Thompsonite -Ca
stock #AX-6-019
Aurangabad
Maharashtra,
India
6.2 x 4.8 x 3.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $360
Sparkling pink balls of Thompsonite on a contrasting matrix- a very attractive specimen of this usually drab mineral. The outer surfaces of the balls are covered with tiny needle crystals that make the luster far more bright than most typical Thompsonite. This is from a small find about 6 years ago that was unlike any Thompsonite found before or since, and were perhaps the best specimens ever. We sold this piece some time ago it is now back and we are happy to have it. One edge of this piece has balls that show the inner structure along the side. The overall quality, color and condition is excellent and this is a super example of this more uncommon Zeolite. A colorful and attractive addition to any suite of Zeolites or Indian minerals.
Pyrrhotite rosette on Arsenopyrite
stock #6.2-885
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
4.2 x 3.6 x 3.2 CM (miniature)
price: $750
A flower form composed of thin blades of Pyrrhotite crystals esthetically perched on sharp crystals of Arsenopyrite. A rare specie from the famed Yaoganxian mine these were found almost 2 decades ago, we have not seen any since. The main flower is 3 CM across with a dark metallic patina. The Arsenopyrite crystals are highly lustrous and sharp. Overall in fine condition, one edge of the main flower has what seems to be a small old rehealed break or edge contact, not at all distracting, otherwise the display side is perfect. A very choice Sulfide from anyplace and a superb piece for the legandary Yaoganxian or for that matter all of China.
Elbaite -multi color zoned
stock #17.1-412
Santa Rosa
Minas Gerais,
Brazil
3 x 1.5 x 1.4 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $420
A glassy, clean and many colored crystal of Elbaite from an old find (1970 vintage) at Santa Rosa. I count four or five colors at least with some gentle gradations. The termination is the flat basal type and has a hint of blue in some lighting but not so strong as a classic blue cap. In excellent condition though there are some tiny rough spots that are sub millimeter in size and not easy to see. A very nice gem crystal with a choice color pallet zoning from this get locale.
Wulfenite "windowpane" type
stock #19.1-994
Rowley Mine, (Reliance Mine), Theba, Painted Rock District
Arizona,
United States
1.8 x 1.6 x 1 CM (thumbnail)
price: $160
A smaller thumbnail that has a super presentation. Two main Wulfenite windows are nicely perched on a sliver of crystalized Calcite matrix. Very tiny balls of red Mimetite add color so that at certain angles the Wulfenites are a more reddish or yellow depending on the perspective. In fine condition as seen, this looks great from several angles. The Rowley mine tended to have smaller and more delicate Wulfenites but they could be incredibly esthetic. A choice little piece with more display impact than might be expected.
Spinel on Quartz and Calcite
stock #18.1-995
Pein Pyit, Mogok, Pyin-Oo-Lwin District
Mandalay Division,
Myanmar (Burma)
2.8 x 2.3 x 1.3 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $350
Well exposed, complete octahedron of ruby Spinel perched on a sliver of matrix. A few tiny flecks pf Pyrite are present as well, but mostly this is about the deep red Spinel crystal. This has some of the typical pitting, rounded edges and adhering matrix but is otherwise a very pretty dark red gem crystal, There are a few small gemmy Spinel seen with magnification on the flat sides of the matrix, they are almost invisible by naked eye. Myanmar has a well deserved reputation for exceptional gem crystals, especially for Rubies. However for hundreds of years Spinel were often substituted for Ruby. The gem fields in Mogok produce far more Spinel than Ruby, and it has been increasing in acceptance as a legitimate and valued gem. This is a nice affordable crystal that is above average in quality.
Almandine on Schist
stock #16.1-699
Otz Valley, North Tyrol
Tyrol,
Austria
8.7 x 6.3 x 4.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $340
A sharp 3.8 CM Garnet is nicely perched on a silver- green Schist from this classic old locality. The Garnet is in excellent condition, is well exposed (and absolutely not "glued on"!). This is an old specimen yet it has not been enhanced as was often done years ago with faces polished or even painted on to add color. This is fully natural and quite esthetic, with no damage or edge wear.
Fluorite -gem clear on Quartz
stock #17.1-163
Cantera Llamas, Duyos, Caravia
Asturias,
Spain
7.1 x 4.8 x 3.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $680
Incredibly transparent, clear cubes of Fluorite on a sparkling Quartz matrix. The details of the matrix are perfectly visible seen through the Fluorite. In excellent condition the cubes have typical small edge bevels and light violet color with a slight hint of zoning. The result is the Fluorite is nearly invisible from some angles. From a small but excellent pocket found in 2017, this is an especially fine example from this remarkable locality, and a great Fluorite from any place at all.
Covellite with Pyrite
stock #0195-JM-1294
Leonard Mine, Butte, Silver Bow County
Montana,
United States
5.4 x 4.3 x 3.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $750
Several free standing crystals of Covellite on different sides of the Pyrite matrix are showing dark blue patina. From the remarkable collection of John Marshall who worked at the mine from 1950 to 51. John worked as a miner despite his Harvard education he enjoyed the direct contact and collecting during his lunch breaks. His hand painted mark is on the specimen #1294. The crystals are quite lustrous and in rather good but not perfect condition as is typical for this delicate mineral, far better than average. The Pyrite is in both small octahedrons and other more complex pyritohedrons. The Covellites of Butte have always been prized and are hard to find with any quality and often incredibly costly when they are exceptional A good value.
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