Baron Cuvier of France. In those days, nobody had any idea what a giant sloth was, but finally the connection was made by studying the bones of the much smaller extant species of sloth, and eventually was named Megalonyx jeffersonii, Latin for "Jefferson's giant claw". At the end of the last Ice Age, there was a very diverse megafauna across North American, including mammoths, giant sloths, saber-toothed tigers, bears, horses and numerous other large mammals that are extinct today. Unfortunately for the North American fauna, a very deadly non-native species migrated across the Bering Strait sometime between 35,000 and 50,000 years ago and took up residence here. That destructive and devastating creature was Man! Shortly after the colonization of North American, virtually every type of the largest mammals were wiped out - even horses, which were only reintroduced to this continent by the Spaniards on their 15th Century expeditions. Only bears, bison, elk survived out of all of the giant mammals that once populated this continent! This specimen is the fossilized claw core from the hand of one of these giant extinct animals. These claws were primarily used to denude trees and shrubs of their tender foliage. Megalonyx was a strict vegetarian and preferred the most tender shoots and leaves so it grew very tall and could lean back on its huge tail (which acted like a third leg of a tripod) so that the sloth could reach higher into the branches to find the most succulent foliage. An excellent specimen found at the same location as the giant Smilodon saber mentioned elsewhere in these pages. A small crescent-shaped chip of about 5 mm on the tip is the only restoration to this claw. It exhibits a uniform pink and cream color and clearly shows and preserves the fine details of the surface to perfection. Measures 6 inches long by 2 1/2 inches tall by 1 3/8 inches wide and comes with a custom black steel stand.

MASTODON TOOTH
Mastodon cuvieronius
Late Piocene/early Pleistocene
South Carolina
This enormous tooth is from the mouth of an early Ice Age American Mastodon, which ranged from Alaska to Central Mexico over one million years ago and became extinct about 10,000 years ago. They are classified in the order Proboscidea together with other large heavy mammals with distinctive tusks and long flexible trunks; however, whilst the Mammoths that lived on Earth during the same period are closely related to the modern Asian elephant, the Mastodon has no surviving relatives. This specimen represents the most distinctive feature differentiating the mastodon from the mammoth: its cheek teeth which, unlike those of modern elephants and extinct mammoths, terminated in distinctive cone-like cusps (mammoths had flat, ridged molars that look like washboards, totally different in appearance). It was from these unusual cusped teeth that the mastodon derived its name, from the Greek words mastos (ΜΑΣΤΌΣ) meaning breast, or nipple, and odous (ΟΔΟΎΣ), meaning tooth. Mastodons were herbivores but unlike mammoths, whose ridged molars were used for grazing on grasses, the mastodon was a browser, its teeth used for clipping and crushing twigs, leaves, branches and aquatic vegetation. This massive tooth displays excellent enamel coverage and patination, with a fine, well-preserved extensive root section, and measures 8 inches wide on a metal and wood display stand.

WOOLLY MAMMOTH HAIR
Mammuthus primigenius
Pleistocene
Yakatia, Siberia, Russia
This rare and comparatively large sample of Woolly Mammoth "wool" was recovered from the frozen carcass of an Ice Age mammoth in the wilds of Siberia. The mammoth's thick shaggy coating of hair could grow up to 20 inches long, and its skin contained numerous sebaceous glands which secreted greasy fat into the hair further to improve its insulating qualities. Such hair has been used to collect approximately 80% of the mammoth's DNA and it has been established that their genome is similar enough to that of the African elephant that a complex procedure of cell-modification and artificial insemination could in fact produce a live mammoth birth from an elephant mother. The present sample comprises good thick hairs, representing a larger amount than one is usually able to obtain of these rare Ice Age remnants, and is presented in glazed and hinged rosewood-stained display frame 10 x 8 inches.

MOSASAUR SKULL - A DEADLY SWIMMING REPTILE
Halisaurus arambourgi
Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian stage
Khouribga phosphate deposits, Morocco
Prowling the vast oceans of the Cretaceous period over 65 million years ago, the Mosasauridae were amongst the most fearsome predators ever known. The various species ranged in size from under 10 to over 50 feet in length but what each has in common is a long serpentine body, well-adapted for swift aquatic hunting, and powerful jaws filled with vicious teeth. The Mosasaur was named for the river Meuse, near Maastricht in the Netherlands, where remains of this remarkable family were first discovered in the late eighteenth century; since then, specimens have been excavated from Antarctica, Australasia, Europe, Africa and the Americas from north to south. Discovered in so many different locales, it is no wonder that there is a profusion of genera, and exact identification is often problematic. This diminutive skull most likely comes from the H. arambourgi, a relatively new species and the smallest discovered in the abundant phosphate beds of Morocco. It exhibits a fine state of preservation, with neat repair and restoration to the fragile bone. The powerful, elongated jaws bear a good proportion of the original teeth, which in turn retain impressive enamel coverage, and where missing they have not been replaced. The large eye socket adds an evocative aspect to the whole specimen, which measures 16½ inches in length, and is raised to a height of 14 inches on a simple metal display stand.

FOSSIL TURTLE SHELL
Lytoloma elegans
Late Cretaceous
Khouribga phosphate deposits, Morocco
This well-preserved shell is from a turtle that could once be found gliding with grace through the oceans that 50 million years ago covered what is today the Sahara desert. Mined for their phosphate deposits, the fossil beds of Khouribga have yielded many of the most evocative fossils of ancient sea-going creatures. This is a superb example, comprising not only the upper shell, or carapace, but also the lower section, or plastron; the soft body of the turtle held between naturally fell into decay before the long slow process of fossilization could take place. There is a certain amount of expected cracking and repair, but the overall patination is good and the shell texture superb; the edges retain good definition and it measures 19 x 16 x 6 inches.

FOSSIL TURTLE SHELL
Stylemys nebrascensis
Oligocene
White River Formation, Crawford, northwest Nebraska
The S. nebrascensis was a dry-land tortoise, abundant on the water-rich Oligocene plains of today's South Dakota badlands between 34 and 24 million years ago. At this time the Earth's climate was cooling and the environment of this area was changing from closed subtropical forests to more open savannah-like habitats. These turtles were first collected and described in 1851 by Dr Joseph Leidy. Although comparatively common, most examples are found in many pieces ( known among collectors as an exploded specimen) and nigh-on impossible to piece back together. Few are found in such pristine and complete condition as the present example, comprising the large and well-preserved carapace (upper shell), intact and fully inflated along with the lower shell, or plastron, also intact and well-preserved. This first-rate specimen has minimal restoration and measures 14½ x 11½ x 5¼ inches.

