Fluorapatite
stock #8DK-164
Imilchil
Anti-Atlas Mts.,
Morocco
6.5 x 2.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $400
A big and transparent to translucent Fluorapatite with glassy luster. I have never seen a larger Apatite from Imilchil, the next largest was just 4 CM and considered huge. Over all in very good but not perfect condition, there is a contact at the rear and very small but visible nicks on some edges of the termination. As the photos show this is not major in relation to the large size of the crystal. Otherwise this is a fine, somewhat gemmy crystal with bright yellow-green color that is more green than seen on some computer monitors.
A fine, large and classic piece from early mining at Broken Hill. Formerly in the Australian National Museum (which they purchased in 1942 from G.H. Blakemore) and later in the Marvin Rausch Collection. As well as having great provenance, this is a very esthetic, large Cerrusite that is excellent for the species and for the locale. Well-defined intergrown blades form the delicate snowflake patterns that display well. Some damage exists but not on most of the major blades, Overall it is in exceptional condition for such a large, vintage specimen. Old labels included. Rarely available with this form, size and quality- a great addition for an Australian collection, or a lead suite!
An exceptional classic Swiss piece (ex. American Museum Of Natural History w.Labels) probably collected well before 1870. Sharp, lustrous Hematites to 1.5 cm are individually as hexagonal plates and in intergrown rose like aggregates. Several nice Orthoclase (adularia) reach 2.6 CM and provide contrast. Excellent condition, these are rarly available in such quality and highly regarded by advanced collectors, and alpine mineral enthusiasts.
Sphalerite on Quartz
stock #6.2-143
Shuikoushan Lead Zinc Mine, Kangjianwan, Changning
Hunan,
China
6.8 x 5.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $550
A striking, bright big Sphalerite is perfectly presented on a bed of druzy quartz. A dark reddish brown ball at first glance, with backlighting, this glows intense red. Excellent condition, the 3.3 CM diameter crystal cluster is mostly gemmy. This mine has been the source of many Sphalerites, but this is far, far better than most, and is excellent for the specie.
Simply put, this is a huge, gleaming, esthetic and fine Arsenopyrite from Yaoganxian. Arsenopyrite is not rare, but great form with huge, undamaged crystals are. The largest here is 6.3 CM and doubly terminated. Brilliant luster, nice architecture, impressive display face and outstanding for the species. I have never seen a better example for sale from any locality. Yaoganxian Arsenopyrites rank with the best, I think eclipsing Panasquira, Cornwall and Peru. This specimen is 2002 vintage. Contacting and removal damage is limited to the rear base area, not visible on display. Although this might seem expensive for a common, metallic mineral, this is an incredible value for a top display piece!
Mimetite
stock #9.1-362
Pingtouling Mine, Liannan, Sanjiang
Guangdong,
China
5.3 x 4 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $850
An excellent, clean and well crystallized Mimetite from the world class finds of 2003 at Pingtouling. Many collectors now consider this small find to have produced the world most attractive Mimetite, and as the mine is flooded and collapsed there will be no more. These are already classics with prices climbing and few good ones available. This a nice piece and the color is rich (a little more orange-yellow than is seen on some computers). In very good condition there is no eye visible damage on the display area. It is nearly pure mimetite, and heavy. This has been carefully stabilized so there is no worry of crumbling matrix.
Pyrite and quartz (dodecahedral)
stock #8 -PUR-819
Huanzala Mine, Huallanca district
Dos de Mayo Province, Huanuco Department,
Peru
6 x 4.6 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $140
Even with all the nice pyrites that Peru has produced, really good clean perfect examples are not common. This is simply that, a cluster of perfect dodecahedrons with a little quartz that has brilliant luster and nice silky striations on some faces. For the size I can not imagine a more nicely balanced and cute pyrite. An example of an affordable, esthetic and undamaged mineral specimen.
SOLD Flourite and Calcite (with
stock #SOLD 9.1-088
Rosiclare Level, Denton Mine, Haris Creek Sub-district, Hardin County
Illinois,
United States
6.9 x 5.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $250
A classic style from a classic American mine! Sharp glassy Calcites are selectively deposited on 2 faces of a transparent to translucent purple cube. Striking color and form. It is possible to backlight the Fluorite so it glows brightly, but these photos show a more typical display lighting. The back and base are damaged from when this was collected, (that's why they are the back and base!) from the front this displays well as seen in the photos. Great value.
