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SOUTHWESTERN U. S. |
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The state of California is home to one
of my favorite sub-gem corundum localities, often referred to as
"Mount San Jacinto". The strange elongated crystals are
usually found in sections, even when encased in host rock (see
second thumbnail below). Two Californian brothers, Ken and
Dana Gochenour, searched out the source and harvested a couple of
dozen outstanding specimens. They are also responsible or the
extensive and striking preparations. |
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"The
Whale", pictured in the left thumbnail above, is considered
to be the finest from the locality. The main crystal
is about 7-1/2" long. The Gochenours' longest
is about 9" (center thumbnail), and it is currently on display at
Montana Tech in Butte (where it will remain until July, 2009).
The last two thumbnails show one with a flattened hexagonal cross
section, and another twinned crystal. We have ten "Gokes" in
the collection, and they form an interesting group (below). |
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The same general locality has produced
produced interesting specimens for at least fifty years,
including sections of crystals that may have been about 24"
long.
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There is another California locality
that produces small, intensely fluorescent rubies... |
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