The Richard M. Geiger Collection

Minor rutile inclusions. This is the longest emerald crystal ever found in North America, recovered by James Hill (North American Emerald Mines, Inc.) in 2006. It is just a hair under 10" long. The next longest known crystal was an 8 1/2 inch emerald found at the Adams Farm locality in 1882. That specimen was stolen from the American Museum of Natural History in 1950, and has not been heard from since. This crystal was displayed in the Hiddenite locality case in the American Mineral Treasures exhibit in the TGMS show in 2008. It is not illustrated in the book, but is of course present in the Mineralogical Record issue with pictures of all of the AMT display cases. So, this specimen also serves for me as a "souvenir" of one of the most memorable experiences of my life. (Yes, it was that good!). It has also been featured on the Travel Channel's Hiddenite episode of Cash and Treasures. It is even rumored to have made an appearance on Oprah! Illustrated in the Mineralogical Record, What's New in Minerals, Vol 38 Number 3 (May-June 2007), pg. 226 Illustrated in the Mineralogical Record, American Mineral Treasures, Vol 39 Number 3 (May-June 2008), pg. 209 Makes an appearance in What's Hot in Tucson 2008 with Dave WIlbur when he interviews Leonard Himes at the Westward Look. Well, I've parted with it now, but will always have a fond place in my rock-heart for this one! ----- All photos but the one of Jamie holding the specimen are by and ©2010 Richard Geiger The photo of the AMT Hiddenite case at the 2008 TGMS show is mine; ironically, I clipped the top off of the specimen that would ultimately become my own! The specimen in front of it, the monster deep green gem matrix crystal resides in the Houston Museum, and appears on most everybody's "top ten mineral specimens ever" list.