**Complimentary Specimens** As a gesture of appreciation, winning lots with a final hammer price above €50 will include one small additional mineral offered entirely free of charge. ————— Description: This realgar specimen asserts itself through structure, colour, and clarity of crystallisation. Across the surface of the matrix, three distinct crystal agglomerates rise with defined geometry and controlled intensity, each acting as a powerful focal point within the composition. The visual rhythm of the piece is deliberate, the eye moving naturally from one crimson centre to the next. Each of the three principal clusters is composed of multiple fully terminated prismatic crystals, tightly intergrown yet individually defined. The terminations are sharp and clean, reflecting light with a bright vitreous lustre that amplifies the depth of colour. The hue is a saturated blood red, ranging from luminous scarlet to deeper, richer crimson tones depending on light orientation. Under directional illumination, the crystals reveal internal translucency, allowing light to penetrate and ignite a glowing inner fire that gives realgar its unmistakable intensity. The matrix serves as a contrasting foundation, enhancing rather than competing with the crystal groups. Pale crystalline zones and subtle metallic textures create a neutral stage against which the three red agglomerates dominate visually. This contrast strengthens the overall architectural presence of the specimen, giving it compositional balance and depth. Despite its micromount scale, the piece carries remarkable visual weight. Larger prismatic crystals anchor each agglomerate, while smaller secondary crystals radiate around them, creating dimensional layering and structural complexity. The specimen feels cohesive, stable, and complete, defined by three concentrated centres of perfectly crystallised realgar preserved in natural condition. Specifications: • Weight: 0.65 g • Weight in carats: 3.25 ct • Dimensions: 15 × 10 × 8 mm • Origin: Baia Sprie, Maramureș, Romania • Mineral: Realgar • Crystal habit: Well formed prismatic crystals in clustered agglomerates • Colour: Intense blood red to vivid scarlet • Transparency: Transparent to translucent • Lustre: Vitreous • Matrix: Visible host matrix with pale crystalline and metallic zones • Condition: Natural, unaltered, no visible pararealgar alteration • Quality: Collector grade micromount Notable Points: • Three distinct and visually dominant crystal agglomerates • Fully terminated prismatic realgar crystals within each cluster • Strong blood red colour with high saturation • Noticeable internal translucency under directional light • Sharp crystal faces with clean reflective surfaces • Balanced distribution of crystal centres across the matrix • Contrast between vivid red crystals and textured host rock • Good three dimensional development despite compact size • Stable appearance with no visible degradation • Excellent subject for macro photography Collector’s Interest: Realgar from Baia Sprie remains highly desirable among collectors of arsenic sulphide minerals, particularly when crystals display strong colour saturation and well defined terminations. What distinguishes this specimen is the presence of three separate, concentrated growth centres, each composed of multiple cleanly formed crystals. This structural clarity adds both aesthetic and mineralogical value. Micromount realgar of this quality, showing sharp terminations, vivid blood red colour, and clear separation of crystal groups, is increasingly sought after. The specimen offers strong visual impact within a small format, making it ideal for curated micromount collections where definition, colour intensity, and structural coherence are essential. Lapidary Potential: Realgar is inherently unsuitable for lapidary use due to its softness, sensitivity to light, and chemical instability when exposed to cutting processes. Any attempt at shaping or polishing would irreversibly destroy the crystal terminations and internal translucency that define this specimen. Its true value lies in preservation as a mineral specimen, where the three dominant crystal agglomerates, vivid colour, and natural matrix contrast remain intact as a geological record of optimal crystallisation conditions. ——————- Shipping and Handling: All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post. • Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki • Transit time with CTT service: between 5 to 7 business days within europe and worldwide, depending on destination national post. • A tracking number is always provided Photography and transparency: All photographs are taken under controlled lighting conditions using a macro lens, carefully selected to present each specimen as accurately as possible. No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation are applied. The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, replicating neutral daylight to reveal natural tones, surface features, and internal characteristics. Under warmer or weaker indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal. The purpose of this photographic process is documentation and representation, not visual enhancement. Images are intended to reflect the specimen faithfully as it appears under balanced natural light conditions. Identification and ethics: All specimens offered are natural and described to the best of our knowledge, based on direct sourcing, professional experience, and information provided by trusted suppliers working at the origin. Every effort is made to ensure transparency and accuracy regarding identification, locality, and general characteristics, avoiding misleading statements about treatment, provenance, or nature. Customs and import taxes: Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder. These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities. Guarantee and resolution: Customer satisfaction is important. In the unlikely event of an issue such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us promptly through Catawiki’s messaging system. Each case is handled individually and fairly, with appropriate solutions offered when justified. Appreciation and commitment: We sincerely thank you for your trust. Our work focuses on careful selection, accurate representation, and respectful presentation of mineral specimens with character and interest. Each piece is chosen for its individual qualities rather than speculative or financial considerations. We aim to provide a transparent, reliable, and consistent experience for collectors at all levels. With gratitude, GemPulse Minerals