Wulfenite
stock #8.1-356 GWT
Tuokexun (Toksun) Tulufan Prefecture
Xinjiang, Uygur region,
China
4.2 x 3.4 CM (miniature)
price: $400
A very different, pretty and unusual style of Wulfenite from the finds in Xinjiang of 2007. This is the only piece I have seen of this Wulfenite that has a chocolate brown to greenish color on one side of the crystals and a dark red-brown on the other side. Sparkling and delicate this small miniature has many crystals without damage. The largest reach 1.6 CM and have a beveled edge termination. The darker color and glassy luster reminds me of Magma mine Barites. For any Chinese suite or Wulfenite collection this is special, its not like any other Wulfenite produced here!
Manganite w. Barite
stock #8.1-421
Ilfeld, Nordhausen, Harz Mts
Thuringia,
Germany
5.2 x 3.4 CM (miniature)
price: $380
From the most famous and classic locality for Manganite this is a very attractive recent specimen excavated from an adit discovered on an old dump dating to the 1500s. Much Manganite in collections can have several hundred years of history as the Harz Mts have produced the best materials centuries ago. This find produced a small number of good pieces some with very bright luster. Thius is a good example with excellent contrast with the calcite that has been partially etched away. This is also far more affordable than the vintage materials when they can be found!
It has been several years since any specimens have come from the Chasen Mine, I hear it is fully flooded now. This is a fine example of the quality the mine was capable of producing. A sizable (4 CM) gemmy Fluorite has a rim of epitaxial Dolomite crystals making a "nest" along two edges. This sits on sprays of Mangano calcite that are dusted with micro pyrites. Only very minor chipping that is not distracting, and nice FL as well. There is a little similarity to the material from the nearby Xinghuapu Mine, but the differences are distinctive. Suitable in any collection but especialy good for Fluorite suites or Chinese collections.
Adularia (manebach twin)
stock #6.3-915
Cavradi, Tavetsch, Grissons
,
Switzerland
10.9 x 4.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $250
A wonderfully esthetic example of Swiss Adularia, a well defined Manebach twin set on a slender shard of matrix. Excellent condition, sawn on the back to remove this without damage. You don't need to be a Feldspar collector to appreciate the setting of this twin!
It is not often you see such an esthetic example of Arsenopyrite! This one hosts numerous, sharp Arsenos to 3.5CM in turn well decorated with lusterous sparkling purple Fluorites, yellow and mint green muscovites and lots of other sparkling micro crystals. The Arsenopyrite has some aditional golden alteration in some areas and in other the brilliant silver luster is unaltered. Quite 3 dimensional, this displays very well and sits on its own.
SOLD Rhodochrosite and Fluorite etc.
stock #SOLD 6.2-615
Wudong mine, Liubao, Cangwu Co. Wuzoh
Guanxi,
China
2.7 x 2.4 CM (thumbnail)
price: $320
A very bright, colorful and striking thumbnail! The largest Rhomb reaches 2 CM, the cherry red color is set off by the rich purple of the Fluorite. Extra contrast comes from the white dolomite and sparkling pyrite. In good condition with very minor bruising this is an attractive alternative to a Sweet Home Rhodo for a lot less.
Native Silver (crystals)
stock #7 MEX 204
Municipio de Fresnillo
Zacatecas,
Mexico
5.5 x 2 CM (miniature)
price: $900
A fantastic, branching array of sharp spinel twin Silver crystals in perfect condition. This piece has some mysteries however. It was one of 3 pieces from Fresnillo in a collection assembled in the 70's, and aquired in the last owners collection in 1980. Some knowledgeable collectors have have questioned this location. Some think it's a very old Fresnillo piece, but not typical, but most likely a Zacatecas specimen. The other pieces in the group were more typical Fresnillo Silver this one being much more sharply crystallized. The question was asked if this is could be a lab grown crystal, as it is more perfect than most Mexican silvers. On investigation, it seems to be quite real, based on others experience and examining known fakes. I can not be 100% certain, so this is offered simply as very esthetic, well crystallized piece with questions about provenance. This is priced accordingly, and certainly well below market for this quality.
Native Silver w. minor copper
stock #8 US 941
Wolverine Mine, Wolverine, Houghton Co.
Michigan,
United States
12.2 x 5.2 x 1 CM (cabinet)
price: $1200
A very large and rich Silver from the Wolverine mine. This has almost 100 percent Silver but there is a tiny sploch of Copper on one edge. The silver has a patina ranging from near black to irridescent to brighter silver tones. Some of the silver at first glance looks copperlike. Some bits of matrix are included but this is nearly all metal. With low magnification some herringbone and crude crystals are seen as well. In outstanding condition this is a classic and heavy chunk of Michigan Silver!