RARE PERMIAN REPTILE PLAQUE
Sclerocephalus haeuseri
Permian, Rotliegendes series
Odernheim, Pfalz, Germany
280 million years ago the renowned fossil beds of Pfalz in southwest Germany were swampland teeming with amphibious life. The area has yielded many marvels, but has long been closed to collectors, making these specimens increasingly scarce on the market and much sought after. A well-preserved S. Haeuseri, ancient ancestor to today's salamander, is of particular rarity and interest to advanced collectors: how fine, therefore, to come across a plaque such as this with not just one but two superbly preserved specimens of this characterful species. The larger of the two measures an impressive 24 inches around the curve of its body and tail, and offers an unusual anatomical perspective, partially twisted on its side; the smaller is 10½ inches long and its distinctive arrow-shaped head is oriented with pleasing symmetry to display the large and evocative eye-sockets that make these specimens so appealing. Both creatures exhibit excellent three-dimensionality and good bone detail, particularly to the rib areas, with excellent limb visibility and even some of the fine digit bones of the fingers, claws and feet. The plaque also boasts a rare fragment of Walchia conifer in one corner, fortunately covered by silt before the process of decay could begin, its fragile structure thereby preserved forever in similarly excellent detail. As well as displaying a fine level of preservation, fossils from this quarry are extremely hard to remove from the ground, due to the fragile, flaky nature of the shale. The method used is similar to that employed at Messel; resin is poured onto the unearthed fossil and, once extracted, the rock on the underside is carefully removed to expose the millions of years old creature. As such, this first-class plaque is stabilized with a resin backing and measures 24 5/8 x 20½ inches.

FOSSIL STINGRAY AND HERRING PLATE
Heliobatus radians, Knightia eocaena
Eocene
Green River Formation, Wyoming, USA
Many of the aquatic animals that lived in the Fossil Lake of the Green River formation were descendants of marine species cut off from the oceans as the North American continents rose slowly from the primordial waters that covered much of the globe. This is the reason why the fossil remains of the traditionally ocean-dwelling sting-ray are found in this once fresh-water location. Like their modern-day descendants, these prehistoric fish were placid bottom dwellers, their fearsome tail barbs providing an excellent deterrent to predators who might otherwise have enjoyed them as a tasty dinner. As might be expected, the remains of these thin, fragile flat fish are rare; their incredibly delicate "wing" bones present one of the greatest challenges to the excavator, having the thickness of only two sheets of paper. In most cases the preparator must resort to painting in the majority of these bones, but in this instance almost the entire structure is present in the matrix. The ray itself has a wingspan of 7¼ inches and measures 14 inches in length. Milling around it on the natural matrix is a school of almost forty specimens of the sprat-like Knightia that shared these ancient waters, the pale orange-brown color of the fossils standing in soft and pleasing contrast to the pale limestone matrix, 20¾ x 16½ inches.

FINE FOSSIL STINGRAY
Heliobatus radians
Eocene
Green River Formation, Wyoming
Fossil stingrays are quite rare due to the fact that they are a cartilaginous fish, a characteristic highly antipathetic to fossilization, and although the strata of the "18-inch layer" of the Fossil Lake make it relatively easy to remove the abundant fossils found there, the "wing" bones of the ray present one of the greatest challenges to the excavator, having the thickness of only two sheets of paper. The preparator's skill is likewise keenly tested in its presentation, and the fine detail of the present example is testament to a master of this most painstaking art. The wingspan here is 6 inches, and it measures 12½ inches from tip to tail. As an added bonus, swimming perilously close to the dangerous stinger is one of the abundant Knightia sp., an ancestor of the modern herring, measuring 3¾ inches long. Both are presented on a natural limestone matrix plate measuring 16 7/8 x 13 7/8 inches overall.

SUPERB TRIPARTITE FOSSIL FISH MURAL
Knightia eocena, Priscacara liops, Mioplosus labracoides
Eocene
Green River Formation, Wyoming, USA
This superb trio of mural wall hangings has been fashioned from 7¾-inch square tiles of pale limestone taken from the "18-inch layer" of the Green River Quarry in Wyoming. This quarry is famous, of course, as the abundant source of some of the very finest aquatic fossils to be found anywhere in the world, and the present pieces perfectly uphold that reputation. Known today as the "Fossil Lake", this 25,000 square mile formation was once an interconnected system of inland freshwater lakes during the Eocene epoch, 35-55 million years ago. Amidst the plain tiles used for this set of wall murals are 21 each displaying a finely- preserved specimen of the Knightia, a sprat-like fish that was plentiful in these waters and so closely associated with the area that it was chosen for the state fossil of Wyoming. The tiles have been arranged with the utmost artistry to give an overwhelming sense of movement, as though the school of fish were swimming gracefully from left to right, across all three of the panels. Above them, heading in the opposite direction, are five plump Priscacara, a form of prehistoric perch and another familiar and popular presence in these waters. These guileless fish had better watch out however, for towards the bottom of the left-hand panel, on a special, larger tile, lurks a Mioplosus, a voracious predator that easily outsizes its prey at 11½ inches long. This species, a relative of the modern pike, is far less common amongst the Green River fossils but displays no less the excellence of preservation and preparation for which specimens from this locality are renowned. The whole piece is a masterful marriage of time's wondrous transformation of living matter into eternal stone, the craftsman's art of drawing the finest details out of the intransigent rock, and the artistry of the designer who marshals all these elements to create such a superlatively decorative wall display. The original rough texture of the stone only adds to the aesthetic appeal, and framed in wood each panel measures 65 5/8 x 33 5/8 inches.

EXCEPTIONAL MOONFISH FOSSIL
Gyrodus circularis
Jurassic
Solnhofen Formation, Eichstätt, Bavaria, Germany
This remarkable specimen of the fossil relative of today's parrot fish is amongst the finest specimens to have been unearthed from the remarkable limestone deposits of the Solnhofen area. The attractive rounded shape leaves one in no doubt as to how this reef fish got its name. The level of detail on this fossil is superlative throughout the whole of the body, with a mixture of bone and scale remains, excellent three-dimensionality, particularly to the pectoral fin, and the perfectly preserved rounded teeth that were used for crushing coral and the shells of small crustaceans. As is usual, the soft ocular material has not been preserved, but the pale circle of the eye socket provides a lifelike substitute. This denizen of the Solnhofen lagoons, an archipelago on the edge of the Tethys Sea, measures 19 inches long and is presented on a natural matrix slab of 27 3/8 x 23¾ inches.

EXCELLENT MEGALODON TOOTH
Carcharocles megalodon
Miocene
Swanee River, Florida, USA
The mighty Megalodon dwarfed its equivalent in today's waters, the Great White Shark. It is reckoned that every inch of tooth indicates 10 feet of overall length, so the beast from which this example came must have been a monstrous 60-footer. In fact, there is some doubt over the Megalodon's relationship to the Great White (Carcharodon carcharias); the introduction in 1995 of a new genus (Carcharocles) relies on a theory of parallel evolution to explain the similarity in the teeth of the two species, and posits the extinct broad-toothed Mako Shark as the Great White's likely ancestor. The present example exhibits good serrations and beautifully-colored gray-green enamel, much of it entirely smooth on the reserve of the tooth. A first-rate specimen, it measures an uncommonly large 6 inches in length.

