Chalcophyllite and unknown micros
stock #8.1-328
El Teniente, Rancangua
Cachapoal Province,
Chile
4.1 x 3.5 CM (miniature)
price: $200
Fine old specimen of well crystallized Chalcophyllite. Ex Schortmann Minerals circa 1939-49, this is a very old piece. A few patches of Azurite and other Copper minerals can be seen, also several crusts and vugs of micros that are not identified. The condition of the platey chalcophyllite crystals is excellent, with strong color and attractive form. A great example for the specie and especially for this famous old mining area which is far less expensive than similar stuff from Cornwall!
Azurite (Fine rosette form)
stock #7-CNA-531
Shuli Mine, Yangchun County
Guangdong,
China
6 x 5.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $650
One of the best such roses I have seen in this size range, a very well crystallized, lustrous specimen. Best appreciated in person, it is far better than average. The individual sheaves or "petals" of the specimen are sharp and well defined. Displays well and with excellent color This is a fine Azurite from anyplace and these are destined to appreciate well.
One of the best reasons to collect Chinese minerals are wonderful association pieces that are attractive, interesting and affordable. Here some "pineapple" style yellow calcites grow on a light purple field of sparkling Fluorite that is also decorated with small saddle dolomite crystals and quartz. Pretty, undamaged and not going to break the bank. Fine minerals do not always have to be expensive!
Tourmaline (Gemmy Elbaite)
stock #8 -BRA-685
Barra de Salinas Mining District, Coronel Murta
Minas Gerais,
Brazil
7.5 x 2.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $2400
A big, glassy gem crystal of rich deep green color and attractive form. The termination is a complex series of separate peaks that looks much like a cityscape. Formerly in the Smale collection, the crystal looks rather dark until it is backlit and it really glows a rich deep green color. The front and sides present well, the rear has some chipping (that's why its the rear) which is not visible from the display side. A very fine older Barra de Salinas piece, probably worth more as gem rough!
A sizable and very rich specimen of crystallized Silver that contrast well with the dark matrix. Old classic material Ex. Wein Collection (Stuttgart) and John Marshall Collection. Shows several forms of silver including several good herringbone clusters to 2.4 CM long.
Rhodonite (fine bladed crystals)
stock #8 -PER-636
Chiurucu (Chiuruco) Hallanca, Bolognesi Province
Ancash Department,
Peru
7.5 x 5 CM (cabinet)
price: $400
Bright pink-red bladed crystals reaching 1 CM cover the crest of this matrix. The find of this Rhodonite was big news a few years ago. This is a good representation of the better style of bladed crystals that came out then. There is some damage as there is on almost all of these, but it is limited and not on the most important crystals. Attractive specimen.
Epidote and Quartz
stock #9.1-354
Green Monster Mountain, Prince of Wales Island, Prince of Wales -outer K
Alaska,
United States
8.8 x 4.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $800
An American classic, old style Epidote on quartz from Prince of Wales Island, Alaska. One of the harshest collecting areas in the USA, this site has been worked sporadically for almost 100 years. This is a beautiful example of why folks still try to go there. Displays well on either side, this has 2 main crystals to just over 4 CM that show good form and luster. Fine condition overall and a good value.
Orpiment (with calcite)
stock #7.1-013
Shimen (Jiepiayu) Mine
Hunan,
China
5.4 x 3.2 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $200
The best Orpiments have glassy luster, rich color, sharp gemmy crystals and are visually attractive. This Chinese Orpiment is like that, with a few small calcites added for contrast. The main crystals are perfect, well terminated and the color ranges from yellow to deep red-orange. Not all fine minerals are expensive!
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