Spessartine on Hyalite Opal and Quartz
stock #15.1-471
Tongbei, Yunxiao County, Zhangzhou Prefecture
Fujian Province,
China
6.1 x 3.8 x 3.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $350
Pre Holiday 2017
A very remarkable and attractive Tongbei Spessartine quite unlike others. This matrix is a Quartz crystal that is encased in a layer of Kaolin that is in turn covered by a hard jacket of Hyalite Opal. The Opal is densely studded with sharp Spessartine crystals that are deep red and lustrous. Tongbei was at one time producing many fine specimens but is now exhausted with very little if any new production, now a classic location. The Garnets are choice and in fine condition, the form and contrasts make a nice display.
Smithsonite (Pink Cobaltoan)
stock #17.1-337
Tsumeb
Otjikoto Region,
Namibia
3.2 x 2.3 x 1.3 CM (thumbnail)
price: $250
Pre Holiday 2017
Pink gemmy crystals of Cobaltoan Smithsonite in on a perfect condition thumbnail. From the great Tsumeb mine, this looks better in person, has the rich, lustrous color that is the most desiarable. The better Tsumeb pink Smithsonites are the worlds best, this small specimen show why.
Epidote and Prehnite
stock #15.1-498
Sadiola Mine
Kayes Region,
Mali
5.8 x 4.9 x 4.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $240
Pre Holiday 2017
A superb small cabinet Epidote and Prehnite specimen from the prolific find in Mali. Of the many specimens that have come out few have this bright luster, color and esthetics. The Prehnite ball is elegantly encased by the Epidote crystals that are in perfect condition. Far better than typical "mine run" quality. Due to the large recent production, this is an economical yet very choice specimen.
Vanadinite on Barite
stock #15.1-400
Mibladen Mine, Upper Moulouya lead district, Midelt, Khenifra Province
Meknes-Tafilalet Region,
Morocco
4.8 x 2.3 x 2.1 CM (miniature)
price: $350
Pre Holiday 2017
Vanadinite with outstanding intense color and bright luster set on contrasting white Barite blades. This combination is the least common and the most desirable. These specimens are laboriously dug without power tools by small teams in cramped artisenal mines and require years of labor to reach a good pocket. Choice and in excellent condition, Vanadinite of this high quality is one of the best mineral values available today. The color is hard to appreciate on a computer, in person it is brilliant.
Classic habit, deep color and melted style surface on a small Gem Peridot. The condition is undamaged and a good value. The Sapat finds of Pakistan have provided many nice specimens, small ones like this are still quite affordable.
Smithsonite with Cerussite and Calcite
stock #17.1-333
Tsumeb
Otjikoto Region,
Namibia
3.6 x 2.3 x 1.7 (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $290
Pre Holiday 2017
This specimen is one of a kind, a unique Tsumeb oddity with great esthetics. An elongated, gemmy crystal of Smithsonite rises from a gossan matrix and hosts a few gem clear smokey Cerussites. The Smithsonite shows signs of being a compound crystal with parallel growth but a single termination. The Cerussites and a tiny part of the Smithsonite (only seen with magnification) are chipped but this is on the "back" not visible on display, the front and side view are pristine undamaged. Tiny Calcites with some odd habits are also scattered on the matrix. The crazy composition of this specimen is typical of why so many collectors love Tsumeb minerals.
A killer thumbnail with several perfect gem clear Cerussites on a contrasting green Conichalcite. A few of the Cerussites have the yellow crust that is usually identified as Mimetite but a few similar pieces turned out to be Hedyphane, this one has not been tested. The arrangement and esthetic construction is first rate. By naked eye this is pristine and undamaged, but one small contact/chip is seen with good magnification. Since Cerussite is so fragile the condition is extraordinary. I would rate this as strong competition quality and certainly better in person.
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