SOLD Tourmaline v. Liddicoatite
stock #SOLD 8DK-069
West of Ogbomosho, Ibadan area
Oyo State,
Nigeria
8.5 x 3.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $0
A very large and impressive deep red Liddicoatite from finds made over 20 years ago in Nigeria. Deep red with a purplish cast, this crystal has glassy faces, and is eyecatching especially in good light. This location briefly produced a small number of "eluvial" gem crystals from a soft, decomposing matrix. This was not the same as alluvial material that has been transported in a stream and then rounded on the crystal edges, but is a type of weathering in place. This example has some edges that show rounding and roughness, but the crystal is complete, very well striated and has wonderful deep color. These are impossible to find on the market today and this is a very good example.
Titanite v. Sphene
stock #8DK-004
Capelinha
Minas Gerais,
Brazil
7.2 x 6.2 x 4.4CM (cabinet)
price: $900
Outstanding Sphene cluster that is dominated by a perfect 3.2 CM main crystal. From the earlier Capelinha finds. The color is a rich yellow green and the luster is glassy. All of the crystals on this piece have a surface dusting of tiny diopside crystals. With any backlighting the Sphene really glows. All the major crystals are complete, undamaged by eye. With 10x magnification some minor crystals show damage and there are micro chips, clearly not an issue for display, this is an outstanding example from finds made almost 20 years ago.
Quartz Gwindell
stock #10.1-39X
Grischun (Grisons)
Canton Uri,
Switzerland
7.7 x 7.7 x 6.3 (cabinet)
price: $1500
An impressive, esthetic and FULLY UNDAMAGED Quartz Gwendel on matrix . It is almost impossible to find a good, undamaged all around gwendel that is under 5 figures. This cabinet sized example is simply a fine piece, the quartz is absolutely gemmy but dusted on the exterior with chlorite whith makes it look murky, unless it is backlit. I have not backlit these photos, but it really glows if displayed that way. Sits well and presents from any angle unaided. Alpine cleft quartz really is distinctive and the most sought after are the gwendels. This example has a very smooth walled twist, and is priced below "market".
Amethyst
stock #8-MEX-683
Piedras Parado, Las Vigas
Veracruz,
Mexico
11.4 x 6.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $450
A very showy and rich plate covered with fine quartz with deep gemmy purple tips. Super luster and no damage except on the perifery which is not visible at all from normal display angles. Individual crystals reach 3.8 CM and the quality is excellent for the locality. Las Vigas was a prolific location but for the last year or so no new materials are to be found. If the location is finished, these are sure to appreciate fast.
SOLD Grossular (Garnet)
stock #SOLD 7-MEX-242
Lago de Jaco,Sierra de la Cruz, Municipio de Mojada
Coahuila,
Mexico
8 x 6.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $0
A very esthetic and unusual cluster of Grossular crystals in a epitaxial arrangement. From the old classic locality that produced many fine single garnets, this is not typical. Dozens of sharp and lustrous garnets are all aligned in a remarkable geometric arrangement. Overall in good condition, there is damage on the back where removed and some chips but there are good display angles that hide the damage well. Reasonable cost for a nice display piece!
Spodumene Var. Hiddenite
stock #7-PAK-310
Shigar, Skardu District
Baltistan, Northern Areas,
Pakistan
5.2 x 2.5 CM (miniature)
price: $125
A single gemmy mint green crystal with a complete, jagged termination. From the finds in Shigar about 5 years ago, this seems to be one of those with stable color. A very good value in an uncommon spodumene variant.
Orpiment with minor Barite
stock #8-RUS-977
El'brusskly (Elbrusskii) As Mine
Northern Caucasus Region,
Russia
9.3 x 7 CM (cabinet)
price: $300
Brilliant, electric color and sparkling luster, this is a very attractive and well proportioned piece. Shows fine clusters of radial and bladed oripment crystals nicely perched on matrix. Scattered micro crystals of Barite add to the appeal. The matrix is sawn on the back for collecting, not visible from the front. There is some minor damage on the face that is visible with magnification, but still this specimen is far better than most from the locale and is by comparison, pristine. These have become hard to get now in any condition, a future classic.
A bright, attractive and well crystallized French example from the area that gave Autunite its name. Distinctly different from the well know Spake Washington Autunites, these are much more rare. Fine lemon-yellow to green crystals and sprays cover much of the flat matrix with individuals reaching over 8MM. Brilliant FL of course. This matrix is exceptionally fragile so we will need to make special shipping or delivery arrangements for this piece. Ex collection of Ernie Schlicter.
