The late 18th Century was exciting time in both Scientific and Industrial terms. In Mineralogy, Abbé René Just Haüy was demonstrating the relationship of external crystal shape to internal atomic structure whilst greatly increased deep mining activity was producing wondrous new crystal specimens. These combined influences made mineral collecting a fashionable hobby and fine cabinets were assembled by enthusiasts. Consequently an auction such as that of 1829 (refer Lot ?1305?) would have been an important event and this is reflected by the annotated buyer's names. The emerald crystal specimen offered with the catalogue demonstrates the fine quality of specimens which were then available, but which, with increasing mechanisation of the mining process, are far more rarely seen today.
A LARGE BRAZILIAN AMETHYST GEODE of pipe formation, front opening -- 16 x 13, x 16in. deep , mounted on a bronzed square plinth with turntable
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A LARGE BRAZILIAN AMETHYST GEODE of pipe formation, front opening -- 16 x 13, x 16in. deep , mounted on a bronzed square plinth with turntable