How This 8,000-Pound Crystal Went From Mine To Smithsonian | Big Business | Business Insider

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  • Опубліковано 20 лис 2021
  • With their Instagram and self-care appeal, crystals have exploded in popularity. But as demand has soared, so have the prices. And collectors are willing to pay millions. It's priced federally funded museums out of the industry. So how did the Smithsonian land a multimillion-dollar quartz? And how did the industry get so big to begin with? To find out, we followed the Smithsonian's newest crystal from its mine in Arkansas to the world's largest gem show to the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.
    You can see more footage from the Tucson gem show on Krieger's UA-cam: • Tucson's Mind-Blowing ...
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    How This 8,000-Pound Crystal Went From Mine To Smithsonian | Big Business | Business Insider

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,8 тис.

  • @TalonX_X
    @TalonX_X 2 роки тому +2294

    She's vibrating money straight out of those people's wallet.

    • @Nateasnay
      @Nateasnay 2 роки тому +100

      Witch doctor effect

    • @thrilhous
      @thrilhous 2 роки тому +166

      Seriously that was straight malarkey coming out of her mouth.

    • @ReasonsWhy1
      @ReasonsWhy1 2 роки тому +103

      @@thrilhous She doesn't even know what shes saying

    • @shizukagozen777
      @shizukagozen777 2 роки тому +4

      😭😭😭

    • @rjptrucking4598
      @rjptrucking4598 2 роки тому +9

      Lmao that's awesome

  • @graham1034
    @graham1034 2 роки тому +1562

    "The industry is worth over a billion dollars". Well given that the single trade show in Tucson sells $5 billion over 3 weeks I think the entire industry is worth a bit more than that.

    • @chriskage1284
      @chriskage1284 2 роки тому +160

      I was going to write this comment but you got to it first I think they made a mistake and they actually sell 5 million dollars worth or crystals in the 3 weeks in Tucson not 5 billion.

    • @graham1034
      @graham1034 2 роки тому +67

      @@chriskage1284 That would make more sense. I was thinking that if this massive crystal is worth ~$10 million then they must sell millions of normal sized crystals at that show.

    • @shizukagozen777
      @shizukagozen777 2 роки тому +39

      @@chriskage1284
      5 billion sounded way too much, it was awkward.

    • @shizukagozen777
      @shizukagozen777 2 роки тому +6

      @@graham1034
      Yeah, but raw pieces are less expensive than the carved ones. (Sorry if "carved" isn't the right word but I'm not a native English speaker. 😅)

    • @londonuntergunther252
      @londonuntergunther252 2 роки тому +7

      Spotlight on the Precious Stones of Afghanistan
      14, 2020
      For centuries, Afghanistan has been a leading producer of lapis lazuli, a gemstone favored by the ancient Egyptians. The country is also rich in several other semi-precious stones-a recent joint study by the United States Geological Survey and the Pentagon estimating the net value of Afghanistan’s untapped minerals to be around $3 trillion.
      In this article, we look at Afghanistan’s gem mining industry and the jewels it exports all over the world.

  • @shinlanten
    @shinlanten 2 роки тому +266

    After seeing a *_"Crystal Healer"_* , the only thing that will be *_"out of balance"_* will be your check book

    • @2degucitas
      @2degucitas 2 роки тому +4

      Agreed

    • @luisangelkuisa8549
      @luisangelkuisa8549 2 роки тому

      Funny guy

    • @piplup10203854
      @piplup10203854 2 роки тому +5

      Truth, the only thing out of alignment is the bills leaving your wallet

    • @abdikal566
      @abdikal566 2 роки тому +1

      @@piplup10203854 don't try to agree with the dude n in the same breath try to make a knockoff type of his joke

    • @matchaa121
      @matchaa121 2 роки тому

      10 years ago I was obsessed with buying small crystals, hoping they will transform my life or something lmao

  • @MONi_LALA
    @MONi_LALA 2 роки тому +57

    My mom used to be in jewelry business. We want ruby, diamond, gold, silver, emerald, things like that. Everytime they see crystal, we pay no mind. It's cheap and undesirable at the time, in our country. But now it's more expensive. And my mom is kicking her self right now since she let that opportunity go.

    • @thepumpkinmaster2596
      @thepumpkinmaster2596 2 роки тому +5

      Buy while you can as while it is expensive now it will get even more expensive later

    • @dunamisfelis2961
      @dunamisfelis2961 2 роки тому +3

      Nobody is really buying crystals. It's a hoax

  • @mza2195
    @mza2195 2 роки тому +1014

    What a beautiful crystal. The miners are very smart in diversifying the mine the way that they did. The Smithsonian is lucky to have such generous donors. It’s on my bucket list to visit the museum and spend time looking at as much as I can.

    • @batman1169
      @batman1169 2 роки тому +5

      1:07 How are those boneheads allowed to lean on it like this 💥

    • @Chris-pm1ff
      @Chris-pm1ff 2 роки тому +6

      @@batman1169 They arent doing anything that are gonna make it break easily. It isnt brittle at all

    • @AndrewHesterLaugh
      @AndrewHesterLaugh 2 роки тому +10

      I've been there and saw many pieces, including the Hope Diamond necklace. You won't regret going.

    • @batman1169
      @batman1169 2 роки тому

      @@Chris-pm1ff lol. Why take the risk and put a Velvet rope in front of that thing. why allow people to lean? Before long it will be brown and dirty with handprints and not look Crystal clean. It took a million years to make! Gone in 60 seconds all for a selfie. Haha. Rich museum I guess.

    • @mza2195
      @mza2195 2 роки тому +4

      @@AndrewHesterLaugh my grandma had subscribed to the magazine for years. When they finally went she was thrilled about everything! Here she was a small town girl from Montana, who eventually moved and settled into Southern California, in Washington DC going to one of the most interesting museums. She was just so amused with all of it.

  • @xandk4009
    @xandk4009 2 роки тому +217

    “They’re rocks, Hank!”
    “They’re minerals. Jesus, Marie!”

  • @kittym96
    @kittym96 2 роки тому +422

    They got a HUGE tax break for donating that crystal to the museum. It’s definitely a motivation for many collectors.

