Orpiment - Cut 20, Twin Creeks Mine, Humbolt County, Nevada, USA

https://www.irocks.com/minerals/specimen/48214

Ex. Jack Halpern

Orpiment from this one zone of the Twin Creeks Mine is world-famous now as having produced the most intensely colored orpiment crystals in modern times (or maybe, ever), to most people. Only a few Chinese specimens can compete - and those are of different crystal habit entirely - so these really stand on their own as gorgeous, irreplaceable modern classics. This is a competitive small cabinet Orpiment cluster from the famed Cut 62 at the Twin Creeks Mine, Nevada, found in 1999 and marketed by what is now a medium-sized mineral dealership under contract to the mine management. Noted field collector Ken Roberts helped them collect the specimens professionally and carefully, yielding pieces like this in pristine or nearly pristine condition - remarkable for such a soft mineral species. This piece is indeed as close to pristine as they come - just a few hints of minor edge wear. Jack was waiting in line in 1999 when the booth opened to get a chance to buy one for the collection. He loved to obtain a beautiful example of each major new find, especially if the species was colorful. This was the best he got, and he got it early. It has therefore not been on the market in 21 years. At the time, this would have been a fairly expensive price for this size range ($1500), showing how it was rated in context of all that came out. Later finds were made, it is true, but of diminished color and importance. Only this pocket of fiery orange color and large crystals has the most cache to it. Since that time, I have only had one other of similar quality in this size range. Those who bought them, tend to hang on to them a long time!