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Elise
Joined: 22 Dec 2009
Posts: 243
Location: New York State
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 Posted: Jan 21, 2010 12:37 Post subject: Red Beryl |
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John encouraged me to go ahead and ask a question I have about red beryl, though as he pointed out to me, there are many qualifications that affect the answer, such as clarity. So, just a general idea would be helpful or any interesting side stories.
I am curating a collection which includes a double terminated red beryl crystal and am sitting here trying to draw up some notes for a presentation for which I have some conflicting information regarding its rarity (John has included a photo in one of his upcoming articles in Rocks & Minerals, soon to be out I think). It is 13.05 ct, red, very slight purple, heavily flawed clarity, 16.36 x 8.18 x 9.07 mm, unpolished, high luster, double termination, extra prism face (2nd order?).
The specimen was mined in the early 1980s and was thought at that time that it was the largest doubly terminated crystal found and that this remained so for that decade. In looking back through MinRec, esp the Oct Sept 1979 issue on the Thomas Range, and G&G W 84 and Sinkankas books on beryl -- there are several double terminated crystals pictured over 2 cm. So I am assuming dates are wrong or the rarity factor is wrong - and therefore I am scratching those notes. I did find a note about the 2nd order prism face being quite rare (Gems & Gemology W 84). Maybe clarity, rarity isn't a good tact to take. What would be of interest to collectors of such specimens and to be sure to point out to a general public (in other words, when you view such a specimen in a museum and grumble about what information is missing....what would that be ;-) ? )
Best wishes,
Elise
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Elise Skalwold |
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Les Presmyk
Joined: 06 Dec 2007
Posts: 372
Location: Gilbert, AZ
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| Posted: Jan 21, 2010 12:47 Post subject: Re: Red Beryl |
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| A photograph or two would be very helpful. |
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Elise
Joined: 22 Dec 2009
Posts: 243
Location: New York State
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| Posted: Jan 21, 2010 13:39 Post subject: Re: Red Beryl |
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| Les Presmyk wrote: | | A photograph or two would be very helpful. |
Les - I have only one photo at the moment - I didn't want to in any way preempt John's upcoming article which includes Jeff Scovil's portrait of this particular specimen and on my side, the same photo is in pre-publication for our book, so I am not sure I can even put it up on the Internet as yet. But in any case, It is one of Jeff's "rough and cut" portraits so it might also offend the sensibilities of mineral collectors here! I am trying to tread lightly in that respect, as I am a gemologist studying the aspects of light and phenomena in fashioned gem materials ( they lend themselves very well to that). But for points in my favor, I am married to a geologist and have always had a shared appreciation of mineral specimens, though we are not collectors on par with members here.
Jeff is giving a presentation during Tucson which will include the portrait, you could see this if you are attending (if not first in Rocks & Minerals), and perhaps speak to him about it as he has handled the specimen on several occasions and worked very hard at exquisitely capturing the color and detail. I can try to take some pictures myself to post, but I am not a photographer and it would only be an idea of the color and morphology. John pointed out to me that Jeff has imaged many of the finest red beryls and he is certainly a fountain of knowledge, but I was hoping that there might also be some interesting anecdotes about this mineral amongst the wider forum membership. Meanwhile, I will see what I can do about a picture or two.
Best wishes,
Elise
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Elise Skalwold |
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Les Presmyk
Joined: 06 Dec 2007
Posts: 372
Location: Gilbert, AZ
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| Posted: Jan 22, 2010 09:40 Post subject: Re: Red Beryl |
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| We will await the photo in Rocks and Minerals and then provide you answers to your questions. |
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Elise
Joined: 22 Dec 2009
Posts: 243
Location: New York State
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| Posted: Jan 25, 2010 21:25 Post subject: Re: Red Beryl |
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| Les Presmyk wrote: | | We will await the photo in Rocks and Minerals and then provide you answers to your questions. |
My issue arrived today, the picture is on page 21. I had not yet seen the portrait in print, only on screen and in a tiny slide. If you have your issue, is there enough to comment on from that orientation, or would other views be necessary? In which case you would suffer my photography skills. I am busy burning our pizza and just flipping through this issue - what a wonderful one it is! I can't wait to read it! I'm looking forward to comments on the red beryl and comparison with other known ones from that era or since.
Best wishes,
Elise
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Elise Skalwold |
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