    • @myaminge-stinks3258
      @myaminge-stinks3258 2 роки тому +5

      can you prove your claim or nah?

    • @quique7764
      @quique7764 2 роки тому +64

      @@myaminge-stinks3258 Gifts to the Smithsonian are tax-deductible under Section 170(c) in accordance with IRS regulations. I'm not as cynical to assume this is what motivates ppl to donate to Museums & charities given a lot of donations are bequeathed after death. Also if these deductions were so advantageous there would be more not less donations occurring. And wealthy ppl already are provided w/ tax loopholes the avg person can't take advantage of.

    • @kittym96
      @kittym96 2 роки тому +19

      @@myaminge-stinks3258 can you disprove it?

    • @DrJohnnyJ
      @DrJohnnyJ 2 роки тому +2

      Tax deductions are not tax credits. For a company, the tax aspect might save them 30% of the value.

    • @matthewfindley5530
      @matthewfindley5530 2 роки тому +10

      @@DrJohnnyJ Yes but the value of the object is based on the appraisal of an expert, not necessarily what it would actually bring if it went to auction. So all you need to do is find an "expert" that says the crystal is worth 5 million and you're good to go.
      Is it abusable? Perhaps, but if it keeps our museums stocked then there are worse deductions to fret about.

  • @captainkhakis9826
    @captainkhakis9826 2 роки тому +81

    You can go to Hot Springs Arkansas and pay about 15$ per person to dig in pretty much the same location where this cluster was found. There's no weight limit either, you can take home as much as you can carry. I live about an hour from there, been many times.

    • @DragonMaster360
      @DragonMaster360 2 роки тому +5

      How many crystals did you get???

    • @WalrusWinking
      @WalrusWinking 2 роки тому +9

      Stop telling Yankees to come down here we get enough as it is.

    • @1.4142
      @1.4142 2 роки тому +4

      There's also crater of diamonds

    • @Tangarisu
      @Tangarisu 2 роки тому

      @@1.4142 more specifically a recent unearthed non-erupted caldera of Kimberlite and Peridotite, back during the days earth was just starting to get a couple kilo thick crust.

  • @Chlo-ee
    @Chlo-ee 2 роки тому +292

    Donating that massive find to a museum was a much better investment. It’s not everyday you get the opportunity to be put in the history books.
    Unbroken, in its raw form definitely looks way better than all those carved pieces.

    • @prakashshrestha3693
      @prakashshrestha3693 2 роки тому

      U

    • @shizukagozen777
      @shizukagozen777 2 роки тому +5

      Raw pieces look SOOOOO much better. 😍

    • @MrARH007
      @MrARH007 2 роки тому +4

      Believe that as you wish

    • @SteamvilleQuintet
      @SteamvilleQuintet 2 роки тому +1

      ​ @ᅚ ᅚ ᅚ ᅚᅚ ᅚ ᅚ ᅚ < John Sinkankas. June Culp Zeitner. Not everyone is a rude sheltered greedy useless millennial.

    • @SteamvilleQuintet
      @SteamvilleQuintet 2 роки тому

      ​ @ᅚ ᅚ ᅚ ᅚᅚ ᅚ ᅚ ᅚ < No "cheat", I knew those people and several more like them - they traveled the country collecting rocks, June started a magazine about it. Thousands of people knew them. What YOU mean is candy-ass millennials who live online have never heard of them. I "get" that YOU will never have any talent museum worthy. Never donate anything you could hawk at a pawn shop. YOU do not represent everyone.

  • @Atemoya
    @Atemoya 2 роки тому +372

    Buys it for $500,000-$1,000,000 gets appraised at $4,000,000-$7,000,000 donates it to a museum. Gets a huge tax write off 😉
    Rich people don’t just give money away

  • @hunt4redoctober628
    @hunt4redoctober628 2 роки тому +54

    I've collected minerals for 47 years now and I've always dreamed of going to the Tuscon mineral show. Not made it yet..its an expensive trip from the UK. But maybe one day I will get there.

    • @noahboat580
      @noahboat580 2 роки тому +3

      Never knew crystal collecting was even a big market. Heck i forget Arizona is a big crystal state besides Arkansas, but thats because ive mined for crystals one time in Arkansas. Good times

    • @ministerofchlorine9090
      @ministerofchlorine9090 2 роки тому +1

      Keep going mate!

    • @chriscanterbury8647
      @chriscanterbury8647 2 роки тому

      The shops in the Phoenix area are impressive. I had to buy some while I was there of course. Cave creek has a good shop just north of Phoenix

    • @Tangarisu
      @Tangarisu 2 роки тому

      @@chriscanterbury8647 thats because of the 4 peaks mountains in the Superstition area.
      Best Amethyst on earth comes from that mountain.

    • @triciaberns395
      @triciaberns395 2 роки тому

      Good luck to you and I truly hope you make it to Tucson, ♥️

  • @Zeverinsen
    @Zeverinsen 2 роки тому +261

    All though the miners could probably get a higher price from a different buyer, I'm glad they decided to go with the Smithsonian donors for everyone to enjoy.
    Not to mention that their name will forever be preserved in history, and that's something money can't easily buy.

    • @nathansilvestre1866
      @nathansilvestre1866 2 роки тому +2

      if you're looking for glory, then it's not charity work or for the betterment of society/humanity. Pride can't buy happiness :/

    • @AskAW
      @AskAW 2 роки тому +1

      @@nathansilvestre1866 have you tried to buy happiness

    • @kylemarks8927
      @kylemarks8927 2 роки тому +7

      @@AskAW yes, it's called hookers and blow

    • @usmustdie4peace405
      @usmustdie4peace405 2 роки тому

      Smithonian is a criminal, history destroying Organisation! The destroyed so much from our ancestors and still hiding stuff vor People! Cant understand that ppl still like them!

    • @knutbjornlarsen4435
      @knutbjornlarsen4435 Рік тому

      @@AskAW no but you can rent it by the hour.

  • @kelvin6756
    @kelvin6756 2 роки тому +106

    This reminded me of the one time we grew crystals in a college chemistry course. We waited a week to see the final form of the crystals and they were tiny yet beautiful.

