A very esthetic example of this unusual quartz type from Shangbao. The Quartz is the desireable blue to greenish hue with the terminations going whitish a bit like Seriphos Quartz. This style is noticably different, some of the crystals show fibrous artichoke bulges and pile up like jackstraws. The typical pyrite crystals arealso present.Usually Quartz of this kind has a lot of damage, this piece has only a little and not easily noticed from most display angles. A good example of this unique and important quartz variety.
A fantastic, lusterous and large Cassiterite cluster on matrix from the important Xuebaoding location. Most Cassiterite from here is highly twinned showing few recognizable faces and is typically opaque. This piece has some translucency and exceptionally large sharp crystal faces of discrete prismatic crystals. As a bonus, there is a cluster of sizable albite crystals which adds a nice accent. The Cassiterite prisms show twin reentry planes and have the highest possible luster for a Cassiterite. Esthetic and displayable from several angles with minimal damage and contacting that is not distracting. Prices for fine Xuebaoding Cassiterites are very high even in Cina and climbing fast as they are no longer being produced. Many consider these the worlds best . This fine specimen is well below the typical price point for this quality level and a very good value.
Another classic Bisbee association, in an unusually fine specimen this is almost all native Copper in crude crystals. The Copper is a psuedomorph after Cuprite, with some unaltered zones and small Cuprite octahedrons that still have red color. Fibrous crystallized Malachite sprays add a rich green color. Magnification reveals some Calcite that is green colored due to the Copper. The definition of this piece is excellent, it is quite old it was sold by Schortmanns in the 60's and comes with that old label.
An exceptional example of a very esthetic Daye Calcite. This locality has produced the some very fine Calcites, which are immediatly recognizable. The best are glassy, clear, gemmy and have a orange-rose blush from included Hematite. Like most locations the very best are quite rare. This is one of those. The larger crystal is 4.4 CM across, the matrix is covered by a carpet of gemmy glasslike crystals to just under a centimeter. The Orange color is especial good on this, there is no eye visible damage on the display face. The back of the matrix is partly sawn from collecting, there is damge that is not visible from the front. I think these will be regarded as important worldclass Calcites when they are no longer available, much like English material. Very affordable for this quality!
Galena on Quartz
stock #8.1-396
Krushev Dol Mine, Madan, Rhodope Mts.
Madan,
Bulgaria
7.1 x 5.7 (cabinet)
price: $380
Another gem from Madan, this is a shining Galena with outstanding form on a greenish quartz matrix. This large crystal (5.9 CM) has excellent hoppering on the triangular faces and the luster is fine. Sits well for display, there is no damage or chipping on the display face it is contacted in the back. It is possible to see a hairline crack in part of the Galena which is common at this locality, It is not damage per se but likely a side effect of cooling. If you like Galena you should love this one it is different and esthetic!
SOLD Wulfenite on Calcite SOLD
stock #SOLD 8.1-423- AC
Hilltop mine (Hand Mine),Rustier Park, Chiricahua Mts. Cochise Co.
Arizona,
United States
6.1 x 2.7 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $320
An old Arizona classic, the Hilltop Wulfenites are quite sought after. This has some very good complete yellow crystals to 8mm in size scattered on a sparkling white calcite. There is no damage visible by naked eye, but chipping and broken micro crystals are seen at 10X magnification. From an old collection this was part of the Schortmann Bros. stock probably ealy 1900 vintage. Very afordable for this locality!
Wulfenite
stock #8 ARIZ 792
Red Cloud Mine, Silver District, Trigo Mts, La Paz County
Arizona,
United States
1.5 x 1.3 CM (thumbnail)
price: $150
A small Red Cloud thumbnail that is simply esthetic! essentially perfect, there is no damage that can be seen by naked eye, very tiny edge chip is found at 20X magnification. The matrix hosts a sharp deep orange-red Wulfenite that is 9 mm in size, and has some micro calcite rhombs on it as well. Small but sweet.
Mimetite (Botryoidal Yellow)
stock #6.2-936
San Pedro Corralitos, Municipio de Casas Grandes
Chihuahua,
Mexico
6.7 x 5.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $650
From the earliest finds of several years ago this is a classic San Pedro Corralitos Mimetite. More recent finds never reached the quality of the original discovery. The very best classics have a wet-look luster, super bright color and very high price tags when available. They are world class.. This piece is pretty good ( far better than recent specimens) but does not reach the top color or luster that would add a zero to the price. The form on this is excellent and displays well but luster and color are not quite the level of the best pieces.
