International auctioneers Bonhams will hold its winter auction of Natural History on December 11, 2011. The sale will feature a diverse group of high quality and distinctive mineral specimens, gold nuggets, lapidary works of art and gemstones, as well as exceptional examples of fossils, unusual jewelry and “phenomenal gems.” The winter auction will also introduce a section of crystals, which some believe contain metaphysical energies.
Minerals, crystals and precious and semi-precious stones have always fascinated man, due to their visual appeal with a variety of colors and transparency. These items have also been associated by some as conduits for healing and psych ic visions dating back to ancient civilization. Some also believe that crystals possess various vibrations and are capable of accumulating energy. The properties of these stones are thought to differ by color, which are created by naturally occurring radiation in the Earth’s crust. It results in an assortment of hues that include rose quartz pink, amethyst, citrine, smoky and clear rock crystal. Each of the different stones is thought by some to possess a metaphysical property that enhances different facets: self-awareness and self-esteem (rose quartz), intuition (amethyst), calming (citrine), energy (smoky quartz) and clarity and perception (clear). Claudia Florian G.J.G., Co-Consulting Director, Bonhams Natural History Depar tment, said of the sale: “While the Natural History Department has often sold large quartz crystals in the past, this is the first auction in which we will have a special focus on the metaphysical aspects of minerals—it is certainly the first time that an entire ‘grid’ has been offered at public auction. It is part of Bonhams high degree of service to its clients to offer the grid intact, exactly as the owner had designed it.” Highlighting the section is an Arkansas Rock Crystal Quartz Grid consisting of 28 generators from the highly sought after locale and smaller crystal points, as well as 12 various mineral spheres (est. $15,000-20,000). A crystal ‘grid’ is made by the placement of stones in a geometric pattern for the specific purpose of directing energy toward a goal. The stones or crystals are then believed by s ome to be charged by the user’s intention and energy. Additional metaphysical crystals of note include a large smoky quartz on stand (est. $5,000-7,000), a Schorl tourmaline specimen (est. $2,500-3,500), a rose quartz sphere (est. 1,200-1,500) a rock crystal quartz specimen (est. 500-700) and a quartz crystal with phantom (est. $1,000-1,500). A phantom, sometimes also called a “ghost” is the outline of the shape of a smaller crystal that is visible inside a crystal. The strong mineral section of the auction will also include an unprecedented group of 24 California minerals (est. $5,500-6,500). Additional highlights for the December Natural History sale will b e announced in the coming weeks. Preview: December 9-10, 2011, Los Angeles Auction: December 11, 2011, Los Angeles