  • @elluisito000
    @elluisito000 2 роки тому +147

    I am glad that what started as a donor's idea, crytalized into a very nice display.

  • @lordlee6473
    @lordlee6473 2 роки тому +9

    That Tucson market has a lot of healing power, especially for the sellers

  • @MissJManobianco
    @MissJManobianco 2 роки тому +45

    I live in Tucson and the gem and mineral show is absolutely amazing and overwhelmingly large! Such a fun event to meet vendors and buy amazing natural treasures from all over the world!

    • @bonovidal2867
      @bonovidal2867 2 роки тому +3

      Thiefs all over the world gattering to show what the have stolen from the earth , and you are proud of that !!! Foolish world

    • @royjohnson465
      @royjohnson465 2 роки тому +4

      @@bonovidal2867
      ~You would be sleeping in a bed that is made of straw and also wearing animal furs for clothing, "not be" driving a vehicle, watching a TV, cooking food on a natural gas stove, no synthetic insulation for our homes, flying in an airplane(aluminum), have electric power, have a gold & diamond wedding ring, have a smartphone or computer, and have medical equipment at the hospital if not for "THIEFS STEALING >minerals and metals and petroleum< TAKEN FROM THE EARTH". If we had it your way by taking nothing from the earth then we would be living primitively burning wood for heat & cooking, with about a 50 year average human life span.

    • @gcc989
      @gcc989 2 роки тому +4

      @@bonovidal2867 the device you used to type this contains cobalt, gold, and metals from the earth mined by children

    • @bonovidal2867
      @bonovidal2867 2 роки тому +1

      @@royjohnson465 you think you are going in a modern and better world this way.... digging the earth and exploit everything...do you know that oil is like the blood of the earth.... the earth is a living being... you know little.... happiness is in small things not in airplane....I dont need to go to America to die happy or to see the great wall of China or to have a Samsung 3099 or 20 K tv resolution or a diamond ring .....f consumerism.... wake up boy....you think we would live just 50 years without that... you are FUNNY in a sarcastic way

    • @Tangarisu
      @Tangarisu 2 роки тому +2

      @@bonovidal2867 meds, take them now.

  • @denniswhite166
    @denniswhite166 2 роки тому +58

    Charles Noble - the Master Rigger responsible for moving the Crystals has to be verrrry careful. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall to watch this man and his team work getting the Crystals to their display areas.

    • @jaeboogie2786
      @jaeboogie2786 2 роки тому +1

      at first read I was like "what the Hell did you just call that wonderful black man". I was so pissed too bc you had 50+ likes. But now I understand the comment and no longer feel the need to report you. lol

    • @denniswhite166
      @denniswhite166 2 роки тому +1

      @@jaeboogie2786 If you ever get the chance to see a Master Rigger and his team move something watch them The M.R. is like a conductor and the team the musicians!

  • @xsystem1
    @xsystem1 2 роки тому +78

    I would be more interested to see a precious minerals museum than an art gallery

    • @Ayattar55
      @Ayattar55 2 роки тому +6

      Absolutely! I was in Vienna three weeks ago and Museum of Natural History (which is on Smithsonian, ie world level) with it's enormous collection of minerals (over 20 000 samples on display) was more exciting than all other museums and palaces combined.

    • @xsystem1
      @xsystem1 2 роки тому +2

      @@Ayattar55 wow thanks for the info! much appreciated

    • @Zireael83
      @Zireael83 2 роки тому +4

      same! :)

    • @zukacs
      @zukacs 2 роки тому +2

      @@Ayattar55 wow man i was there exactly at the same time.. the crystal section with the chanching lightning one is the best, i have countless pics :$

    • @Radwaan
      @Radwaan 2 роки тому

      Iam somali somalia minerals is full

  • @whatsgoodfire9728
    @whatsgoodfire9728 2 роки тому +351

    What a beautiful piece, donating it was a wonderful idea, and a noble act to do. But honestly, the rare find was sold well-over 3M, and I'm sure they got the recognition but, I'm sure they also didn't get anything from that sell. That would have entirely changed everything for them' that would have set them up for generations. I'm glad this video has educated about their worth and rarity and truly showed their deep, deep kindness for the industry and further briefly the history of these beautiful finds.

    • @42fredz
      @42fredz 2 роки тому +32

      I'm sure they got some sort of tax write off for that

    • @moderndilettante6896
      @moderndilettante6896 2 роки тому +8

      3 million is not setting up for generations, its barely enough for half a lifetime

    • @polyangles
      @polyangles 2 роки тому +23

      What are you saying?
      These types of people have so much money they have to find creative ways to decrease their taxes.
      these people are wealthy not rich, they have wings of buildings N hospitals named after them.
      These people have trusts, their heirs are already taken care of.
      they gonna be ok.
      That purchase to them was like an macbook purchase to us normals.

    • @dougswamprat5275
      @dougswamprat5275 2 роки тому +23

      They get a tax write off, which actually makes them money as if they haven't released the purchase price, they can overestimate its value and make money on that write off. It's how rich people get richer.

    • @tjmcmaster
      @tjmcmaster 2 роки тому +7

      @@moderndilettante6896 completely disagree. All depends how you spend it and invest it. Fact

