An attractive and unusual aqua crystal. Big, terminated (with an odd etched slanted face), lightly etched with recrystallization faces and with internal hollow tubes running the length of the crystal. Occasionally Colatina has produced a few fine and exotic Beryls. This one dates from the 1980's and is quite impressive. With the help of magnification there are some tiny chips found but nothing that hurts the display. Some of the internal channels have reddish inclusions that helps the tubes to standout in the gem clear beryl. A great piece for any gem crystal suite or mineral oddities!
A perfect and esthetic specimen showing modified cubo octahedral galena in a beautiful geometric orientation. In my opinion, the Madan Mines of Bulgaria produced the most spectacular, diverse and fine galenas ever. I try to chase down excellent examples in all price ranges as I consider these a relatively great value. This is a well composed, undamaged and attractive specimen with excellent contrast to the gun metal galena. An excellent example of this form.
Dioptase (matrixless cluster)
stock #12.1-017
Tantara Mine, Shinkolobwe, Central Area
Shaba,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
3.4 x 2.8 CM (small miniature)
price: $525
A deep green cluster of larger than average Dioptase crystals without any matrix. The largest is just over 2 CM. Nicely composed, the color is excellent but the luster is not as bright as a top Tsumeb piece. The price is also a lot less than from Tsumeb! By naked eye this is in perfect condition and displays well, with 10x magnification some tiny edge chips are found. Eye catching, colorful and well crystallized piece.
Pyromorphite
stock #0180-JM-2174
Tanzfleck, Friehung Grafenwohr, Upper Palatinate
Bavaria,
Germany
4 x 2.4 x 2.7 CM (miniature)
price: $160
A German classic, bright, gemmy pyro crystals cover the surface of the sandstone matrix. Ex John Marshall collection. Nice "wet look" example of this classic location, and much better than the usual micro druze. Not often available as this mine has been closed for over 60 years and this piece is likely far older than that.
Mimetite on Quartz (very fine crystals)
stock #1168-JM-4185
Driggith Opencut, Caldbeck Fells, (Cumberland)
Cumbria,
England
7.8 x 5.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $1350
An exceptionally fine, classic Caldbeck Fells Mimetite with excellent pedigree. Ex. John Marshall, Lindsay Greenbank, and Richard Barstow. The deep green crystals could be mistaken for Pyromorphite (both species were found here and some looked identical) this is confirmed Mimetite. Pristine condition, great color and luster that is not like typical "Campylite". This shows both rounded and distinct, prismatic crystals free standing and in bunched clusters.
For this fabled location, this specimen is exceptional for size and form. Obtained by Ed Over in the 1930's for Arthur Montgomery and later sold by Schortmann's Minerals, this specimen stands apart from others. The Hilltop Mine in the Chiricahua Mts. is a long closed locale. Most Specimens have 1+ CM yellow crystals on matrix and are highly desirable (and expensive) when available. A few unusually large crystals were found but most were badly damaged or crudely formed. At over 4 CM across, this is the largest Hilltop crystal cluster I have handled. More orange than usual with a secondary druse of tiny bright yellow crystals that sets off the larger blades well. Unfortunately, chipping is visible along one edge but perhaps forgivable on a remarkable old classic.
SOLD Adularia (with epidote coatings)
stock #SOLD 7.1-006
Alchuri, Shigar Valley, Skardu District, Baltistan
Northern Areas,
Pakistan
9.5 x 5.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $0
From the 2006 find of Adularia in Pakistan, this is an esthetic example due to its form and the inclusions of green epidote in the crystals. Sharp, undamaged and nicely composed. Individual crystals to 3.1 CM show a glossy luster and some zoning. Great value.
Excellent large zoned yellow crystals to 3 CM size are clustered in a hemispheric arrangement on a thin matrix. Good clarity with gemmy areas and selective frosting on some faces. In excellent condition despite the age and delicacy of this specimen. A very pretty classic specimen, and far better in person.
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