FINE MEGALODON TOOTH
Carcharocles megalodon
Miocene
Swanee River, Florida, USA
The mighty Megalodon, a giant-sized version of today's Great White Shark, reigned over the planet's oceans between 1.5 and 18 million years ago. Their teeth are usually found in a few rivers and sounds characterized by their zero-visibility and freezing temperatures, and responsible for the death of more than one Meg hunter. Yet the teeth are all that remain of this great fish; like today's sharks, their skeletons were cartilaginous and no match for the crushing weight of earth and time that created the fossil record from the more hardy bones of other species. The present example displays excellent serrations along its edge, complete enamel retention and a lovely soft gray-green coloring, and measures 5 ½ inches in length.

PREHISTORIC SHARK TOOTH
Carcharocles megalodon
Miocene
Morgan River, South Carolina, USA
The teeth of the giant shark-like Megalodon are among the most prized specimens for the prehistoric collector. They are similar to those of today's Great White Shark but considerably larger, and this specimen came from a real monster. The Megalodon was the largest carnivorous fish ever to have swum the oceans of our planet, and at over 50 feet in length, its mouth bristling with rows of these monstrous tearing and rending tools, a terrifying beast to encounter in the murky depths. Although their relation to today's sharks is in some doubt, they share with them the characteristic cartilaginous skeleton, unpreserved by the fossil record, and so their amazing teeth are all that remain to us of this great hunter. The specimen here displays full enamel coverage and a beautiful gray-black patination with soft milky clouds around the edge, and a soft gray-brown towards the centre. It is lined with good serrations, still sharp enough to slice through meat, and measures 5½ inches in length.

FOSSIL SAND DOLLARS ON MATRIX
Scutella stelatta
Miocene
Faluns de Touraine, France
Sand dollars are echinoids and are members of the echinoderm family. These fossil Sand Dollars (Scutella stelatta) were living creatures that dwelled on the bottom of soft ocean floors from 15 to 19 million years ago. The tell tale five rayed "flower" pattern on the top of each Sand Dollar, indicates that they are from the famed fossil beds of France. There are 20 Sand Dollars artfully strewn across their original sand conglomerate matrix - just as if they are ready to be discovered on some ancient beach. Measuring 22 x 14 x 4 inches thick, this specimen is in fine condition with each of the Sand Dollars being well prepared and exposed.

FOSSIL DRAGONFLY
Stenophlebia sp.
Upper Jurassic, Tithonian stage
Solnhofen Formation, Eichsätt, Bavaria, Germany
The ghostly trace of this long-dead ancestor to today's dragonflies is preserved in the fine-grained Solnhofen limestone by a lithographic process, the outline of the insect chemically transferred to the stone over millions of years due to the anoxic conditions of the thick oxygen-free mud silt that remained when the lagoons of the area dried out towards the end of the Jurassic period. This is an exceptional example, with perfect symmetry and remarkable three-dimensionality, including a most unusual amount of detail to the wing membranes. It has a wingspan of 7¼ inches and is presented on a 17½ x 13¾-inch matrix plaque.

FOSSIL GRASSHOPPER
Pycnophlebia robusta
Upper Jurassic, Tithonian stage
Solnhofen Formation, Eichsätt, Bavaria, Germany
The insect fossils of Solnhofen are amongst the most beautiful and delicate of any such specimens to be found anywhere in the world. Transferred to the pale limestone by a process similar to lithography, their shadowy remains are preserved forever as ghost-like traces of the long-vanished life they represent. The beautifully simple lines of the present example, with a clear wing outline, articulated legs and slender antennae are enhanced by a rare three-dimensionality. Positioned on a characterful 13 3/8 x 12-inch slab of limestone, bordered with the drendritic traces of water-born iron oxides seeping into the stone, the fossil itself measures 4 5/8 inches long.

A FINE TRIO OF LA BREA TAR PIT BEETLES
Hydrophilius sp. - Matrix with Two
Cybister sp. - Matrix with One
Pleistocene
Rancho La Brea Formation, Kern County, California
The Tar Pits of Late Pleistocene Southern California were literally swarming with aquatic life in the shallow pools of water that covered and disguised the sticky tar seeps underneath. The most common fauna in these "death pools", where the large animal life of the time and were inexorably pulled down into the liquid asphalt to meet an untimely end. Predaceous water beetles which feasted on these animals while they were sinking became trapped in the sticky tar as well. These two matrix specimens are from two different species of these carnivorous beetles, preserved on their original asphalt matrices, each measuring approximately 2 x 2 1/2 inches. The larger beetle is from genus Hydrophilius and two individuals, one exposed from the ventral or belly side, are exposed on its matrix. The other specimen displays a single individual of genus Cybister. Both specimens exhibit the superb preservation possible in the tar pits. An excellent assemblage for any collector fascinated by the La Brea Tar Pits.

A VERY RARE AMERICAN TRILOBITE CLASSIC
Odontocephalus aegeria
Middle Devonian - 390 million years old
Onondaga Limestone Formation, Perry County, Pennsylvania
Odontocephalus is the most famous trilobite found in Pennsylvania, but sadly, all of the quarries where these trilobites were collected are depleted and closed for over 25 years so that they can never be collected again without millions of dollars of work to reopen and de-water the pits. A fine specimen, brown in color, measuring 2 1/2 x 1 3/8 inches on a 4 3/8 x 3 inch pale green limestone matrix.

SUPERB PRECIOUS GEM AMMONITE
Placenticeras intercalare
Upper Cretaceous
Bearpaw Formation, Alberta, Canada
Gem ammonites are amongst the most sought-after of all fossils, and presented here is a superb example. Not only does it display vibrant color across the full extent of both sides - fiery red, flashing green, glittering gold - but one face boasts in addition large patches of the much rarer blue and purple shades, a rainbow spectrum characteristic of only the most desirable examples. These beautiful iridescent colors were created naturally by the mineralization of iron, copper and silica which precipitated from the bentonite sediment of volcanic ash, subjected to millions of years of compression. It is only in the small Bearpaw formation, stretching over parts of Montana, Alberta and Saskatchewan along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, that the nacreous lining common to the shell of all ammonites is preserved with traces elements such as manganese, strontium, titanium, barium and others, producing the dazzling colors displayed here. The resulting gemstone is called ammolite, although it is known to the Káínawa, or Blood Tribe, of southern Alberta as aapoak ("small, crawling stone") and to the Blackfeet Indians of Montana as iniskim ("buffalo stone") and has long been believed to have amuletic powers of use in healing and in attracting buffalo. Practitioners of feng shui and crystal metaphysics value it as the Kirin stone, or seven color prosperity stone, and believe it to be useful in detoxifying the body and promoting energy flow and prosperity. A superb example, entirely freed from its matrix, this specimen measures 18 3/8 inches in diameter.