  • @bradstoner7226
    @bradstoner7226 2 роки тому +47

    I've been collecting minerals since 1978. It was definitely easier finding and getting mineral specimens then than it is today. I use to field collect many of my local pieces and access to mines, plowed fields, road and construction excavation where things could often be uncovered were numerous but today, there are few opportunities as people become more aware of the minerals value and in general more distrustful of people in general thus not allowing one to look on their property as in the past. Even road excavation work where public money is involved and use to be accessible to rockhounds is becoming a challenge. Law enforcement has become so distrustful and empowered over people that if they see a person simply collecting rocks in a public road construction right-a-way they will often threaten them to leave, sometimes without any legal justification to do so. Unfortunately its a sign of the times and further indication of the way this country is headed. Then you have old quarries that lay within National and state forest area. The regulations at these places has changed tremendously so much so that you can no longer collect at them or in the least, only surface collect without the aid of tools which is often pretty much useless since so much of these places have been prospected in years past leaving very little that is easy to find without hard work and digging. You have to check the rules of each state to see just what is permitted because they vary but everywhere is getting stricter. These factors are driving up the cost of fine minerals and crystals. I have been going to gem and mineral shows in my state for years and each year, there seems to be people with less local material and what is available is going for much higher prices. I use to see allot of young people who's middle class working parents could go out and enjoy the hobby and afford to get their kids into it but that is quickly fading as it has been replaced by older collectors or those who can afford the higher prices. Pieces that might have sold for $50 20 years ago are now $500 is not uncommon. If you've been in it a long time it makes for a good investment but I also worry about what it does to discourage young people who can't afford it and have little access to good prospecting locations that are now off limits to everyone. I'd safely say that 75% or more of collecting sites that I use to have access to are gone or closed to collecting today. Yeah there are new finds occasionally but because of the difficulty in locating them, they are always heavily guarded secrets by those who stumble upon them. Our state use to put out publications of mineral collecting localities that the public could go but hasn't done so in many years as there is simply so few sites today that one can legally and safely collect. Its sad. Mineral collecting is an perfect example of how the elite and government are driving down the quality of life for the rest of us and using their power to control every aspect of our lives. But that doesn't take away the fact that mineral collecting is a wonderful hobby and these mineral crystals are truly beautiful and amazing wonders of nature that should be enjoyed by all.

    • @staralioflundnv
      @staralioflundnv 2 роки тому +2

      I'm with you on that, Brad. My Grandpa was an oIe rockhound and back in the 1960s, when I was a young kid, he got me hooked, and I've been coIIecting ever since. It is fun, reIaxing, educationaI, and a reaI adventure that generates so many wonderfuI specimens and exciting stories to share with others. I stiII enjoy getting out and doing it now, aIthough I'm a bit Iess agiIe and sIower, can't carry as much as I once did. AII the best to You!

    • @AgateJeweler
      @AgateJeweler Рік тому +1

      Party Poopr it’s still awesome

    • @napajwolf13
      @napajwolf13 Рік тому +1

      This bums me out. And reminds me of the time I was doing a geology lab in college (in Southern California, so lots of fun geological shenanigans within a reasonable distance), and on one trip to a riverbank open to the public, a woman stopped behind the YELLOW SCHOOL BUS we took to the site and started pestering us, a clear group of students) about being there and taking rocks (college trip would not take us where we could not).
      I got a few pretty pieces of serpentinite (not very big crystals, but a beautiful green nonetheless), but it’s always left a bad taste in my mouth.

    • @angelicafreund8551
      @angelicafreund8551 Рік тому

      @@napajwolf13 if you don't learn to ignore the rudeness and ignorance of people your lost. Come to the east coast...that'll toughen you up. And then just learn to laugh it off. Serpentine is cool..I have a couple pieces. Green with pink opal in your pocket soothes everything 😉 I live by the world famous sterling mines and variety of minerals is mind blowing 🤗🙏

    • @angelicafreund8551
      @angelicafreund8551 Рік тому

      @@napajwolf13 seraphinite is very beautiful when it's polished. And I used to live in Hermosa Beach ⛱ it was so nice

  • @sairaatwal
    @sairaatwal 2 роки тому +15

    I grew crystals in school..good memories! I've always loved crystals and stones. Seems like another industry where popularity and demand will overmine these natural beauties over time.

    • @jaeboogie2786
      @jaeboogie2786 2 роки тому +1

      that's nothing, I made crystal meth when I was in school. lol

  • @Stand.Your.Ground.
    @Stand.Your.Ground. Рік тому +7

    I am a newish gold prospector and oh man am I blessed to live in Oregon. We have so many gems. Actually will be working on a unique copper sun stone claim this next year with my uncle! Fingers crossed we find a massive one!

    • @Herrgabby
      @Herrgabby Рік тому

      I hope you get many great finds!

  • @jekku4688
    @jekku4688 Рік тому +3

    I once worked with someone who owned a 6+ foot tall Amethyst geode. It was absolutely fascinating and absolutely enormous! Have also been to gem shows, and I'm surprised I didn't strain my neck with whiplash over looking at all the gem wares. Truly, amazingly stunning.

  • @GamezWithMe
    @GamezWithMe Рік тому +3

    I have seen this crystal in the Smithsonian when I visited, it was truly breathtaking. It was my second favorite exhibit in the Smithsonian after the hope diamond

  • @Verlisify
    @Verlisify 2 роки тому +134

    This video started with "Donated to the Smithsonian" and it only got more upsetting from there

    • @TehSaviorRemixer
      @TehSaviorRemixer 2 роки тому

      Ya

    • @kid10249595
      @kid10249595 2 роки тому +10

      Why though, are we that wrapped up in the political environment at this point. That we can't at least appreciate that they did something very nice. I agree its horrendous and stupid that people are able to take and sell things like that for really high prices. Given their natural minerals and formations that took millions of years to grow. In which it's not turned into a cash cow industry that will starve itself eventually. Yet at the end of the day regardless of intentions that's the best outcome for that crystal cluster. It would of otherwise been more than likely chopped up into smaller pieces to be sold for more profit, or potentially hidden says in someone's mansion for only a select few people to appreciate. At least it's in a very protected public place where everyone can see it and it will be well preserved.

    • @judahmourns2995
      @judahmourns2995 2 роки тому

      @@kid10249595 well we disagree with you...which is fine to do... i understand how you feel tho...

    • @Syphaxis
      @Syphaxis 2 роки тому +2

      Dude was actually talking at the end like we're going to mine up all of the crystals on the Earth.

    • @kid10249595
      @kid10249595 2 роки тому

      @@Syphaxis I mean technically we could, the more we mine, the more scarce they become, I doubt this could be done in our lifetimes. Yet they take millions of years to form, and that means their already extremely scarce in their natural form.

  • @morninboy
    @morninboy 2 роки тому +12

    Crystal healing for Chakra realignment can sell for $250 for 1.5 hours. That is one crooked Chakra.
    No shortage of entertainment in this Gonzo world.

