Dramatic red inclusions of sharp linear rutile crystals fan out through this sphere of clear quartz like lasers. A fine example of red rutile inclusions in quartz, which are unique in this size to Madagascar. Most rutile inclusions, golden or silver in color, came from Brazil and are much less rare. The clarity of the quartz is crisp and clean: it is a high-quality quartz crystal sphere on its own. But the addition of the laser-like crystals of rutile, which is an unusual red mineral species containing titanium, takes it to a higher level. The quality of the quartz orb clarity is letting the rutile "needles" show through without interruption. The sphere is from choice rough material mined in 2012. This material produced some of the best-known quartz spheres with red (lucky) or golden rutile inclusions, all now in major collections in China, where owning the highest quality of quartz spheres is something of a sport and a cultural addiction. On a display pedestal. 8.6 cm (3.3in.) diameter, 919 g.

ex Nicholas Xu collection, Donghai