FINE DOUBLE GEM AMMONITE PLAQUE
Placenticeras meeki
Upper Cretaceous
Bearpaw Formation, Alberta, Canada
The ammonites found in the oceans covering this small area of North America 65-100 million years ago are amongst the most sought-after of all fossils. All ammonites have a layer of nacreous mother-of-pearl (hexagonal platelets of aragonite) lining their shells, but only the Placenticeras sp., through the combination of millions of years of compression and the mineralization of iron, copper and silica which precipitated from the bentonite sediment of volcanic ash, have been transformed into this beautiful precious gem stone ammolite. It is one of several biogenic gemstones, like amber and pearl, and can be grouped with other shell-based marbles such as lumachella, or "fire marble", formed from the fossilized shells of clams or snails. It is far more striking than these other substance, however, and was accorded gemstone status by the World Jewelry Federation in 1981. This fantastic plaque boasts two examples, measuring 14¼ and 6 inches in diameter. The gray stone matrix provides the perfect ground to offset the shimmering display of iridescent green, yellow and red that flashes across the shells, enlivened by highlights of the much rarer blue and purple shades. The plaque itself measures 39½ x 31 inches and is presented on a custom metal display stand.

BRITISH AMMONITE
Arietites (Paracoroniceras) sp.
Jurassic, Lower Lias
Jurassic Coast, West Dorset, UK
This is a fine example of a classic British ammonite, its ribbed shell displaying the typical gentle contours and a lovely warm brown coloring. The Jurassic coast on the English Channel is a World Heritage site, famous for its abundant Jurassic fossil deposits (as well as treasures from both the Triassic and Cretaceous periods); houses and cottages throughout the area can be seen with ammonites of all sizes built into their brick and stone work, and even a casual stroller along one of the many beaches is likely to come across some relic of millions of years ago. One would be extremely lucky to stumble across an example of this size and quality, however; set in the original gray stone matrix it measures 13 inches in diameter.

LARGE FRENCH AMMONITE
Arietites bucklandi
Lower Jurassic, Lower Sinemurian
France
This is a beautiful and enormous example of the Arietites sp. ammonite, preserved and prepared in superb condition with excellent detail to the ridges of the shell and a strong black color. The species is named for Rev. William Buckland, Canon of Christ Church and Reader in Geology and Minerolagy at Oxford University in the second quarter of the nineteenth century. He spent much time exploring the Jurassic Coast of Dorset around the town of Lyme Regis and in his history of the Royal Geological Society (1907) H.B. Woodward notes: "Buckland, always an enthusiastic collector, once found a large form of Ammonites bucklandi [now Arietites bucklandi ] without the inner whorls...he thrust his head through the stony ring and rode home, dubbed by his friends the 'Ammon Knight' ". An excellent display piece, this robust example measures an impressive 23½ inches wide and positioned upright on a section of contrasting pale gray matrix, it stands 22¾ inches tall.

PAIR OF BRITISH AMMONITES
Arietites (Paracoroniceras) sp.
Jurassic, Lower Lias
Jurassic Coast, West Dorset, UK
This fine, natural pair of well-preserved and attractive ammonites comes from the world-famous Jurassic Coast of southern England. Among the most instantly recognizable of all fossils, ammonites are found in an abundance of species throughout the world, and since they thrived for over 300 million years in various forms, their well-documented remains are invaluable for dating the formations from which they are recovered. This pair boasts fine undulating detail to the shells and soft brown and gray coloring that sits in pleasing aesthetic contrast with the soft gray matrix. A splendid pair, the specimens measure 18 and 14 inches in diameter, and the matrix itself is 30 inches in length.

AN EXCEPTIONAL PEARLIZED MULTIPLE SCAPHITE/AMMONITE MATRIX
Sphenodiscus lenticluaris - Two Individuals
Hoploscaphites nicolleti - Two Individuals
Discoscaphites conradi
Jeletzkytes spedeni
Late Cretaceous - 67-70 million years old
Fox Hills Formation, Cheyenne River, South Dakota
The prolific beds of the Fox Hills Formation have produced tens of thousands of specimens over the years, but natural multiple specimens like this are exceptionally rare, on the order of one in ten thousand specimens will have 6 or more complete scaphites/ammonites - yet this incredible specimen has 4 Scaphites and 2 Sphenodiscus ammonites in addition to many small baby ammonites, gastropods and clams, etc. The exceptional preservation possible in the Fox Hills Formation is on full display here as a rainbow of colors dances across these preserved fossil shells, frozen in the gray matrix, with gorgeous "mother-of-pearl" iridescence in green, pink, violet and silver. One of the Sphenodiscus even shows the stunning suture patterns, formed as cephalopods grow and expand their living chamber. A very aesthetic, one-of-a-kind, natural sculpture measuring 10 3/4 x 8 3/4 x 4 1/2 inches tall. The largest Sphenodiscus measures 4 inches in diameter and the largest Scaphite, the Jeletzkytes spedeni, measures 3 1/2 inches in diameter. The smallest scaphite, a Discoscaphites conradi, measures 1 1/2 inches in diameter. A truly museum worthy specimen that extensively samples the Cretaceous oceans of North America.

A GEM DISCOSCAPHITES ON MATRIX
Discoscaphites conradi
Late Cretaceous
Fox Hills Formation, Cheyenne River, South Dakota
The focus of this specimen is the true gem shell at the apex of the matrix. This scaphite is, quite literally, as good as it gets. It would be nearly impossible to improve on the beauty and perfection of this individual. The preservation of the pearlized shell is sensational and gives the impression of silvery metal with a spectrum of violet, pink, green and red shimmering and reflecting off the nearly perfect surfaces. This incredible scaphite measures 1 3/4 inches in diameter. A second individual of Discoscaphites is fine and complete and measures 1 7/8 inches in diameter. There is a partial sphenodiscus ammonite located below the gem scaphite and dozens of fossil mussels accenting this wonderful specimen. The matrix measures 6 x 5 x 3 inches. An absolute gem of extreme rarity.

A PAIR OF EXQUISITE HOPLOSCAPHITES ON MATRIX
Hoploscaphites nicoletti
Late Cretaceous
Fox Hills Formation, Cheyenne River, South Dakota
Superb "mother-of-pearl" preservation combined with matchless natural aesthetics makes this piece an outstanding example of nature's art. Flashing iridescent pink, violet, green, red, silver and gold play across these pristine surfaces as the specimen is rotated or moved, very much like a fine opal. Two perfect Hoploscaphites sit atop this natural grey matrix rock from an ancient seabed, perfectly highlighted and displayed. One of the scaphites is 2 3/4 inches in diameter and the other is 2 1/2 inches, resting on a 3 x 3 x 1 3/4 inch matrix. An absolutely fine and beautiful specimen possessing unparalleled aesthetics.

RARE FOSSIL AMMONITES: MARIELLA BERGERI
Mariella bergeri
Creatceous
St. Andre Les Alpes, France
Rare and exotic, these two coiled French ammonites are studded with spines and are unusually large, complete and well preserved for the species. The collector purchased the entire discovery and then had a master fossil preparer extract them from their stony encasement. This was the only double and was kept in the collector's home for years. With spines up to 3/4 inches long, each ammonite is an impressive 16 inches in length, 5 1/2 to 6 inches wide and are sitting 2 1/2 inches higher than their natural sandstone matrix. Prepared in situ, the overall plate is 16 x 19 x 6 inches thick. In very fine condition, they have both been expertly prepared.