  • @believeinshadows139
    @believeinshadows139 2 роки тому

    Crystals make me happy. Ocean jasper and any kind of calcite are my favorites. I love walking into a crystal shop and hunting through everything to find one that just looks special to me.

  • @TheTonialadd
    @TheTonialadd 2 роки тому +8

    I kind of have to laugh. I live in Arkansas. I’ve picked crystals up in my yard. I’ve been to one of the crystal mines here. They’re expensive and are turning into a tourist trap. When you go to the mine they have designated areas that you can dig. But they only let you dig in areas that they have already processed. You still can find some pretty ones. It’s fun for the kids.

    • @bobczz3919
      @bobczz3919 2 роки тому +1

      Yes, just like the gold paydirt companies sell. They sift through it and put a small amount of gold back in it. I can't believe people buy that crap thinking they might find a big gold nugget...LOL

  • @ArcWelder588
    @ArcWelder588 2 роки тому +12

    For a moment I thought those people were going to buy it to put on their wall. But donating to the museum for the world to see was a better decision

  • @pumpkinchow
    @pumpkinchow 2 роки тому +5

    Beautiful piece of natural art and stunning

  • @alonsonavarro2126
    @alonsonavarro2126 2 роки тому

    I'm from Tucson, AZ. It gets crazy in the downtown area when the Gem Show is here, it's growing every year. Even with Covid it was pretty busy.

  • @georgef1176
    @georgef1176 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you for saving this amazing crystal for generations too see

  • @WerewolfMeesh94
    @WerewolfMeesh94 2 роки тому +20

    Ive loved and collected gemstones for years and have a small collection of my favourites - Lapis Lazuli, Snowflake Obsidian, Obsidian, Pyrite and Hematite mainly. Personally I really love the pieces that are carved into animals - I have a Lapis Lazuli Fox and a Malachite Alligator which are super cool!
    I can see the appeal of gemstones and crystals, mainly for aesthetics (I dont subscribe to their healing properties) so its understandable that the value of them is only going to increase! As with any limited resource, the value will be determined by its scarcity and the more that is mined, the less there is = higher prices

    • @_.skyyblue._
      @_.skyyblue._ 2 роки тому +1

      I also have a small collection of crystals, mainly amethyst, as they’re one of my favorites

  • @WelfareChrist
    @WelfareChrist 2 роки тому +15

    I don’t think you have to believe crystals are magical to understand how they might affect your head space. I mean imagine waking up every day to that giant crystal, my guess is it would make me feel happier.

    • @londonuntergunther252
      @londonuntergunther252 2 роки тому +1

      Piezoelectricity
      Piezoelectricity is the electric charge that accumulates in certain solid materials-such as crystals, certain ceramics, and biological matter such as bone, DNA, and various proteins-in response to applied mechanical stress.Wikipedia

  • @KumaBean
    @KumaBean 2 роки тому +1

    Those crystal markets (well, the crystals within) look absolutely mind blowing, my word,... beautiful, 👌

  • @simplycm
    @simplycm 2 роки тому +3

    This is amazing!

  • @nandoginkaku7610
    @nandoginkaku7610 2 роки тому +3

    Crystal mommies have made my childhood hobby just a memory

  • @faebalina7786
    @faebalina7786 2 роки тому

    now THAT'S art
    some of those shown here are so breathtaking

  • @peterama4591
    @peterama4591 2 роки тому

    you guys are vibrating good vibes and aligning my chakra ...I think you all are crystals

  • @realname2158
    @realname2158 2 роки тому +46

    Was curious as to what happened to those massive finds. Nice to see they ended up where the public can enjoy them.

    • @TruthSeekers13
      @TruthSeekers13 2 роки тому

      Soon to be heist target

    • @mikelouis9389
      @mikelouis9389 2 роки тому +5

      @@TruthSeekers13 A 4 ton target. A fragile 4 ton target.

    • @nothinggrand3805
      @nothinggrand3805 2 роки тому

      @@TruthSeekers13 they’d break it before they get it out of the exhibit

    • @iSchleep
      @iSchleep 2 роки тому +1

      @@TruthSeekers13 lol good luck stealing that thing

  • @stuartkent383
    @stuartkent383 2 роки тому +28

    $4 - $ 7 million and the operator lifts it with a choke instead of basket configuration. Holly crap.

    • @gwouru
      @gwouru 2 роки тому +1

      It worked.... Are you an expert in moving things?

    • @mikelouis9389
      @mikelouis9389 2 роки тому +11

      @@gwouru I am and he's right. The rigging of this beautiful specimen had me squirming from start to finish.

    • @lambertlum1087
      @lambertlum1087 2 роки тому +4

      I am not a mover, but even to my untrained eye, I thought it was a bit hazardous. With all the load focused on the straps, the thing could have snapped in two.

    • @stuartkent383
      @stuartkent383 2 роки тому +3

      @@gwouru you dont know if the pressure of the slings damaged anything on the delicate crystal surface.
      To basket the slings is to just loop them under and back to the fork tine. No squeezing on the top surface. To choke is to loop the sling back through itself, applying pressure over the whole surface. I would have had a craddle made up for it with lifting points.
      How does insurance work there?
      Qualified, but anyone can see... well some people

  • @jorggamingcr409
    @jorggamingcr409 2 роки тому +8

    A huuuugeeee thank you to the couple who donated the piece! It is awesome now people can study the crystal and learn a lot from it!

    • @DonMarzzoni
      @DonMarzzoni 2 роки тому

      Rich people don't care that you are grateful, they found a loophole and are exploiting it

  • @evodog2300
    @evodog2300 Рік тому

    I'm from Tucson AZ. Nice to c u got your big crystal into the Smithsonian

  • @salvadornegrete1854
    @salvadornegrete1854 2 роки тому +16

    I've got a friend who truly believes in the powder of crystal. Sorry, the power of crystals. My bad.

    • @brian0902
      @brian0902 2 роки тому +2

      You could have deleted powder I can see you didn’t edit it so it’s not like you couldn’t

    • @MrTachyon
      @MrTachyon 2 роки тому +1

      Hahaha; I get the joke. 😆🤣

    • @brian0902
      @brian0902 2 роки тому

      Ohhhh nvm I understand now wow

    • @brian0902
      @brian0902 2 роки тому

      I’m dead 🤣

    • @Tangarisu
      @Tangarisu 2 роки тому

      @JesusCan SetYouFree you're just as nuts

  • @Thaijler
    @Thaijler 2 роки тому +17

    If crystals can heal, that thing must make you immortal.

