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Lot 105A
Group of Four Mineral Specimens from World Localities
7 December 2016, 10:00 PST
Los AngelesLot to be sold without reserve
US$900 - US$1,200
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Group of Four Mineral Specimens from World Localities
Including: a Sepiolite (Meerschaum): Eski-Sher, Mihaliççik District, Eskisehir, Turkey. Meerschaum, the German expression for "sea foam", is considered by many the finest material for making tobacco pipes because its porous nature provided for a cool, dry, flavorful smoke by drawing in tar and water. In order to establish a carving industry at home, Turkey banned the export of raw nodules such as this in the 1970s, making material somewhat difficult to obtain. All that remains outside of the country is that which had been exported between the first use of meerschaum during the late 18th century and the 1970s and which had not been carved by masters such as those that were in Vienna, height 5 1/2 in; together with a Serpentinite [Antigorite, Chrysotile (asbestos)], New Amianthus (Kaapsche-Hoop) Mine, Barberton District, Mpumalanga (Eastern Transvaal), South Africa, with "shock-cone" like form similar to those found at meteorite impact sites and the layered structure typical of the "Ribbon Line" horizon of the New Amanthius mine; a Moissanite (synthetic silicon carbide), the colorless version of which is now employed as a synthetic simulant of diamond. These beautiful iridescent crystals grew in a open space that allowed their form to fully develop; and a Heulandite-Ca/Mordenite, Rat's Nest claim, Challis, Bay Horse District, Custer Co., Idaho. Heulandite and mordenite both belong to the zeolite group of minerals. Heights ranging from 3in to 5 3/4in (4)