S21522 – Diopside
In the 1970s and 1980s Bellecombe produced some quality diopside. As shown the crystal shows well from each side and is exceptionally clear with a sharp chiseled termination in pristine condition. Ex. Robert Driscoll collection
S21228 – Vesuvianite
An excellent and super-rich specimen of one of the most desirable Italian classics. This fine specimen of vesuvianite is surprisingly bright and glassy with good coverage and a glistening quailty that is easily seen in person.
S20138 – Vesuvianite
Vesuvianite is one of the most desirable Italian classics. This one uncommonly zoned and doubly terminated. The vivid colors range from brilliant gold and yellow to bright olive green. Front and back views are given.
S20146 – Vesuvianite
An old and super-rich specimen of Italian chrome vesuvianite. The terminations of both crystals are complete, highly pointed and sharp. Its chromophore of chromium is just right, not too light or too dark.
S18738 – Grossular
Highly developed faden garnets are unusual to see in a species that trends toward more typical forms. Glassy, elongated and sharply terminated, this one sits stacked up on a small piece of crystallized matrix. This specimen is very glassy and brilliant.
S18558 – Grossular
This is an excellent specimen of hessonite garnet, with crystals measuring to 1 cm. This specimen was selected mostly for its quality. The glistening faces of these crystals is especially noteworthy. This was owned by Francesco Bedogne and I obtained it from him during a visit a few years ago.
S14152 – Grossular
Right outside the quiet town of Chatillon, lie one of Italy’s hidden gems; the renowned Bellecombe locality. This elongated hessonite garnet (seen here on the cover of Giuseppe Agozzino’s 2008 calendar) is one of the finest if not the finest crystals for its size, simply because of fire-engine red color and gem quality.
S12768 – Vesuvianite
This sharp crystal to 4.1
cm sits on bluish clinochlore. The Bellecombe area is famous for producing fine vesuvianite specimens of this style. Few major localities for the mineral, and unfortunately it is now a national park. No damage or repair
