A bizzare, unique, rare but attractive Aquamarine. From the Erongo Mountains, (Hohenstien Massif) this is a complete, doubly terminated crystal. The flat termination is typical although in this case the corners have modified faces. The real interest is the other termination that is a series of hexagonal steps that are perfectly centered like a stairway or a turret. The 4 main steps or platforms are very flat and some edges have a little etching, the whole is therefore a reversed scepter. Some minor contacting/chipping is noted but overall the condition is excellent. A good display piece but especially a great addition for a suite of Namibian/ Erongo minerals, Beryls or exotic crystal forms.
Calcite -Gem clear with phantom
stock #18.1-859
Leiping Mine, Leiping, GuiyangCo., Chenzhou Prefecture
Hunan Province,
China
4.1 x 3.6 x 2.5 CM (miniature)
price: $160
Bright luster, exceptional clarity and sharp form, a choice miniature from the now famous Leiping mine. In perfect, undamaged condition, this mine is famous for these superb Calcites and the bright Hematite phantoms. Very few have been available in recent years. Similar in form and habit to the classic English Calcites from the Iron fields in Egremont, these are far less expensive yet just as attractive.
Elbaite -Bi-color gem crystal
stock #18.1-339
Baoshan Prefecture
Yunnan Province,
China
1.2 x .9 x .6 CM (thumbnail)
price: $120
A small but very clear perfect Tourmaline with a dark termination. We see very few good Chinese gem Elbaite and few of those with this color. In fine condition the matrix is another Elbaite crystal that is contacted with a little feldspar, but is also undamaged. Tghis is also a dichroic crystal so the color can shift from a more yellow to more green hue. A nice thumbnail from an unusual locale.
A super sharp, clear and lustrous gemmy Adularia crystal is nicely perched on matrix. A very old specimen, ex Roberto Palumbo (Rome, Italy mineral dealer active 1928-1945) with his label. The Feldspar is distinctly twinned as well and perfcely undamaged even at high magnifications. The locality of Monte Forno in the Piedmont has several well known alpine localities on it but also many tiny clefts that were worked mostly by Swiss Strahlers over a very long period. This is a choice piece with the Adularia well above the matrix and presenting well from all sides.
Barite on Dolomite and Rhodochrosite
stock #AX-12-503
Cerro Warihuyn - Miraflores, Huamalies Prov.
Huanuco Department,
Peru
10.9 x 7.9 x 6.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $725
A fine cabinet specimen that is far beyond the average Barite from Cerro Warihuyn. The Barite is a smoky golden color, very clear and mostly all transparent. The matrix is a mix of Dolomite and Rhodochrosite which adds a nice pink contrast. A few tiny dark Sulphide crystals are noted too, but they are minor in the composition. The free standing Barites are very fine for this important locality, 4.7 CM across with nice zoning. No damage to note except a small chip on the backside of the Barite that is not visible from any logical display angle. The presentation side is in perfect condition. Far better in person. This locale had produced lots of Barite and is world renown for them, this specimen is exceptional compared to the vast majority of the find.
Pyromorphite -hoppered crystals.
stock #18.1-634
Daoping Mine, Gongcheng County, Guilin Prefecture
Guangxi Province,
China
4.8 x 3.8 x 2.7 CM (miniature)
price: $520
A pretty Pyromorphite with better than average, very distinct hoppered crystals on smaller prisms. From late finds at the amazing Daoping mine, this is a not the typical color from here, it is more like an olive green hue in person. Choice and in excellent condition, Daoping has become a great modern classic locality and this sort of Pyromorphite shows why.
Very impressive form and esthetics for any Aragonite. Ball like radiating clusters of crystals in elongated translucent prismatic form twins that are joined in a chain. Some internal coloring on some areas adds a nice contrast. Fine condition overall, a few chips are seen on the backside but otherwise this is a 360 degree piece, displayable from most any angle.
Grossular - Raspberry garnet
stock #AX-19-232
Sierra de la Cruz, Municipio de Sierra Mojada
Coahuila,
Mexico
4.8 x 4 x 3.1 (miniature)
price: $160
Large red-purple "Raspberry" Garnets on contrasting matrix from Coahuilla. The crystals reach 1.4 CM and some are intergrown. Aside from some contacts the crystals are unusually complete and well exposed on the matrix. This locale was still active and producing until about 4 years ago. This style of Garnet is unique to this zone which over the years produced many fine specimens. A good, affordable specimen.