A rich, classic des Farges specimen from the John Marshall Pyromorphite collection. A pretty and unusual piece that is also well documented, this was found in 1965. Deep green color and wet luster with both hoppered hollow crystals and twisting tube forms covers the display face densely. The matrix is pure barite with typical platy crystals and dark staining. A very good example that is better in hand.
A remarkable, fine Silver and Rhodochrosite specimen, one of the best from the 2009 finds at Wuzoh. A crystallized cluster of etched Rhodo 4.7 CM in diameter sits on a bed of mixed Acanthite and Galena crystals. The rest of the matrix is Sphalerite and quartz with small zones of native silver in wires and flattened crystals. Some of the Galena has an overgrowth of Acanthite and seems to be psudomorphing. Much galena from this zone is highly argentiferous and this specimen shows that well. Impressive esthetics the largest Rhodo rhomb is 1 CM, giving great contrast to the metallic sulfides. For some reason specimens from this mine have more native silver on the back or sides away from the well developed crystals on the front. This is no exception, the best silver is on the left side and top rear. Displays well.
From the John Marshall collection of Pyromorphites, an important locality piece that is also just a good looking specimen. The Sherman Mine was a significant location in the late 1950- 60's that occasionally produced some nice green Pyromorphite. This unusual specimen has yellow-orange and green crystals to 1.5 CM and micros of wulfenite as a bonus. Found many years before the discoveries at Bunker Hill, this rare piece is different from most specimens found in the region, and unique for this mine. Very good condition, looks perfect by naked eye, but 10X magnification reveals damage that is not otherwise noticed.
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.
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