Gem clear Datolite crystals up to 2.3 CM are complexly mingled with doubly terminated "Cumberland habit" Quartz and clusters of very sharp twinned Sphalerites. It is possible to see greenish inclusions inside some Datolites. This is a rich, undamaged multi-specie specimen from Dalnegorsk, that is especially fine in person. The more this piece is examined the more remarkable details are seen. There are many good Dalnegorsk specimens available in all price ranges, this is especially fine and well worth the cost for a superior specimen.
Silver - very pure crystalline mass
stock #10.1-137
Mass Consolidated Mine, Mass City, Ontonagon County,
Michigan,
United States
5.3 x 4.7 z 3.2 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $1300
A complex mass of crude crystals that have very clearly formed in a conglomerate type matrix that is now gone. This is a sponge-like cluster yet very solid and intricate. The patina ranges from a dark near black on some edges grading to a more silvery metallic in the center. I have not seen many specimens from the Mass mine but all have this spongy look and this is the best example in my limited experience. According to Mindat the mine closed in 1919. A really different looking Silver that displays fine on all sides. 78 grams.
Fluorite and Quartz
stock #18.1-521
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
6.3 x 5.6 x 4.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $260
Spring 2020
The main Fluorite cube is very sharp, multi colored (blue, green and with amorphous zones of a violet purple). The main cube is 4.7 CM on edge and has very sharp corners. The Fluorite is perched on a pair of Quartz crystals and is contacted / incomplete on the back side but undamaged and choice from the front and sides. A zone of golden colored suphide druse is noted on one face that adds a nice contrast. Good rich color and transparency, a nice Yaoganxian specimen from the period when the mine was still working at full capacity.
Enargite -classic Butte, USA
stock #19.1-252
Leonard Mine, Butte, Silver Bow County
Montana,
United States
4.8 x 3.9 x 2.3 CM (miniature)
price: $250
Spring 2020
A Butte, Montana classic, well crystallized miniature. This has a more metallic silvery color than the usual sooty black and the crystal definition is very sharp. What may look like damage in a few crystals in the photos is not damage just the result of multiple faces that are very lustrous, in person the condition is clean. Ex Fred Meissner collection. With old Butte pieces it is especially good to have detail of the exact mine locale. This has more detail in the label than most specimens it is noted as from the 3200 foot level in the Leonard Mine. Sharp crystals up to 2.3 CM long, a choice copper sulphide specimen that is actually attractive and better in person.
Scheelite on Muscovite
stock #20.1-159
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
10.4 x 7.5 x 4.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $800
Spring 2020
Three perfect and sharp crystals of light orange Scheelite are arranged in a connected chain on matrix. Well exposed and nicely nested in the surrounding crystals of Muscovite, this is a a far better thasn typical specimen from the great finds at Xuebaoding almost 20 years ago. The crystals have the classic pseudo Octahedral form and have great luster, some transparency and no damage. Most faces also show complex growth structures and multi stepped zones that are epitaxially aligned. All in all a very clean early Chinese Scheelite with very strong display impact. Sawn on the back from when this was removed, the saw marks are not visible from any display view.
Hematite with Rutile
stock #20.1-164
Cavradi gorge, Tujetsch, Surselva Region
Graubunden,
Switzerland
3 x 1.7 x 1.4 CM (thumbnail)
price: $140
Spring 2020
Swiss Hematite with very well formed blades standing on minimal matrix. A close exam shows some tiny but brilliant red Rutile crystals on some faces. A nicely composed thumbnail (or toenail) that looks good from both sides. In excellent condition, a very lustrous and classic Alpine specimen. This specimen was originally labeled as from St Gotthard, but we are assured this habit with the epitaxial Rutile is unquestionably from Cavradi and is distinctive for the Cavradi Gorge.
Vesuvianite - classic locale
stock #16.1-697-(stk)
Dognaczka, Banat Mountains
Caras Severin Co.,
Romania
6.4 x 4.6 x 4.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $220
Spring 2020
Glassy isolated crystals of Vesuvianite with some Calcite presenting several habits. Some crystals reach to 2.1 CM. An older specimen dating back to the era when this was part of Hungary.
Beryl var. Aquamarine
stock #6.2-080
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
6.6 x 4.7 4.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $600
Spring 2020
A big (4.3 CM) Aquamarine crystal rises above the Muscovite matrix and is unusually well exposed. This is the wide tabular crystal habit that is rare worldwide but at Mt. Xuebaoding was the normal form. This is an older piece from mining in the 2004 season. Later digging restrictions (for Panda habitat protection) have closed most of the higher elevation areas above Pingwu where this came from. Other mining continues in the region but the mineral production is different. These Beryl are modern classics and while they were rather commonly available 6 years ago they are now quite rare on the market. This specimen is well better than average for the clarity, form and esthetics. In fine condition as seen this is better in person too.
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