TourmalineThe alluring mix of rich green and blue colors, combined with the outstanding clarity, make for a first rate example of this hard to find material that dates back to finds from the 1980s. My favorite aspect of this stone is the intense color which doesn't require strong lighting in order to see it. Instead, it's saturated, but still glows even in modest lighting. Additionally, the gem is remarkably clean and I can't see any inclusions with the naked

Although the Sweet Home mine is most famous for its Rhodochrosite specimens

This is one of the finest Jamesonite specimens from San Jose that I've handled

It's not the gemmiest crystal in the world

A classic Augelite specimen from the famous Tasna mine in Bolivia

The large composite crystal of Cuprite on the top of the piece measures 2

but the most intriguing part is that it features a strong glowing sapphire blue color (comparable to Hauyne) that is not often associated with Afghanite

soft metallic grey colored tabular blades of Bournonite are intergrown to create this eye-catching little display specimen

rather lustrous and SMOOTH Spinel-twinned crystals of jet-black Sphalerite are intergrown with very minor Siderite “discs” to create this large thumbnail sized display specimen

Specimen # TUC31704

The fact that it's over 5 carats is a big deal

From a find at the lesser known Sieroszowice Mine

What's most interesting about this stone is that each band has its own distinct color