I guess I could be classified as a hoarder, but at least it's natural history items and not old newspapers, magazines, or cats.  My latest rediscovery, while working on my mineral collection database and displays, was exciting to say the least. 

Here's a specimen I collected during one of my many visits to the old ruby mines along Caler Fork in Cowee Valley, Macon Co., NC (1982-1992).  This one was found at the Holbrook Ruby Mine (operated by Weaver Holbrook) in 1986.  This is the closest thing to the rare orange-pink (or pinkish orange) Padparadscha sapphire from India. 

The late Bud Schmidt, owner of and gem cutter at Bud and Ruth's Gem Shop across the road from Holbrook's mine, examined it and said it was the first orange sapphire he had ever seen from Cowee Valley, or anywhere in NC.  The stone weighs roughly 1 ct, and has a nice termination at one end, and contains a lot of silk (micro rutile).  Bud said that it had very good chatoyancy and may display a small star if cut.

Here are four photos of the sapphire in several positions, with the top and the bottom terminations visible.  I photographed it on a mirror, so the top image is the actual stone and the bottom is the reflection.

Dennis, that is a beautiful and unique stone! Glad you found it , again.
I sent you an email concerning the earlier pm.

Tim

As Laurie stated, your knowledge and collection is extensive.  Thanks for enlightening us with this history which may otherwise have been lost in time or only known by only a select few.  Thanks for sharing.

Even if that amethyst looks like it's been thru an orogeny or something,
thanks for the pic and for bringing this thread up again.

Great specimen and photography Dennis.

Every now and then I try to salvage some long lost specimens that have been hidden for many years.  In an effort to reorganize my mineral drawers and boxes I  found a nice little trove of rubies and sapphires that I found long ago.

The photos posted are 13 small rubies and sapphires that I collected at the Holbrook Ruby Mine in Cowee Valley.  I visited many of the old ruby mines along Caler Fork from 1982 thru 1992 and had some very good luck on most visits.  Holbrook Ruby Mine was my favorite, mostly due to Weaver Holbrook and his good natured demeanor. We became good friends over the years I spent in the valley.

The following 13 specimens were found during several trips (all in 1985).  From Photo #1 you can get an idea how small they are (around one eighth inch) next to a ruler.  I really liked the various crystal forms, especially the raised triangles on the faces.

Enjoy, Dennis

Nice little sphere you have there.  It looks like spherical rhodochrosite.  It is fun to re-find specimens after many years.  I know I still have more to discover.

Dennis

Unlabeled rocks in dusty boxes and drawers is what it is.
I thought it was a corundum but it might be a conundrum.
Don't you love it when that happens.