    • @alifr4088
      @alifr4088 2 роки тому +1

      But it doesn't make your wallet immortal

    • @MrAlexColeman91
      @MrAlexColeman91 2 місяці тому +1

      as someone that works in a crystal mine, I can say the “healing properties” are a little overhyped.
      I’m not really any more spry than any other 874 year old :)

  • @olgierdogden4742
    @olgierdogden4742 2 роки тому +61

    Over the last 10 years the cost of Opal Crystals whether rough or cut has rocketed and I believe that the Australian Opal miner’s and dealers had something to do with it. Also buying any of them 10 years ago was cheaper due the Sterling as I live in the UK and the US dollar which was around 50p back then and today it’s climbed to above 70p to the dollar and I believe it was even higher before the virus took hold of us. And personally I prefer a piece of rough Opal although some of the cut Black Opals are stunning.

    • @MyxDyingxFantasy
      @MyxDyingxFantasy 2 роки тому

      I love opals too! I'm also in the UK, and was looking for just a small piece of rough opal to mount into a pendant. Just so I can have a tiny piece of my own to admire. It's just so out of reach now with the rocketing costs though :(

    • @olgierdogden4742
      @olgierdogden4742 2 роки тому +1

      @@MyxDyingxFantasy
      I forgot to say that at Opal Auctions most good sellers will back up what they sell with photos and a video to. Look out for the “fire” which as you probably know is the term for how bright and sparkly they are, and personally I always look especially in the videos for what type of light source they use to illuminate the product. So if the store is bright while someone is moving it look at the colour of their fingers if you can because that might just show you the seller is shining a very bright light at it from a particular direction. I always like to see my ones in good sunshine from either behind me or above. Today though with eBay sometimes I’ve bought one which you couldn’t tell if it actually sparkled because there’s no video available and there’s a lot of people who would like to sell a stone and take the money out and run. But overall the other site is better. Good luck.

    • @Tester-sh1mn
      @Tester-sh1mn 2 роки тому +1

      The price went up because here in Aus we have good union protection and pretty strong environmental laws, compare that to Mexico Opal mines where they’ve been virtually all mined out.

    • @olgierdogden4742
      @olgierdogden4742 2 роки тому +1

      @@Tester-sh1mn
      Thankyou. I now have a clearer understanding of what are and were the causes for the increase costs. And when you mention an emotive word such as “environmental” then there’s always someone considering the past consequences. I dare say (I’m not asking) that the Ethiopian Opal mines are also competing with the environmental destruction of today as well. But just to leave on a positive note I gather that it almost rains opal’s on Mars. But they’re not on part of Santa’s Xmas list this year and that’s for sure, and I can only dream. Cheers.

  • @AgentRicePooh
    @AgentRicePooh 2 роки тому

    I've been to the Coleman Quartz Mine in Arkansas back in 2017, found some really cool pieces there! Man I wish I could go back

  • @Redbird1504
    @Redbird1504 2 роки тому +7

    Kudos to the Burns family.

  • @charliepearce8767
    @charliepearce8767 2 роки тому +8

    I'm a miner and I'll tell you
    There are more Crystal's still in the ground than what's ever been dug out...
    Same goes for every other mineral and metals in the ground ..

    • @Tangarisu
      @Tangarisu 2 роки тому +1

      Its GETTING to them is the hard part.

    • @dagoheww3299
      @dagoheww3299 2 роки тому

      You said that ,so and more people can go dig and destroy the earth for money.

    • @deepfriedmackerel2263
      @deepfriedmackerel2263 2 роки тому

      Yeah, we’ve only reached 4KM deep, there’s still 70KM down and that’s excluding the mantle, outer core, inner core. There may be new elements hidden 2000KM below us.

  • @cleric4265
    @cleric4265 2 роки тому

    Wow! So interesting! Thank you for that awesome report

  • @ivlark1
    @ivlark1 2 роки тому +1

    That’s great, we need more people that donate gems like that:)

  • @abdirahmanabdikani9876
    @abdirahmanabdikani9876 2 роки тому +4

    I have beautiful crystals in my village, never thought that they were so expensive.

    • @josephang9927
      @josephang9927 2 роки тому +1

      Time to make some wise investments now!

  • @3coins.
    @3coins. 2 роки тому +4

    I have always enjoyed rock hunting, this is amazing

  • @Tarquin2718
    @Tarquin2718 2 роки тому

    Dude! a 100 times the Best. You are amazing!

  • @huntermoon6220
    @huntermoon6220 2 роки тому +3

    I love that mineral guy at the museum he's just awesome. Thank you dude for all you do for the public good.

  • @mikevera9867
    @mikevera9867 2 роки тому +3

    I respect those miners for donating that huge find, cause I would've only seen the dollar signs, lol

    • @LaurenOliviArt
      @LaurenOliviArt 2 роки тому +1

      It was the couple that bought it from the miner and they donated it. So the miner got paid! Lol

    • @1pcfred
      @1pcfred 2 роки тому +1

      @@LaurenOliviArt The couple that donated it got a tax write off too. Charitable donations are tax deductible.

  • @etiquettefiend
    @etiquettefiend 2 роки тому

    Oh snap, Ron Coleman! Was just there a couple months ago. Great people.

  • @carlislepanting5219
    @carlislepanting5219 2 роки тому

    Amazing documentary!! Watching from Belize central america!!✌🌎💯

  • @LushousLemon
    @LushousLemon 2 роки тому +15

    I think you'll find hank schader has the biggest collection of minerals

  • @SuperLilhector
    @SuperLilhector 2 роки тому +31

    Probably one of the biggest tax write offs I’ve ever seen.

    • @bobedwards7455
      @bobedwards7455 2 роки тому

      And your point is.....?

    • @Tangarisu
      @Tangarisu 2 роки тому

      Man humanity has grown even more envious.

