{"title":"10.26 Rare Specimens","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"ethiopian-mezezo-chocolate-opal-specimen","title":"Ethiopian Mezezo Chocolate Opal Specimen","description":"This extraordinary Mezezo opal specimen hails from the highlands of Africa and is, quite simply, one of the most amazing opals we have ever seen. Found in the Amhara Province of Ethiopia, this specimen weighs an unbelievable 791.61 carats and is comprised of a smooth exposed surface attached to a rough nodule. The characteristic brown coloring which has earned these jewels the moniker “Chocolate opals” informs the entire piece, and against this warm background, a rainbow of bright, even neon colors explodes, from reds and pinks to green and yellow, as well as rare indigos and purples.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Once used by early man as tools, Ethiopian opals have only begun to be mined in the 1990s. Usually found in a round nodular form within a 3 meter thick layer of welded volcanic ash, these opals are plentiful, yet only about 1% of these nodules contain any color at all, let along the striking diversity of color that this piece exhibits. These amazing gems are so new to the market, yet they are gaining in popularity at an exponential rate. To find one of such large size and exquisite beauty is a rare treasure. \n","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43874729001095,"sku":"30-1843","price":88500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-1843_1_9f7e51b4-cf24-40d0-869f-209252656aa1.png?v=1772358769"},{"product_id":"oriented-nose-cone-chondrite-meteorite","title":"Oriented Nose Cone Chondrite Meteorite","description":"This oriented Chondrite meteorite, found in the Sahara Desert in North West Africa, is a stony (non-metallic) meteorite. This extraterrestrial wonder is known as a nose cone meteorite, which means that it oriented itself in a perfectly balanced trajectory as it fell through earth's atmosphere and developed a smooth surface resembling a nose. As a result, this specimen also exhibits “creeping,” or molten material streaming away from the cone. As phenomenal in composition as it is in appearance, this meteorite is comprised of the dust and grains of primitive asteroids found all over the solar system, including crystals of olivine, nickel, and feldspar. These particles are accreted, or pulled to the meteor's growing mass by gravitation. They frequently include rounded mineral particles known as chondrules, which can be seen in cross-sections of these amazing otherworldly treasures. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n5 18\" wide x 5 1\/4\" deep x 5\" high\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e It is estimated that between 85.7% and 86.2% of all meteorites discovered on earth have been chondrites, and many are discovered in the Sahara Desert as the desert's elevated temperatures perfectly preserve these specimens. Though plentiful on the planet, they are extremely important to the study of the origins and age of the Solar System, and indeed, the origins of life.","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41239112220807,"sku":"30-1863","price":24850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-1863_1_3b6f5955-8522-4060-832e-e6205555cc2c.png?v=1712737918"},{"product_id":"citrine-specimen","title":"Citrine Specimen","description":"Citrine Specimen \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Distinguished by its exceptional beauty, this rare citrine obelisk stands as an extraordinary masterpiece of nature. Museum quality in scale and quality, the crystal exhibits superb luster and a rich, naturally occurring smoky-golden hue. Formed as a defined citrine quartz point, the specimen weighs a monumental 31.40 pounds and measures 16\" in length. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Admired since antiquity, citrine was prized across ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome for its luminous beauty and was fashioned into talismans, cameos and jewelry. Specimens of this size are exceptionally rare. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 16\" high x 12 1\/2\" wide x 9\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43888664576135,"sku":"32-1765","price":12500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-1765_1_26858825-d350-4925-b512-4c673694167e.png?v=1772375943"},{"product_id":"malachite-specimen","title":"Malachite Specimen","description":"Malachite Specimen \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exceptional natural malachite specimen is mounted on its metal stand, highlighting its striking botryoidal formation and a rich spectrum of emerald to turquoise green hues, characteristic of the finest malachite. The deeply textured surface creates an extraordinary sense of depth and movement, making it a standout example of natural artistry that bridges the line between mineral specimen and sculptural object. Weighing an impressive 7.89 pounds, this specimen commands attention from every angle. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Malachite has long been a symbol of prestige and wealth, particularly prized in Russia, where the Ural Mountains yielded some of the most celebrated deposits. In the 19th century, Russian periodicals noted that “to afford to have a big piece wrought in malachite is synonymous to owning diamonds.” Malachite’s popularity extended to grand interiors such as the legendary Malachite Room of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, cementing its status as both a decorative and cultural treasure. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 14\" high x 7\" wide x 10 1\/4\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43888665034887,"sku":"32-1771","price":5450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-1771_1_293a800c-01f7-4d86-baa9-cdbbe053a54d.png?v=1772375668"},{"product_id":"amethyst-cluster","title":"Amethyst Cluster","description":"Amethyst Cluster \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This museum-quality amethyst cluster is a striking example of natural artistry with large, deeply saturated dark-purple druzy crystals. Weighing a monumental 24.12 pounds and standing 21\" high, this exceptional specimen captivates the eye with its sculptural form, dense crystal coverage and shimmering color. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Amethyst has been prized throughout history for its regal color and associations with clarity, peace and protection. As one of the most celebrated quartz varieties, such fine specimens are highly sought by collectors and institutions. This cluster exemplifies the finest qualities of amethyst, from color saturation to crystal formation, and stands as a testament to the enduring allure of natural mineral specimens. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 21\" high x 14\" wide 13 1\/2\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43888665067655,"sku":"32-1784","price":6850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-1784_1_93290708-248b-49ee-92ab-7db29342d9ff.png?v=1772375630"},{"product_id":"smoky-quartz-cluster","title":"Smoky Quartz Cluster","description":"Smoky Quartz Cluster \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This monumental smoky quartz cluster is a museum-quality natural specimen distinguished by its exceptional scale and dramatic coloration. Exhibiting the highly prized near-black hue also known as morion, this specimen stands as a commanding example of nature’s sculptural artistry. Weighing an impressive 25.81 pounds and measuring 19 1\/2\" across, clusters of this scale are exceptionally rare. This remarkable specimen is set upon its metal base. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 14 1\/2\" high x 19 1\/2\" wide x 14 1\/4\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43888664838279,"sku":"32-1769","price":4800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-1769_1_70b5980c-ba49-4ad1-aca3-79dc76b27c37.png?v=1772375509"},{"product_id":"campo-del-cielo-meteorite-1","title":"Campo del Cielo Meteorite","description":"\u003cem\u003eCampo del Cielo\u003c\/em\u003e Meteorite\u003cbr\u003e Fell to earth circa 4,000-5,000 BCE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Formed at the dawn of the universe, this extraordinary \u003cem\u003eCampo del Cielo\u003c\/em\u003e meteorite is a relic of cosmic history, originating billions of years ago. Falling to Earth circa 4,000–5,000 BCE in what is now northern Argentina, this specimen, weighing an impressive 275 pounds and standing approximately 25 inches high, is an “out of this world” rarity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Its commanding sculptural presence is defined by dramatic regmaglypts, the distinctive thumbprint-like impressions formed as the meteorite tore through Earth’s atmosphere. The surface reveals a powerful interplay of textures, with smooth, time-worn contours contrasting against deeply pitted areas. Subtle gunmetal hues and silvery highlights enhance its raw metallic beauty, giving the object an appearance strikingly reminiscent of modern abstract sculpture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Recovered from Argentina’s famed \u003cem\u003eCampo del Cielo\u003c\/em\u003e, or “Field of Heaven,” this strewn field is among the most important meteorite sites in the world. First documented by Spanish explorers in 1576 while investigating the source of indigenous iron weapons, the site has captivated scientists and collectors for centuries. Due to their immense size and rarity, most \u003cem\u003eCampo del Cielo\u003c\/em\u003e meteorites are preserved in institutions such as the Smithsonian and London’s Natural History Museum, making privately held examples of this scale exceptionally rare. