Fluorite (Gemmy Phantom)
stock #6.2-661
Hangshaping
Hunan,
China
7.6 x 7 CM (cabinet)
price: $475
Perfect. Even at 40x magnification there is not the slightest flaw on this crystal! A simple (3.6 Cm diagonal) sharp cube sits on contrasting matrix. With glasslike luster, purplish phantoms and a wonderful presentation architecture, this is simply a fine display specimen. From this 2007 find very few were undamaged, this specimen was selected at the mine from over a thousand pieces, it is NOT typical!
SOLD Manganite (fine classic form)
stock #SOLD 10.1-002
Ilfeld, Nordhausen, Harz Mts
Thuringia,
Germany
6.8 x 4.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $875
An excellent example of this German classic, with the brilliant luster that is most desirable. Fine and sharp crystals to 2.9 CM long are clustered esthetically on an all manganite matrix. Despite the age of this specimen it is in excellent condition damage wise, the main crystals are all perfect. Ex Fred Parker Collection, the Ilfeld manganites of this vintage are the best in the world, this piece is far better than average.
Fluorapatite
stock #8DK-164
Imilchil
Anti-Atlas Mts.,
Morocco
6.5 x 2.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $400
A big and transparent to translucent Fluorapatite with glassy luster. I have never seen a larger Apatite from Imilchil, the next largest was just 4 CM and considered huge. Over all in very good but not perfect condition, there is a contact at the rear and very small but visible nicks on some edges of the termination. As the photos show this is not major in relation to the large size of the crystal. Otherwise this is a fine, somewhat gemmy crystal with bright yellow-green color that is more green than seen on some computer monitors.
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!
SOLD Flourite and Calcite (with
stock #SOLD 9.1-088
Rosiclare Level, Denton Mine, Haris Creek Sub-district, Hardin County
Illinois,
United States
6.9 x 5.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $250
A classic style from a classic American mine! Sharp glassy Calcites are selectively deposited on 2 faces of a transparent to translucent purple cube. Striking color and form. It is possible to backlight the Fluorite so it glows brightly, but these photos show a more typical display lighting. The back and base are damaged from when this was collected, (that's why they are the back and base!) from the front this displays well as seen in the photos. Great value.
Pyrite and quartz (dodecahedral)
stock #8 -PUR-819
Huanzala Mine, Huallanca district
Dos de Mayo Province, Huanuco Department,
Peru
6 x 4.6 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $140
Even with all the nice pyrites that Peru has produced, really good clean perfect examples are not common. This is simply that, a cluster of perfect dodecahedrons with a little quartz that has brilliant luster and nice silky striations on some faces. For the size I can not imagine a more nicely balanced and cute pyrite. An example of an affordable, esthetic and undamaged mineral specimen.
Mimetite
stock #9.1-362
Pingtouling Mine, Liannan, Sanjiang
Guangdong,
China
5.3 x 4 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $850
An excellent, clean and well crystallized Mimetite from the world class finds of 2003 at Pingtouling. Many collectors now consider this small find to have produced the world most attractive Mimetite, and as the mine is flooded and collapsed there will be no more. These are already classics with prices climbing and few good ones available. This a nice piece and the color is rich (a little more orange-yellow than is seen on some computers). In very good condition there is no eye visible damage on the display area. It is nearly pure mimetite, and heavy. This has been carefully stabilized so there is no worry of crumbling matrix.
Simply put, this is a huge, gleaming, esthetic and fine Arsenopyrite from Yaoganxian. Arsenopyrite is not rare, but great form with huge, undamaged crystals are. The largest here is 6.3 CM and doubly terminated. Brilliant luster, nice architecture, impressive display face and outstanding for the species. I have never seen a better example for sale from any locality. Yaoganxian Arsenopyrites rank with the best, I think eclipsing Panasquira, Cornwall and Peru. This specimen is 2002 vintage. Contacting and removal damage is limited to the rear base area, not visible on display. Although this might seem expensive for a common, metallic mineral, this is an incredible value for a top display piece!