  • @NebulaGray
    @NebulaGray 2 роки тому

    Thanks to all involved true hero's.

  • @1812minerals
    @1812minerals 2 роки тому

    Interesting video, nice to see many people are still interested in collecting

  • @Redbird1504
    @Redbird1504 2 роки тому +11

    "Crystal healing operates on the vibrations of your body."
    Pop Smoke would say "She lives the Woo Woo."

    • @londonuntergunther252
      @londonuntergunther252 2 роки тому +1

      Piezoelectricity
      Piezoelectricity is the electric charge that accumulates in certain solid materials-such as crystals, certain ceramics, and biological matter such as bone, DNA, and various proteins-in response to applied mechanical stress.Wikipedia

    • @SilvaDreams
      @SilvaDreams 2 роки тому

      @@londonuntergunther252 Yes which just means under stress they produce an electrical charge. You can take quartz crystals and tap them with a hammer and produce microvolts of power and in a dark enough space you might even see the little electrical glow when you hit it hard enough.

    • @londonuntergunther252
      @londonuntergunther252 2 роки тому +2

      @@SilvaDreams it's literally how most electronics function... _that's all._ 🙄

    • @SilvaDreams
      @SilvaDreams 2 роки тому

      @@londonuntergunther252 No.. Not even close. I think you need to take basic sciences again because it's not even close to how any of it works.

    • @londonuntergunther252
      @londonuntergunther252 2 роки тому

      Technology is causing a set of seemingly disconnected things - shortening of attention spans, polarization, outrage-ification of culture, mass narcissism, election engineering, addiction to technology. ~ _Tristan Harris_
      @@SilvaDreams that's nice. 🤗

  • @RayMak
    @RayMak 2 роки тому +3

    Someone dug out the battery for my spaceship

  • @ebonymystery
    @ebonymystery 2 роки тому

    I liken myself to the uncut crystal -large(huge) formed by natural elements & weathering...jagged and beautiful priceless...it took me time to see myself as such...

  • @Just-SomeGuy
    @Just-SomeGuy 2 роки тому

    I came for the 1980s quality interview audio. I was not disappointed! 😆

  • @antony2527
    @antony2527 2 роки тому +11

    I just saw the crystal 2 hours ago in the actual museum. LMAO

    • @vice.nor.virtue
      @vice.nor.virtue 2 роки тому +2

      Hilarious.

    • @kmsbailey405
      @kmsbailey405 2 роки тому +1

      Josh (the guy that found it) is actually my little sisters husband lol I saw it a year ago dirty 😂 its massive and amazing

    • @antony2527
      @antony2527 2 роки тому

      @@kmsbailey405 that's so cool

  • @yilmanbabilonia
    @yilmanbabilonia 2 роки тому +4

    I have a couple of crystals because I'm a geologist and they are beautiful.

  • @jasondomican1991
    @jasondomican1991 2 роки тому +1

    That is one incredibly beautiful gem 😍

  • @musicmanmatt87
    @musicmanmatt87 2 роки тому +2

    What good people. I've always thought I would like to donate something like that to a museum. It's a legacy I would be proud of. Instead of just collecting assets and money for the sake of money.

  • @smurf6901
    @smurf6901 2 роки тому +9

    Donors....you are awesome

    • @prudhviram1457
      @prudhviram1457 2 роки тому +1

      They donated because it's better to give to museum and get royalty amount, instead of spending money to clean, show case, find buyer, transaction, tax, etc etc

    • @jacobbwalters8133
      @jacobbwalters8133 2 роки тому +4

      @@prudhviram1457 donors to the Smithsonian Institution do not receive royalties

    • @Redbird1504
      @Redbird1504 2 роки тому

      ^ What he said.

  • @camden_jace
    @camden_jace 2 роки тому +9

    is the guy in the preview picture the 8k pound crystal? 🤣 might wanna change it up

  • @TheRealTreasureHunters26
    @TheRealTreasureHunters26 Рік тому

    That’s amazing!

  • @Alusnovalotus
    @Alusnovalotus 2 роки тому

    Why am I drooling ?!

  • @vladrazym9955
    @vladrazym9955 2 роки тому +3

    Are you sure the preview picture is a right one?

  • @priyanshu.sharma.0002
    @priyanshu.sharma.0002 2 роки тому +3

    Incredible ✨

  • @lottieglendinning4260
    @lottieglendinning4260 2 роки тому +2

    What amazing generosity from the donors

  • @ToxicMothBoi
    @ToxicMothBoi 2 роки тому

    I love the Chemical/physical aspects of minerals and crystals. I have a collection myself that i have been collecting since i was a smol child. Amethyst is my birthstone and i have a naturql one that i found myself so i've got a connection to it. If it wasnt for my grandpa i wouldnt have it.
    Crystals have been a part of my life and i dont want that to change. All diffrent types of crystals NEED to be preserved. We may be able to make them perfectly in the future, but for now we have to preserve them

  • @londonuntergunther252
    @londonuntergunther252 2 роки тому +4

    Spotlight on the Precious Stones of Afghanistan
    Published 14, 2020
    For centuries, Afghanistan has been a leading producer of lapis lazuli, a gemstone favored by the ancient Egyptians. The country is also rich in several other semi-precious stones-a recent joint study by the United States Geological Survey and the Pentagon estimating the net value of Afghanistan’s untapped minerals to be around $3 trillion.
    In this article, we look at Afghanistan’s gem mining industry and the jewels it exports all over the world.

  • @starkiller9897
    @starkiller9897 2 роки тому +16

    I'm sure the donors who are real estate moguls donated that as a tax write off!!

    • @mikelouis9389
      @mikelouis9389 2 роки тому +3

      Of course they did and don't you know they'll definitely monetize the publicity like champs.

    • @Redbird1504
      @Redbird1504 2 роки тому +6

      Getting a tax right off doesn't make it less noble.

    • @mikelouis9389
      @mikelouis9389 2 роки тому +1

      @@Redbird1504 If you say so lol

    • @1pcfred
      @1pcfred 2 роки тому

      @@Redbird1504 it really depends on what they spent versus what they claimed.

