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Colemanite Crystal Cluster Boron Mine Kern County California Joseph Simon
This fine natural Colemanite crystal cluster comes from the historic Boron Mine in Boron, Kern County, California. The specimen is accompanied by its vintage locality label identifying it as “Colemanite – Boron Mine, Boron, Kern County, Calif.” The surviving label provides important documentation for both the mineral species and its California locality.
The specimen measures approximately 2.25 inches long × 1.25 inches wide × 0.75 inch high and weighs approximately 25 grams. Despite its compact size, the specimen has substantial three-dimensional crystal development, with distinct formations extending across nearly the entire surface.
One side is dominated by a dramatic radiating spray of elongated, sharply pointed Colemanite crystals displaying pale cream to warm honey coloration. Many of the crystals are translucent, with naturally lustrous faces that reflect strongly under direct light. The larger crystals transition across the specimen into dense fields of much smaller sparkling crystals, producing a beautiful contrast between the prominent crystal spray and the fine druzy-like crystallization.
The reverse side is also extensively crystallized, revealing another impressive view of the specimen’s growth structure. Broad, translucent bladed Colemanite crystals radiate outward in fan-like formations and are surrounded by dense areas of fine sparkling micro-crystallization. Portions of the underlying matrix remain visible between the crystal groups, with natural tan to brown mineral material providing contrast against the colorless to pale cream Colemanite.
The extensive crystallization on the reverse demonstrates that this is a highly three-dimensional specimen with attractive crystal development on multiple sides rather than a specimen intended to be viewed from only one direction. The different crystal habits become particularly apparent when the specimen is rotated, moving from larger radiating blades and sharply terminated crystals to dense sparkling fields of much finer crystallization.
Scattered dark natural mineral inclusions or deposits are also visible throughout portions of the crystal surfaces. These provide additional visual contrast against the pale Colemanite and are part of the natural character of the specimen. Its varied crystal sizes, radiating habit, warm coloration and densely crystallized surfaces give the piece considerable visual interest from numerous viewing angles.
Colemanite is a hydrated calcium borate mineral with the chemical formula Ca₂B₆O₁₁·5H₂O. It typically forms in evaporite environments associated with borate deposits and can occur as prismatic, tabular or sharply terminated crystals. California’s Mojave Desert borate deposits are historically important sources of Colemanite and related borate minerals, with the Boron area of Kern County particularly well known for its distinctive mineralogy.
In metaphysical traditions, Colemanite is associated with mental clarity, concentration, organization and focused thought. It is also believed by some practitioners to encourage emotional balance, help release stagnant thought patterns and support a calmer approach to decision-making and personal reflection. These metaphysical associations are traditional beliefs and are not scientifically established properties of the mineral.
An important feature of this specimen is its surviving vintage identification label from Jim’s Minerals. The original typewritten label identifies the specimen as Colemanite from the Boron Mine in Boron, Kern County, California and bears a small handwritten “9.” The label carries the Jim’s Minerals name along with a hand-drawn crystal illustration and will accompany the specimen.
This specimen subsequently became part of the lifelong private collection of Joseph Simon. An original Rainbow XLS business card bearing Joseph Simon’s name also accompanies the collection provenance. The card identifies his work with mineral specimens and mineral photography and provides another surviving piece of documentation directly associated with Simon and his mineral collection.
From the lifelong private collection of Joseph Simon. The Colemanite specimen, original Jim’s Minerals locality label, Joseph Simon Rainbow XLS business card and protective specimen box shown are included with the purchase, preserving the documentation that has remained associated with this specimen.
Mineral Identification Disclaimer: Mineral identification is based on the original collection label, provenance information and available visual characteristics. No independent laboratory analysis has been performed by Traders Loan & Jewelry. Natural mineral specimens may contain associated minerals, inclusions, matrix material and naturally occurring variations.
This specimen is offered by Traders Loan & Jewelry of Reseda, California, established in 1954. The accompanying historical labels and collection documentation will remain with the specimen, preserving its documented provenance for its next owner.
Mineral Identification Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to accurately identify and describe this specimen using available reference materials, labels, provenance, and careful visual examination. While I strive to provide accurate information, I am not a professionally trained mineralogist or gemologist, and inadvertent errors in mineral identification, locality attribution, or other descriptive information may occasionally occur. Collectors are encouraged to carefully review all photographs and use their own knowledge and judgment when evaluating any specimen. If you have any questions or would like additional photographs or information before purchasing, I will be happy to assist. By purchasing this specimen, the buyer acknowledges that the identification and description represent my best good-faith assessment and are not a professional laboratory determination.
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