Marvelous Mibs Marbles Collectors Zone

browse4antiques · Joined: 06 Aug 2007 Posts: 552

Here are pics of a very deep amber single pontil mica (7/8"). When I got it, I could hardly tell what it was. It was polished by the legendary master marble restorer, Fred Leuenberger. The faceting on the pontil is original. ... Roger

David Chamberlain · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 214

Outrageously deep color. Cased Mica? David

lstmmrbls · Site Admin Joined: 05 Aug 2007 Posts: 696

Outstanding mib!! I believe almost all micas are actually (cased) Or in other words a layer of transparent almost always covers the layer of mica.And often the mica is just a layer over transparent covered in transparent. Has anyone seen a mica with actual mica on the surface
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Peace,Galen

David Chamberlain · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 214

Just for clarification:

".....cased micas are very rare and are valued higher." Bob Block

In identifying and highlighting a specific Mica Marble Paul Baumann says, ".....this marble is ubusual in that the mica was applied mainly to the surface of the colored layer and a clear glass coating was added over the marble(cased mica)" His parenthesis.

Actually I think collecting has evolved where cased micas might not be thought of as that unusual. I have never seen a mica with the mica ON the surface but pretty damn close. David

browse4antiques · Joined: 06 Aug 2007 Posts: 552

I think the term "cased" is sometimes used to indicate an outermost layer of the base glass - as for examples, all onionskins are "cased", whereas indians are not. But the term is also used to refer to an outermost layer of clear class that is sometimes applied on colored glass (or mist) core marbles in order to keep the striping from being shaded by a casing of the base color. I think its true that all mica marbles (and all lutz) are cased in the first sense of the term. David's references are to micas that are cased in the second sense of the term. As for the one I posted, I think its better to call it a "shrunken-core" mica. Here's pics of an even more shrunken core mica. ... Roger

David Chamberlain · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 214

I can go with shrunken core. I believe in fine line distinctions. By the way Roger there is a transitional marble w/pinched and melted pontil that Kevin would appreciate you taking a look at for your opinion. I forget the thread but I'm sure he would have no trouble directing you. David

Alan · Joined: 27 Dec 2007 Posts: 114 Location: Maryland

I agree with David - it is most accurately described as a shrunken core. Clearly the "casing" glass is much thicker than normal.

that1 · Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 365 Location: here

Cool, the single pontil gives it that "eruption" effect. I agree with shrunken core.