A very nice miniature with a well formed tabular aqua sitting perfectly on matrix. A great value too, the Aqua is a sizable 4.5CM and has a nice pale blue color, with no damage at all. Hot glued on a plastic base for display this is easily removed if desired.
Scheelite on Muscovite
stock #6.2-091
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu, Huya
Sichuan,
China
6.5x4.5 (miniature)
price: $125
The rich orange color on this 3.1CM Scheelite makes a good impact. Displays well, the backside of the crystal is contacted and is incomplete but from the front view it looks fine. The imperfection also helps keep the price very low for such a good colored crystal. With a little backlight this really glows!
Scheelite on Muscovite
stock #6.2-092
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu, Huya
Sichuan,
China
10.2X6CM (cabinet)
price: $395
A very sharp, 5.1 CM Scheelite crystal with a nice orange-yellow color sits esthetically on the matrix. Well above the average quality, these are becoming much harder to get and more expensive when they are available. If the recent closing of Xuebaoding is permanent, these Scheelites will be the last and some of the best ever for this species. The base of this is sawn (done at the mine for removal).
Fluoroapatite on Muscovite
stock #6.2-093
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu, Huya
Sichuan,
China
6.5X 4.5CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $250
A very good example of this rare associated specie from Xuebaoding. This Apatite (1.7CM) has a very strong color change from light pink to a purple violet, and sits well on the matrix. It has a very tiny imperfection on one edge but still displays very well. These are quite uncommon on the market and have gotten very expensive.
Azurite "rosette"
stock #6.2-104
Changmenshan Copper Mine, Jiulang
Jianxi,
China
12.4 X 11 CM (cabinet)
price: $575
A very large and striking example of this find, this ball like cluster has distinct and sharp crystals of Azurite reaching 2 CM with deep blue color. This is less "rose like" than some other examples and more a spherical aggregate of blocky crystals. There is minimal damage (some very small bruises not immediately seen and not in the better display areas) but the overall impact is very strong. One of the very best we have seen from this mine.
Azurite with Malachite
stock #6.2-103
Changmenshan Copper Mine, Jiulang
Jianxi,
China
8.8x8.7 (cabinet)
price: $400
A large bright rosette formed mostly of good sized lathlike flattened rhombs of deep blue Azurite. The crystals form cockscomb ridges and are up to 1.7CM. There is some minor contacting damage but it is not obvious or distracting. It is unusual to get a good malachite association in these azurites, but in this one is the exception, the color contrast is very good.
Sphalerite on Quartz with Calcite
stock #6.2-120
Shuikoushan Lead Zinc Mine, Kangjianwan, Changning
Hunan,
China
11.2 X 9.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $285
Large, lustrous crystals of undamaged Sphalerite perched on a contrasting quartz matrix. Individual crystals to 3.8 CM that are complex and intergrown with many distinct faces. The color is a dark red to brown-black and the smaller crystals are gemmy translucent while the larger ones are only on the edges. This is really worth far more than the price!
Fluorite on Quartz
stock #6.2-124
De'an Mine
Jianxi,
China
19.8X15 CM (cabinet /museum)
price: $375
A very large cabinet plate of Quartz and Fluorite layers with the top covered with fluorite octahedra of purple to violet color. Very esthetic and different from the usual fluorites from this location. The quartz has been etched to expose the fluorite and the result is impressive. Crystals exceed 3.4CM and there is no damage.
