Very fine Rhodochrosite on Quartz from the famed Wallace Gould Levison (NYC, USA) collection obtained by trade in 1894 from a Mr. Gruzig. The large matrix holds an open cavity with Rhodochrosite balls and sparkling small crystals mixed with Quartz. The original locality listed in Levisons collection ledger calls the locality Sieben Geberge in Hungary. He later amended his label to Felsobanyo, Hungary. This is now Baia Spirie, Romania. This period was a dynamic epoch in the Austrio-Hungarian Empire, so localities were often renamed as borders, languages and nationalities changed. No matter the locality changes, this is a very well-formed specimen in excellent condition. The original Levison handwritten label is attached to the piece, and we also include a photocopy of this page from his collection notes/ ledger. Levison was an important American mineral collector and inventor (first patented movie camera etc). This piece is his number 1407 from a collection that eventually reached over 5,500. In addition to being an attractive specimen this has well-documented provenance and a good historic pedigree. Better and a little more vivid in person.
Multi-specie specimen with at least 8 minerals present, the most significant being a cluster of Semseyite from this type locality. This is a complex matrix holding milky Quartz crystals that are surrounded by Siderite and Pyrite. Semseyite in radial form sits on one edge and Galena, Sphalerite, Chalcopyrite and Dolomite are evident too. Baia Sprie is the type locality for Semseyite, but it was more more commonly found at Baia Mare. Semseyite is fairly rare at Baia Sprie. Long known as Felsobanya, this locale had been mined since the 14th century, so by any definition the locality and this specimen are classics. The mines have all been closed since 2006. Ex Ernie Schlichter, this is a good example and especially interesting with magnification.
A superb and very hard to find Barite with the sharp color zoning of red to orange Realgar inclusions that makes remarkable phantoms. This classic mine has been closed now for a long while, there will never be more of these and there were never many. Most of the Realgar included Barite found was not so transparent and the red color filled the entire crystal. This piece has excellent clarity and the inner zoning is very sharp and well-defined. Overall in fine condition for such thin and delicate crystals, these are also far larger and better isolated than most crystals. There are very small rough areas as seen in the photos but this is never the less a superb display specimen, and a standout in any suite of Barites.
For many collectors, the most desirable Barites (Baryte) are the rare, classic Romanian specimens colored bright red by Included Realgar. This is a choice old specimen in excellent condition with delicate orange-red Barites on contrasting matrix. The crystals show sheaf-like bundles and rosettes well separated from the matrix and free standing. Crystallized on both sides this has very strong display impact. Almost impossible to find today even average specimens have become very expensive.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