VERY LARGE AMMONITE PAIR: CUT & POLISHED
Cleoniceras cleon
Upper Cretaceous
Tulear, Morondava, Madagascar
Once the dominant species of the planet, ammonites were found in all of the seas and oceans. In Madagascar, they are occasionally found to be of exceptional size and beauty. This very large ammonite has been cut in half and polished to reveal the rich golden orange interior where calcite crystals line or completely fill the growth chambers. This specimen has been well prepared - the coiling center core is intact and is not an inlay, there are minor amounts of fill (not unexpected in a specimen this size) and overall condition is excellent. Measuring a sizable 18 inches across, polished on all sides, ammonites of this size and quality are rare.

IRIDESCENT BRITISH AMMONITES
Caloceras johnstoni
Jurassic, Lower Lias
Somerset, UK
This plaque offers a superb illustration of the rare preservation of natural nacreous shell-lining. This mother-of-pearl like substance is present in the shells of all ammonites, but is most often destroyed by the processes of fossilization; in certain localities, however, conditions are such that the shimmering character of the shell's exterior is preserved as we see here. Specimens from this region are characteristically crushed flat, which has the advantage of displaying the maximum amount of shell surface, and creating a lovely two-dimensional representation of pre-historic life. The present plaque boasts three good-sized specimens, retaining good shell texture despite their flattened state, and one tiny example. Each shimmers with pinkish-bronze coloring tinged with golden green, perfectly offset by the dark gray shale matrix. The largest specimen measures 4 7/8 inches across and the whole matrix is 14 x 12¼ inches.

LARGE AMMONITE PLATE
Dactylioceras commune
Jurassic
Ohmden, near Holzmaden, Germany
Ammonites are among the most esthetic of fossil. They have been discovered on almost every continent and became extinct 65 million years ago along with the dinosaurs. One of the many fascinating things about ammonites is that the beautifully graceful spiral that most ammonites' exhibit is so consistent in its expression that it only takes a single mathematical expression to define this shape. That mathematical expression is called 'the Involute of a Spiral'. The present specimen is from the classic locality of Holzmaden, Germany, which dates back to the Jurassic period over 170 million years ago. It is quite large, measuring 26 x 40 inches, and displays dozens of small ammonites and features 4 large individuals measuring up to 8 inches in diameter.

LARGE MASS MORTALITY ORTHOCERAS SLAB
Orthoceras sp.
Ordovician
Sahara Desert, near Talmud, Morocco
A study in black and white, this mass mortality plate of fossil cephalopods (Orthoceras sp.) shows that there were millions of these sea dwelling creatures in what was once the Sahara Seas (now known as the Sahara Desert). The individual specimens have been sculpted out of the matrix using hand tools and painstakingly polished, creating a three dimensional effect. Their shell remnants have all been oriented in the same direction by the rhythmic motions of the crashing waves, and fossilized over the eons. This dynamic fossil plaque shows the huge variation in size of these ancient relatives of the squid and chambered nautilus: some are a mere few inches long while the longest specimen is over two feet in length at 25 1/2 inches. Overall dimensions are 55 1/2 x 43 inches and it is approximately 5 inches thick. In fine condition.

OPALESCENT BELEMNITE
Cohort: Belemnoidea
Jurassic
Cooper Pedy, South Australia
Similar to the modern squid, the Belemnite is an extinct marine cephalopod. From its aragonite phragmacone would emerge arms equipped with small hooks for grabbing prey passing in the prehistoric waters. Flourishing in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, their remains are found throughout the world, but only in the abundant opal fields of South Australia are they found in this special form. Geomorphically replaced over millions of years by precious opal, the shell now flashes with opalescent green, pink and purple and thanks to opal's microcrystalline structure the smallest details have been preserved. This delightful specimen measures 3 inches in length, perfectly offset by the characteristic salmon-pink sandstone matrix, measuring 4¾ inches long.

PECTIN PLATE
Clamys latissima
Miocene
Vaucluse, Lacoste, France
The pectin is an extinct bivalve mollusk, active swimmers and hermaphroditic. This beautiful natural plate boasts several fine and complete examples, and even includes an extinct sea urchin nestled in one corner. It measures 19¾ x 21¼, with a striking three-dimensionality enhanced by the fact that several of the scallop shells are partially opened. The pectin shell is one of the most typical ornamentation features of Mediterranean renaissance architecture, and is found on most of the buildings of that time, and as this plaque so ably demonstrates, its aesthetic appeal has not diminished with time.

EXCEPTIONAL "BIRD-DINOSAUR" SKULL
Oviraptor philoceratops
Late Cretaceous, Campanian stage
Djadochta Formation, Central Asia
The Oviraptors are among the most bizarre carnivorous dinosaurs ever found. First discovered in 1923 by the legendary paleontologist and explorer Roy Chapman Andrews during expeditions in the Gobi Desert, Oviraptor was represented by a single, heavily crushed skull and some disarticulated bones. Despite its condition Andrews, the discoverer of Velociraptor and the real life adventurer upon whom the character of Indiana Jones was based, knew he had something unique. The name, meaning "egg seizer", was suggested by the close proximity of the skull to a nest of what were assumed at the time to be the eggs of Protoceratops, a common ceratopsian dinosaur found at the same site.

By the 1970's, however, several finds of Oviraptor had been made and it was realized that not only were the eggs found in the 1920's not Protoceratops, they were in fact the eggs of Oviraptor itself. Even more startling was the discovery that there were apparently several species of Oviraptor and that some had strange crests, weirdly recurved beaks and other features so strikingly different from other carnivorous dinosaurs that they were amongst the most unique theropod dinosaurs ever found. New finds in the 1990's showed that most oviraptors were even covered with feathers and that they sat over their eggs much like modern birds, such that a time traveler going back 70 million years to the Late Cretaceous era would probably have not even realized these were dinosaurs! Modern debate still rages regarding their lifestyle and biology. Suggestions as to diet made from studies of the skull and the unusually powerful beak have ranged wildly from mammals, lizards and even molluscs such as clams. Their strange appearance and rapacious reputation have made the Oviraptor a staple of popular culture; it has even appeared in video games, twice depicted as being able to spit poison! While such ideas are likely far-fetched, no solid evidence has ever been found so we still do not know just how dangerous this predator may have been.

The present 8-inch long skull offered here is easily one of the finest and most spectacular examples ever seen of this species of carnivorous dinosaur. The skull is virtually perfect with barely 1% restoration and nearly every bit of it has been carefully prepped free of the rock in which it was entombed for over 70 million years. Professional technicians labored for months with hand tools to expose the delicate crest and truss-like bones of the skull and, as they progressed, it was discovered to be so complete and intact that even the strange ring of bones in one eye was preserved, perfect and uncrushed. The second of these sclerotic rings, support for the large eyeball, was cast from this singularly perfect find. Unlike most dinosaur specimens, this highly delicate skull was incredibly uncrushed and undistorted so no complex repair was ever required. One professional described this specimen as "breathtaking", while another famous paleontologist called it "one of the best Oviraptorosaur skulls I've ever seen."

A unique, world-class specimen, it is mounted on a discrete metal armature over a hand-finished dark American oak base, and stands 8 5/8 inches high overall.

