Sphalerite (Cleiophane) with Galena
stock #9.1-154
Krushev Dol Mine, Madan, Rhodope Mts.
Plovdiv Oblast,
Bulgaria
6.7 x 4.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $350
Esthetics! Nov. 2009
A big (2.9 CM) yellow-green Sphalerite compound crystal sits perfectly on a matrix of galena and some quartz.. Outstanding condition, this is rare older Madan material that is not often available.
Galena with Calcite
stock #8.1-448
Krushev Dol Mine, Madan, Rhodope Mts.
Madan,
Bulgaria
6.9 x 6.4 (cabinet)
price: $225
The mines of Madan have produced some incredible and strange Galenas. This is certainly one unusual and attractive example. Galena crystal faces with growth hillocks and hoppered zones are like modern art, decorated with calcite rhombstacks and drusy aggregates. The Galena is mirror bright with gleaming luster. If you like interesting and esthetic galena this will be a welcome addition to your collection.
Galena on Sphalerite
stock #8.1-443
Krushev Dol Mine, Madan, Rhodope Mts.
Madan,
Bulgaria
8.4 x 6.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $250
A sizable (4.4 CM) galena sits in a sea of lusterous Sphalerites. Clean and esthetic, the Galena has some hoppered areas and elaborate growth phase lines. Nice contrast and no damage on the display side.
Chalcopyrite (large elongated crystal)
stock #8.1-442
Krushev Dol Mine, Madan, Rhodope Mts.
Madan,
Bulgaria
6.2 x 4.4 x 2.7 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $240
A single, big, elongated chalcopyrite crystal showing fine striations and luster. Most faces are perfect and shiny, but there is slight chipping on a few edges, not significant given the size of the crystal. Although Chalcopyrite is a common mineral, crystals that are complete of this size are rare. Madan has produced a few superb examples.
Galena on Sphalerite with Calcite
stock #8.1-437
Krushev Dol Mine, Madan, Rhodope Mts.
,
Bulgaria
12 x 9.3 x 6.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $1500
This is simply a superb and esthetic piece with a killer arrangement! The base is a rosette like cluster of lusterous dark sphalerite crystals that are epitaxially encrusted with pearly calcites that add contrast and sparkle. Atop that is a mirror bright compound Galena cluster. There is some contacting on the back of the sphalerite where it was removed, but there is absolutely no damage on the display side. The main Galena is quite large -(7 cm at the widest point), it has fantastic bright lusterous faces. The stepped form and a few "melted" zones are what help set this apart. From almost any other locality this would be FAR more expensive, but since Madan is currenly very productive this is a superb bargain and a wise investment!
Galena on Quartz
stock #8.1-396
Krushev Dol Mine, Madan, Rhodope Mts.
Madan,
Bulgaria
7.1 x 5.7 (cabinet)
price: $380
Another gem from Madan, this is a shining Galena with outstanding form on a greenish quartz matrix. This large crystal (5.9 CM) has excellent hoppering on the triangular faces and the luster is fine. Sits well for display, there is no damage or chipping on the display face it is contacted in the back. It is possible to see a hairline crack in part of the Galena which is common at this locality, It is not damage per se but likely a side effect of cooling. If you like Galena you should love this one it is different and esthetic!
Quartz on Sphalerite and Galena
stock #8.1-394
Krushev Dol Mine, Madan, Rhodope Mts.
,
Bulgaria
10.9 x 6.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $360
Impressive and lusterous, this is super esthetic! A cluster of very sharp undamaged Sphalerites reaching 2.7 CM are stacked in a very nice arrangement. The real interest are the sprays of delicate needle quartz. that decorate the piece and add lots of contrast. As a bonus there are some good Galenas as well. This can be displayed from several angles. Despite some damage to a few quartz needles, this is still a a top shelf piece from a very important location that is now closed.
It is surprisingly hard to find much very well crystallized Chalcopyrite. It is a common ore mineral and poor crystals are everywhere, but GOOD ones are quite uncommon. This is a well defined, esthetic and attractive piece from one of the greatest of modern locations, Madan. Crystals reach 2.5 CM and have a very 3 dimensional arrangement with good contrast to the matrix. Chalcopyrite is a brittle mineral and this piece has a small stress crack on the left side, Most crystals are in very good condition although a large one near the bottom is broken, it could perhaps be trimmed off. Despite that this displays very well and is outstanding value! Madan is now shut down, if ore values do not rise soon it will be allowed to flood. If so this location will certainly become much more sought after!