    • @Redbird1504
      @Redbird1504 2 роки тому

      @@1pcfred If there's evidence of them doing so that's one thing but just to assume they committed fraud with no evidence is absurd.

  • @garrettchan9990
    @garrettchan9990 2 роки тому

    Great video!!

  • @judybay2372
    @judybay2372 2 роки тому

    Wow..... So huge. Love this

  • @imcherry.0901
    @imcherry.0901 2 роки тому +4

    This is so incredible and so beautiful. God is truly amazing for creating these masterpiece 🤩👍

    • @bobedwards7455
      @bobedwards7455 2 роки тому

      🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄.......😳

    • @DaveBuildsThings
      @DaveBuildsThings 2 роки тому

      Sorry Maria. It's just nature and time that made these. No need to get any God involved.

  • @diegoperez4994
    @diegoperez4994 2 роки тому +4

    The name of the crystal is called “Big bussin”.

  • @BombzofJager
    @BombzofJager 2 роки тому +2

    Man I wish my health problems were so minuscule that I believed crystals healed me.

  • @petersanders5321
    @petersanders5321 Рік тому

    What a remarkable specimen. Definately one for the books.

  • @mexicopor6818
    @mexicopor6818 2 роки тому +9

    Those crystals are nothing compared to what we have in "cueva de cristales" in NAICA CHIHUAHUA.
    Greetings from Mexico

    • @EliF-ge5bu
      @EliF-ge5bu 2 роки тому

      So?

    • @soul-om4id
      @soul-om4id 2 роки тому +1

      Quartz versus gypsum, two very different minerals. The stuff out of and in Naica though is amazing. The huge crystal caverns that are filled with meters long gypsum and selenite crystals are truly spectacular and special.

    • @EliF-ge5bu
      @EliF-ge5bu 2 роки тому +1

      @@soul-om4id and there’s the problem. You can’t really take the selenites out or they will deteriorate slowly unless you keep it in a condition similar to that cave.

    • @nothinggrand3805
      @nothinggrand3805 2 роки тому +2

      @@EliF-ge5bu wouldn’t you want to preserve the cave instead of destroying it. You can already buy selenite and satin spar crystals that come from the area.

    • @Tangarisu
      @Tangarisu 2 роки тому

      @@nothinggrand3805 the moment it was drained and opened was the moment its destruction began.
      Things that don't grow fall to entropy fastet.

  • @fluffyaha2305
    @fluffyaha2305 2 роки тому +6

    The only thing it can heal is someone's wallet

  • @user-rw7lz6qz3v
    @user-rw7lz6qz3v 2 роки тому

    A Fabulous speciment !!!

  • @angelous7774
    @angelous7774 2 роки тому

    I hope this miner got more than a thank you.

  • @My2cents.
    @My2cents. 2 роки тому +5

    One is caught up playing the impassioned protagonist in one’s Subjective Narrative of Self.🎈

  • @davidowle3772
    @davidowle3772 2 роки тому +5

    "It's not a lie if you believe it."
    - George Costanza

    • @ReasonsWhy1
      @ReasonsWhy1 2 роки тому +2

      Still a lie lol

    • @nothinggrand3805
      @nothinggrand3805 2 роки тому +1

      That quote is false on so many levels.

    • @BearMeOut
      @BearMeOut 2 роки тому

      Something about parting fools out of their money away

  • @supmeme4183
    @supmeme4183 Рік тому

    "Placebo" and "Nocebo" are the greatest forces of Human Consciousness. Whatever it takes to align oneself with enough intention to reshape the physical world, I will forever love the ways people find it.

  • @wilbur9416
    @wilbur9416 2 роки тому +1

    Crystals are beautiful and fascinating

  • @Eye_Radiate_Light
    @Eye_Radiate_Light 2 роки тому +6

    0:46 "The uncut ones are beautiful in their rawness" - she's obviously not a fan of circumcision

  • @chocolatewheelchair
    @chocolatewheelchair 2 роки тому +4

    The guy is the crystal.

    • @liveyourbeingbeingfree635
      @liveyourbeingbeingfree635 Рік тому +1

      Actually, very well said, as all humans are living, breathing crystals, as approx 60% of our body's are made up from water, . . . . . which contains crystals!👍✨🙇🏼‍♀✨

    • @chocolatewheelchair
      @chocolatewheelchair Рік тому +1

      @@liveyourbeingbeingfree635 crystallized Metabolized living fossils essentially

    • @liveyourbeingbeingfree635
      @liveyourbeingbeingfree635 Рік тому +1

      @@chocolatewheelchair Fossil you say, lol, lol yup now I'm past 50, I certainly do feel a bit of a fossil!👍😆🤣

  • @salimerekhorami5039
    @salimerekhorami5039 Рік тому

    Mr Charles Noble and team did a meticulous job moving something so huge!

  • @splash4000able
    @splash4000able 2 роки тому +3

    Lol healing crystals are 😝

  • @senbebe3320
    @senbebe3320 2 роки тому +6

    The crystal is amazing and donating it was very nice of them but I’m just wondering is this environmentally harmful for the earth? I’m not sure if it is but I’m just wondering because if we constantly dig up crystals wouldn’t the supply run out?

    • @ssj5omar
      @ssj5omar 2 роки тому +8

      It's literally just a rock

    • @randomations11
      @randomations11 2 роки тому +1

      @@ssj5omar They're minerals. Jesus, Marie!

    • @SilvaDreams
      @SilvaDreams 2 роки тому +2

      How would it hurt the environment? It's literally just a bunch of minerals that has been there for millions of years and would stay that way till eventually it was unearthed from errosion which would steadily destroy it.
      There is a cave here in the US where the crystals are big as some cars in width and many meters(or yards) longs

    • @theyoutubeguy1
      @theyoutubeguy1 2 роки тому

      @@SilvaDreams WOW! That crystal you speak of must have been cooked up in one BIG RV!

    • @SilvaDreams
      @SilvaDreams 2 роки тому

      @@theyoutubeguy1 It's a cave system.. Many of the crystals are bigger than RVs..
      (and yes hah breaking bad joke....)

  • @watjejanssen7535
    @watjejanssen7535 2 роки тому

    amazing piece