SMALL TRICERATOPS HORN
Triceratops horridus
Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian stage
Hell Creek Formation, South Dakota, USA
The Triceratops is undoubtedly one of the world's best-known and most popular dinosaurs, due in part to its distinctive three-horned skull and flared bony frill. Although fearsome in appearance, these horns were long-considered to serve a primarily defensive function; in the late Cretaceous period the Triceratops roamed in vast herds across what is now North America, a prime target for their deadly enemy, the T-rex. Recent scholarship, however, has suggested a function much like the antlers of the reindeer or the rhinoceros beetle, for rituals of display and courtship. The first Triceratops bones were discovered near Denver in 1887; a pair of horns attached to a cranial fragment, and was initially thought to be those of an extinct buffalo. A much more complete skull taken from the Lance Formation in Wyoming the following year prompted the coining of the Triceratops genus. This supraorbital horn is probably from a juvenile, judging by its small size and single curve. It has been carefully prepped and repaired with about 1 ½ inches of the tip replaced. It retains its fantastically rugose texture as well as a fragment of the animal's skull. Presented on metal stand it makes for a superb display piece and measures 20 inches around the curve.

"DUCK-BILLED" DINOSAUR MAXILLA
Edmontosaurus sp.
Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian stage
Private ranch, Hell Creek Formation, Wibaux Co., mid-eastern Montana
This upper jaw section is a fine specimen from the well-known family of duck-billed dinosaurs, the Hadrosauridae. Their broad flattened beaks were used for stripping the prehistoric foliage of leaves and twigs, which were then crushed and ground by the rows of basic teeth packed into dental batteries further back in the jaw. This feeding method is perfectly illustrated here by the flattened teeth that line the specimen, set into a well-preserved jaw section with good bone patina and a nice warm brown coloring. The curious line of holes that runs along the inside of the bone were canals called foramina (singular: foramen). Their purpose was to allow branches from the maxillary (dentary) nerve and blood supply (called a nutrient foramen in that case) to reach the mouth and lip tissues. There may even have been sensory whiskers of a sort to aid in finding food. Given the location, the quality of this specimen should be no surprise: the Hell Creek formation in Montana is renowned for the large amount of Cretaceous fauna and flora in its record. This example measures 17 inches long and is presented on a custom wood and metal display stand.

RARE NEST OF 7 RAPTOR EGGS
Elongatoolithus sp.
Upper Cretaceous
Central Asia
This fine specimen is an excellent demonstration of the egg-laying practices of the cretaceous Oviraptorids. Each egg is touching another, and they are arranged in layered pairs; it is believed that Oviraptors had paired ovaries, laying two eggs at a time and then waiting a few days before laying another pair in the same nest. The name Oviraptor means "egg-seizer" in Latin, because the first fossil remains of the genus were found atop a nest of eggs. As further specimens were unearthed, however, it became apparent that these Oviraptors were actually brooding over their own eggs. As well as this familiarly bird-like nesting behavior, some species even boasted a full-body covering of feathers. This nest comprises seven good-sized egg specimens, the largest of which is an impressive 9 inches long, with a further three poking out from underneath. As is usual, there is some cracking to most of the fragile fossil shells, but several retain good coverage with superb texture, nestled in the natural clay matrix which measures 22 x 15½ inches.

SUPERB THEROPOD FOOTPRINTS
Species unknown
Lower Jurassic
St George, Utah, USA
The locality of St George in Utah is regarded to as one of the most significant fossil sites in the entire world for early Jurassic dinosaur tracks. The area once boasted a large lake and a thriving population of prehistoric creatures; as such the incredible abundance of tracks, skin impressions and fossilized remains of fish, crocodilians, dinosaurs and flora constitute an almost unparalleled window through time to a thriving prehistoric ecosystem. The dinosaurs that occupied this area seem mostly to have been Theropods, as is evidenced by the tracks they left; "theropoda" means "beast feet" and the group is distinguished by their three-toed pedal extremities, as well as by having a furcula (wish-bone), air-filled bones and in some cases, even feathers, all of which links them closely to the evolution of today's birds.
Large deep well-defined impressions such as these are extremely rare, especially when there are 2 such prints on the same matrix. The two impressions on this large slab of red sandstone are from a good-sized creature, or pair of creatures, and each measure approximately 12 inches in length. The prints are deep, with good outline and presenting a fine overall impression of the dinosaurs' feet; the slab itself measures 45¼ inches wide.

EXTREMELY RARE DINOSAUR SKIN IMPRESSION ON BONE-FILLED MATRIX
Order: Ornithischia
Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian stage
Lance Formation, Wyoming, USA
Among the rarest and most sought-after specimens amongst fossil collectors are examples of dinosaur skin impression. The reason that most fossils consist solely of bones is that the long slow process of fossilization is in almost every case easily beaten by the process of decay; soft tissue stands next to no chance of being preserved in stone as it has long since been broken down by natural chemical process, or even disposed of by scavengers. In some rare instances, however, the dead animal is so swiftly covered by fine mud sediments, often in a large river delta, that the skin and flesh are protected from immediate bacterial breakdown. This must happen within no more than two or three days after death. Once protected, the skin texture is impressed in the soft mud, and when the organic matter does eventually decay, it is replaced with more muddy sand, filling the naturally-formed mold. As this sand slowly hardens to rock over millions of years, the delicate skin impression is transferred and retained in the positive forever. The Lance Formation in Elk Basin Anticline, Wyoming, has been a comparatively fertile source of these positive skin impressions, and the present example is from the dimpled hide of an Ornithischian, an order of dinosaurs named for their bird-like hips (as distinct from the Saurischia, the lizard-hipped dinosaurs). The skin impression here covers an irregularly-shaped area of approximately 7½ x 7 inches, and is preserved on a bone-filled matrix, with one large vertebra jutting from a corner, its strong rust-brown color standing out in pleasing contrast to the sandy 12 x 9 x 4¾ inch matrix.

A HUGE T. REX TOOTH
Tyrannosaurus rex (Latin for "king tyrant lizard')
Late Cretaceous - 65-68 million years old
Hell Creek Formation, Harding County, South Dakota
This huge tooth including root measures an impressive 7 ½ inches in length along the curve by 2 ¼ inches wide at the base and is among the largest T-rex tooth ever offered to the public. Nearly all T.rex teeth that are found are shed teeth which break off during the process of eating. Any tooth whose root remains, such as the present specimen, was not shed, but was a serviceable tooth in the mouth of the animal when it died, and these are extremely rare. In fact, this is the largest T. rex tooth, with root, that has ever been offered at Public auction. This tooth is in good condition with no restoration other than crack filling. The crown portion, approximately 4 inches, displays a black enamel coating while the root section contrasts nicely with a beautiful mottled reddish-brown color giving this specimen a very esthetic appearance.