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Meteorite: 25\" high x 17 1\/4\" wide x 6\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44521735323783,"sku":"32-2006","price":385000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2006_1_2a3b66b2-f4eb-4eeb-bc6b-59145dda9759.png?v=1777555536"},{"product_id":"hematoid-quartz-sphere","title":"Hematoid Quartz Sphere","description":"745 Pound Hematoid Quartz Sphere \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This monumental 24 1\/2 inch hematoid quartz sphere weighs an extraordinary 745 pounds, making it an exceptional museum-caliber specimen of global rarity. The stone is formed of clear rock quartz enriched with hematite inclusions—minute flakes and threads of iron oxide—that produce dramatic patches of golden, reddish-orange and rust-brown coloration. These vivid red and yellow inclusions sparkle like flecks of metal when light strikes the surface, giving the sphere an intense, fiery vitality across its massive form. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Similar hematoid quartz specimens typically range from 2 to 6 inches in diameter, rarely exceeding 10 inches or 50 pounds. A sphere over 2 feet across and weighing 745 pounds stands in a nearly singular tier of size and presence—this masterpiece of nature ranks among the most exceptional quartz spheres known. Specimens of this scale, with balanced, vibrant inclusions formed over millions of years, demand exponentially higher prices per carat due to their extreme scarcity and near-impossibility of being found intact. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hematoid quartz forms where iron-rich hydrothermal fluids circulate through rock fractures, cavities or vugs, depositing hematite and iron oxides inside or along growing quartz crystals. This creates internal red, orange, yellow or brown streaks, phantoms and clouds—vibrant colorations that inspired trade names like “fire quartz” (red) and “golden healer” (yellow-orange). Mined commercially in Brazil since the late 20th century, it also occurs in other countries, including the U.S., Switzerland, Africa and Germany, requiring a rare mix of iron-rich environments and precise geological conditions. Its use likely predates this, as red quartz-like stones with iron oxides circulated in ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern trade, often grouped with carnelian or jasper; by the 1800s, mineralogists had documented quartz with specular hematite inclusions. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 24 1\/2\" diameter","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44474866761863,"sku":"32-1757","price":124500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-1757_1_1ec380ae-37db-49fe-a81a-dde6edeb770f.png?v=1777555522"},{"product_id":"campo-del-cielo-meteorite-2","title":"Campo del Cielo Meteorite","description":"\u003cem\u003eCampo del Cielo\u003c\/em\u003e Meteorite\u003cbr\u003e Fell to earth circa 4,000-5,000 BCE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A relic of cosmic history, this extraordinary \u003cem\u003eCampo del Cielo\u003c\/em\u003e meteorite took form billions of years ago. Falling to Earth circa 4,000–5,000 BCE in what is now northern Argentina, this specimen, weighing an impressive 328 pounds, is an “out of this world” rarity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Its commanding sculptural presence is defined by dramatic regmaglypts, the distinctive thumbprint-like impressions formed as the meteorite tore through Earth’s atmosphere. The surface reveals a powerful interplay of textures, with smooth, time-worn contours contrasting against deeply pitted areas. Subtle gunmetal hues and silvery highlights enhance its raw metallic beauty, giving the object an appearance strikingly reminiscent of modern abstract sculpture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Recovered from Argentina’s famed \u003cem\u003eCampo del Cielo\u003c\/em\u003e, or “Field of Heaven,” this strewn field is among the most important meteorite sites in the world. First documented by Spanish explorers in 1576 while investigating the source of indigenous iron weapons, the site has captivated scientists and collectors for centuries. Due to their immense size and rarity, most \u003cem\u003eCampo del Cielo\u003c\/em\u003e meteorites are preserved in institutions such as the Smithsonian and London’s Natural History Museum, making privately held examples of this scale exceptionally rare. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Meteorite: 18 3\/4\" high x 16 1\/2\" wide x 10 1\/2\" deep\u003cbr\u003e On stand: 59 1\/2\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44554947887239,"sku":"32-2155","price":385000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2155_1.png?v=1780146261"}],"url":"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/collections\/10-26-rare-specimens.oembed","provider":"M.S. Rau","version":"1.0","type":"link"}