Deep blue, sharp terminated gemmy crystals of Kyanite grow on and through a white quartz matrix. Good undamaged Kyanite is hard to find, it is delicate and most is badly broken. This is in perfect shape, sits well for display and has strong color. Better in person too!
A modern classic, these star shaped radial rutile specimens are simply fantastic. When first found in Brazil, these were a huge sensation, the best ever seen. This is a good, small miniature that is far less expensive than larger examples, but still has a good impact. With brilliant luster, this specimen is a textbook example of epitaxy. These were rather plentiful from Brazilian dealers 3 years ago but are now getting scarce.
A deep red prism crystal that is complete, sharp, lustrous and translucent. From a find about 4 years ago, there were not many found. Chipping on edges seen with 10x magnification, but still displays well. The form is unusual too with a central prism that has a series of parallel overgrowths on the sides that are orienting themselves in classic twin law.
ON HOLD Pyromorphite (Botryoidal and crystalline)
stock #HOLD 12.1-015
Manhan (loudville) lead Mine, Southampton, Hampshire County
Massachusetts,
United States
6.8 x 4.6 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $140
From the first lead mine in North America, a botryoidal crust of olive green Pyromorphite on quartz. Micros of orange Wulfenite can also be seen with magnification. This bubbly pyro style is uncommon as is the large area and dense coverage. Most pyro from here is a scattered micro crystal crusts. At 10x power it is possible to see the crystal structure of the botryoids. Collected in the 1950's this came from one of the oldest dumps and may have been extracted as early as the mid 1600's!
Hematite (large twinned crystals)
stock #10.1-307
Ouro Preto
Minas Gerais,
Brazil
5.3 x 4.8 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $300
A big, bright metallic black complex twin of crystallized Hematite. Displays well from several angles, there is some inevitable chipping and contacts, but these are not distracting. The specimen is very complex and presents many forms with some mirror bright faces and others with very fine striations. These Brazilian Hematites rank well alongside the world's best and are relatively very affordable.
Vanadinite (exceptional electric red)
stock #12.1-016
Mibladen Mine, Upper Moulouya lead district, Midelt, Khenifra Province
Meknes-Tafilalet Region,
Morocco
7.9 x 5.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $2450
Among the many average to pretty good Moroccan Vanadinites it is special to find a really superb specimen. Top pieces also command top prices. This one is exceptional, it stands out for esthetics, color, perfect condition and visual impact. It is also far less expensive than usual for this quality. In person, this really sings and blows away other pieces. If you have wanted a superb Vanadinite but were put off by stratospheric prices, take a hard look at this one!
A very weird Fluorite! I obtained this in 2009 at the Shangbao Mine and sold it immediately. It is now back in trade. Simply, this plate is composed of many oriented parallel crystals that are as clear as glass, with a very pale pink to violet hue. The plate is cleaved on the back, but the display face is a remarkable mix of crystal faces and complex etching. I have never seen any other example of this odd form. A fine addition to any Fluorite collection or just an unusual specimen for display.
A very pretty small miniature with sharp glassy crystals. Micros of Goyazite as well as gemmy rhombs of Magnesite complete the specimen. In fine condition, this find at Brumado has produced some fantastic examples of this tourmaline family member. Good value.
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