Fibbia Mt., Fontana, Central St Gotthard Massif, Leventina, Ticino, Switzerland

Fibbia "Iron Roses" are the most classic and sterotypical of the oldstyle hematites from the Alps, and one of the great European classics. However, try actually FINDING one on the market - few are available that have any sort of aesthetics, complete form, and matrix association. The pieces I have seen for sale at Munich are often very high prices, and yet without the aesthetic appeal that much of the collector world requires as pieces escalate in price. This particular specimen is one of my favorites, which was brought out of an old collection only a few years ago. The "Eisenrose" measures 4 x 3.7 cm, and 2 cm thick at widest. This is a very hefty size and width, and perfectly balanced for the matrix size. It is complete all around save only a few slight contacts , one on each side face, where it attached to matrix, and a small bit of wear on the back face. It is extremely lustrous and the frontal face shows an interesting complexity of slightly splayed faces, making for lots of bright reflections. Overall, just a superb old classic, in unusually presentable aesthetic quality ! Joe Budd Photos