A MASSIVE T. REX TOOTH
Tyrannosaurus rex
Late Cretaceous - Maastrichtian Age
Hell Creek Formation, Harding County, South Dakota
T. rex teeth have been described by a famous paleontologist as "deadly bananas" and this tooth is quite accurately described by that phrase. A huge spike measuring 4 5/8 inches in length by 1 5/8 inches wide at the base by 1 1/8 inches thick, this tooth epitomizes what it is to be a T. rex tooth. Based on its shape and size, this tooth is most-likely from the anterior maxilla (upper jaw), with the enamel blade portion of the tooth being 3 3/4 inches, but, in the skull, this tooth would've extended a full 4 3/4 inches out from the jaw line, making that the effective length that would be felt in any bite! This tooth was collected in 1987 near the town of Buffalo, South Dakota on private ranch land. The tooth exhibits an interesting mottled chocolate-brown background color with lots of blue-gray checking and dendrites giving this specimen a very unusual appearance. The blue-gray dendrites are the result of the action of stomach acid leaching the tooth. Thus, the tooth was broken off and swallowed during combat. Who knows how long this tooth resided in the stomach of its owner, but it was long enough for the acid to etch a loop-shaped canal around the edges of the wear facet near the tip. This tooth still possesses excellent serrations along the posterior cutting edge or carina in spite of its prolonged acid bath! An impressive tooth of near maximum size.

A VERY LARGE AND PRISTINE T. REX TOOTH
Tyrannosaurus rex
Late Cretaceous - 65-68 million years old
Hell Creek Formation, Garfield County, Near Jordan, Montana
This tooth, while not as large as the previous two examples, exhibits gorgeous, pristine surfaces and perfect serrations on both the anterior and posterior cutting edges. The tooth possesses exquisite natural luster and the most beautiful colors running from yellow-brown to reddish dark chocolate-brown, nicely accented by dark blotches and checking. Less than 10% restoration has been done, primarily at the base of the posterior serrate row and a 1/4 section of the tooth base. Measuring 3 1/4 inches by 1 1/2 inches wide at the base by 1 1/8 inches thick. A superb quality tooth of a T. rex.

GIANT DINOSAUR TOOTH
Carcharodontosaurus saharicus
Mid-Cretaceous, Albian Age
Kem-Kem basin, near Taouz, Morocco
The ferocity of the giant Carcharodontosaurus is immediately apparent from the fearsome size of this impressive tooth. The very name of the dinosaur means "jagged teeth lizard" and it is believed to have grown even bigger than the T-rex, making it the largest carnivore ever to stalk the Earth. This fine tooth retains almost complete enamel coverage with a fine soft yellow-brown patina and good root section, and the edges are lined with the tiny serrations that made it such an efficient tool for rending flesh. A good-sized example, it measures 5¾ inches around the curve and 1 5/8 inches across at the base.

A VERY LARGE TOOTH OF DASPLETOSAURUS
Daspletosaurus n. sp.
Late Cretaceous - Campanian Age
70.6-83.5 million years old
Two Medicine Formation, Near Choteau, Montana
Daspletosaurus is very closely related to the much larger Tyrannosaurus rex and may be an ancestor in the T.rex lineage. It possessed the largest, strongest arms and biggest claws of any tyrannosaurid, so it may be that Daspletosaurus used its arms to catch and kill prey, unlike T. rex and others. Daspletosaurus teeth can be very large and tall as the biggest T. rex teeth, but they are much more laterally compressed (i.e. thinner from side to side). Where T. rex teeth have been called "deadly bananas", Daspletosaurus teeth would be more aptly called "sabers" because they were so very thin - like "saber-toothed tiger" teeth. The thinner a serrated tooth is, the better knife it becomes, i.e. it becomes much better at slicing flesh. Since this trait is so strong in Daspletosaurus, more so than in any other tyrannosaurid, there must have been significant hunting and killing technique differences between Daspletosaurus and Tyrannosaurus and the other tyrannosaurids such as Gorgosaurus. The skull of Daspletosaurus was nearly as big as T. rex's but not nearly as robust so they may have targeted the same very large prey but with different styles of attack. Daspletosaurus teeth are much rarer than teeth of any other tyrannosaurid, even T. rex, so their population in a fauna was at a relatively lower level than that of T.rex and other tyrannosaurids. This tooth is from a very large animal and measures 3 1/4 inches tall by 1 1/8 inches wide by 5/8 inches thick (very narrow). It has a gorgeous chocolate-brown color with reddish accents and tan, yellow and black checking. It has several feeding wear facets near the tip and battle damage near the base of the posterior serrate row (carina) which was smoothed-out by repeated chewing after the fight. There are also very fresh serrate drag scars near the tip with no wear suggesting that this tooth was also lost in battle. There is a small area near the center of the enamel area where restoration was done but overall, less than 5% of the surface was restored. An excellent example of a very rare tooth.

A PERFECT CLAW OF A GIANT RAPTOR
New Species of Theropod Raptor
Late Cretaceous - 65-68 million years old
Hell Creek Formation, Garfield County, Near Jordan, Montana
This specimen has stumped numerous experts for many years but there now seems to be consensus that it is a foot claw from a new giant, undescribed raptor genus, possibly related to Chirostenotes, but much larger. As such, it has inspired the imaginations of paleontologists and collectors alike as to how big it actually was, what it looked like, and what it ate and how it lived. Whatever the affinities and lifestyle of this gigantic raptor, the huge claws are incredibly impressive. This claw is nearly perfect and has absolutely no restoration! It possesses a luscious chocolate-brown color with reddish oxide spotting in the small foramen and large blotches of tar-black manganese staining. There are very interesting parallel bite striations visible on the right side of the claw near the tip where something was biting very hard pre or post mortem. We do know that this animal did not survive for long after these bites occurred because there is no evidence of healing in the area. This specimen measures an impressive 4 inches around the curve and 1 5/8 inches high. This is an irreplaceable claw, matchless in quality, of this unusual giant raptor, worthy of any museum in the world!

"FLYING DINOSAUR" LEG
Pteranodon longiceps
Late Cretaceous
Niobrara Formation, Western Kansas, USA
This evocative fossil is the leg of one of the giant flying Pteranodons, huge winged reptiles that could be seen gliding through the late Cretaceous skies 90-70 million years ago. Their habitat was above and around the Western Interior Seaway, a continental sea much like today's Mediterranean, which covered central North America throughout the Cretaceous period. Unlike its ancestors, Rhamphorhyncus and Pterodactylus, the Pteranodon had no teeth in its bird-like beak and although it is thought that they could effect a semi-upright stance whilst on land, their back legs were comparatively small and weak. The bones of this example are well-presented on a pale sandy matrix, their dark brown coloring standing in attractive contrast, with fine texture and three-dimensionality. The pieces present include the femur, the tibia, the large distal tarsal as well as several smaller ones, and four two-part metatarsals with four toe claws. These bones were from a very large specimen; extrapolation puts its wingspan at over 22 feet. Some small sections have been cast to complete the aesthetic effect, and the whole piece measures 36 inches in length, mounted on a metal display stand.

