Fluorite on Tourmaline and Mica

Erongo Mountains, Erongo Region, Namibia

A 15 cm prism of black tourmaline, sharply six-sided and deeply striated along its length, with green fluorite octahedra set at both ends like jewels. At the base sits a large octahedron 2 cm on edge, translucent green with deeper color along its edges; near the top on the right, several smaller octahedra cluster around the tip. Small flakes of mica are scattered over the black prism and add a warm accent. The Erongo Mountains of Namibia are famous for their black tourmaline, and fluorite is one of its classic companions there. Yet an arrangement as balanced as this one, a single sharp prism framed by green octahedra at both ends, is rarely seen. This auction is a chance to acquire a display piece of this presence for far less than comparable pieces usually bring. The tourmaline has been repaired, so well that the repair can no longer be seen.