SUPERB DINOSAUR FOOT
Gallimimus bullatus
Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian stage
Nemegt Formation, Central Asia
First discovered in 1970 and described in 1972, complete skeletons of the Gallimimus are so rare that almost everything known about the species comes from a tiny number of very lucky finds. The name means "fowl mimic" and its bones were hollow like those of modern birds, with numerous adaptations in the legs and hips clearly designed for running at high speed. It belongs to the dinosaur family Ornithomimidae, or "bird-mimic" dinosaurs, a group known from specimens in Central Asia, Russia and North America and which lived in the Late Cretaceous. At nearly 1000 pounds, 6-7 feet tall and 14 feet long, Gallimimus was one of the largest known ornithomimids and its toothless beak seems to have been adapted for catching small mammals and lizards, much like modern birds.

This Gallimimus foot is remarkably complete and accurately reassembled. All of the claws and phalanges (toe digits) are original and only a single toe bone has any repair at all. Even the bizarre third metatarsal is preserved, which oddly tapers to an almost paper-thin strip, then re-expands to a wedge-like bone that fits snugly between the two more conventional and longer metatarsals. This incredibly fragile bone is almost never found intact, yet on this specimen as much as 98% of it is preserved, which can be clearly seen from the back side. It is suspected that this strange configuration allowed for greater running speed by reducing weight whilst adding strength to the foot. Overall the specimen has less than 4% restoration and is one of the most fully complete of its kind. It measures 19¼ inches from the top, around the curve, and down to the wicked-looking claw on the central toe. It is mounted on a discrete metal armature designed to allow easy removal of the specimen for study or display and raised on a hand-finished American oak base, it stands 19½ inches high overall.

"BRONTOSAURUS" BONE
Apatosaurus sp.
Late Jurassic
Dana Quarry, Washakie County, Wyoming, USA
For many years, nothing more epitomized the popular image of gigantic dinosaurs than the so-called "Brontosaurus". But what is a "Brontosaurus"? Since the start of the twentieth century, it has been considered a synonym of Apatosaurus, a species described from a juvenile, and the famous nineteenth-century Brontosaurus skeleton on display at Yale's Peabody Museum determined to be a full-grown version. What is more, in 1970 it was demonstrated that the specimen did not even bear an Apatosaurus skull, but instead had been mismatched with that of a Camarasaurus. So popular was the spurious species, however, that in 1989 the US Post Office was still intent on publishing a "Brontosaurus" stamp in its dinosaur series (they also wanted to include a Pteranodon, a flying reptile, not a dinosaur!). Despite its iconic image, Apatosaurus is an uncommon species of Morrison sauropod. They are estimated to have grown up to 32 tons and it was originally conjectured that they were swamp dwellers, their relatively short legs unable to support the massive weight. More recently, footprints have indicated that they grazed in herds on dry land and that juveniles were even able to run on their hind legs in a fashion similar to the modern basilisk lizard. This hefty bone is the tibia, from the lower leg, and belonged to an adult individual which may have reached up to 75 feet in length. It was discovered in the important Dana Quarry in Washakie County, Wyoming, and displays the characteristically beautiful patination and bone texture. The edges along the top and bottom ends are worn and a surface section has been exfoliated due to erosion, but this interesting specimen is a two-in-one: in addition to being a fossil dinosaur bone, it also displays trace fossils in the form of boring holes of insect larvae. Furthermore, it also holds the distinction of being one of the few specimens recovered from the Dana Quarry that was transported and deposited by rapidly moving water after being attacked by carnivorous insects. An impressive relic of the once mighty "thunder lizard", it measures 41¼ inches in length.

FINE SAUROPOD LIMB BONE
Diplodocidae species indeterminate
Late Jurassic
Dana Quarry, Washakie County, Wyoming, USA
This lot represents a complete and well-preserved humerus belonging to a young sauropod. Fossils like the present one belonging to immature individuals are quite rare, thereby making species identification difficult. This interesting specimen may have belonged to one of several known diplodocid species that range in the Lower Morrison, including Apatosaurus, Diplodocus, and Barosaurus. They grew to be enormous animals, the Amphicoelias conjectured to have reached up to 130 feet in length, but they are characterized by relatively short stumpy legs. This specimen was recovered from the Dana Quarry, located at the edge of the Bighorn Mountains near the town of Ten Sleep, Wyoming. Recent excavations have revealed a spectacular Morrison Formation site, preserving an enormous multi-species death assemblage of dinosaurs. Current speculation suggests that the Dana Quarry may have previously been a natural trap where herbivorous species perished together in a shrinking water hole, possibly during a catastrophic drought. The weak and dying may have been caught in the mud long enough to attract the attention of predators, who in turn were trapped while feeding on "easy pickings". The carnage preserved here is reminiscent of the conditions that existed in the Tar pits of Rancho La Brea, where Ice Age mammals were drawn to their death by just such a rare predator/prey chain reaction event. The present specimen displays the excellent quality of fossils from this quarry, with a lovely deep brown patination and superb bone texture, and measures 27 inches in length.

DUCK-BILLED DINOSAUR FEMUR
Family: Hadrosauridae
Cretaceous
Judith River Formation, Montana
This large and hefty leg bone comes from one of the unusual-looking duck-billed Hadrosauridae. The many genera of this herbivorous family, including the 4-ton Edmontosaurus and the distinctive Parasaurolophus, ranged widely in herds over North America at the tail-end of the Cretaceous period, 65 million years ago. This specimen was taken from the Judith Formation, a lag deposit of mudstone, siltstone and sandstone which has yielded the remains of numerous dinosaurs, amphibians, fish and reptiles. It is an historically important site, much studied by early American paleontologists in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. The present example displays little water abrasion and has been painstakingly reconstructed; some of the surface areas have been restored. It boasts good bone texture and patination, with two fine large knuckles. Presented upright in its correct orientation on a metal display stand, and measures 34½ inches in length.

"OSTRICH" DINOSAUR TOE PHALANGE
Struthiomimus altus
Cretaceous
Private ranch, Hell Creek Formation, Wibaux Co., Montana
Running at speeds of 30 to 50 mph, the swift and slender Struthiomimus needed strong legs and flexible feet. Its bird-like triple-toed claw foot was perfectly adapted to speed the dinosaur away from larger predators, but the long curved claws could also be handy if cornered. This toe phalange measure 4¾ inches long and has no restoration. It is in excellent condition and exhibits a fine patina.

AN EXQUISITE SLICE OF GEM DINOSAUR BONE
Camarasaurus lentus, Leg Bone Section
Late Jurassic, 144-156 Million Years Old
Grand County, Utah
Dinosaur bone can fossilize in many ways, but when superheated water passes through layers of rock due to geothermal activity it can deposit silica in the porous marrow of the dinosaur bone leading to complete agatization. These agatized bones are essentially infilled with the mineral quartz or silicon dioxide which can pick-up a variety of colorful minerals that were dissolved in the superheated water - this mechanism is commonly referred to as "hydrothermal deposition". These colorful agatized dinosaur bones are highly prized by collectors who avidly search for them in the remote Utah deserts. The most prized colors by collectors are red and yellow. Here we have an exceptional "pigeon-blood red" specimen of exceptional beauty with an incredible white and gray quartz center, some orange areas in the marrow cells, and a dark gray to black rind around the edges. The colors in this piece perfectly complement each other, giving it an irresistible, eye-catching appearance and allure. Measures 6 x 5 1/4 x 2 5/8 inches thick.