Diaspore with Rutile
stock #8.1-415
Chester Emery Mine, Chester, Hampshire County
Massachusetts,
United States
4.3 x 3.3 CM (miniature)
price: $300
A well crystallized and distinctive Chester Diaspore. From an historic American classic location, this is a fine miniature showing good violet color and crystals to over 2 CM. Micro crystals of Rutile are scattered as well. Not often available and rarely with distinct or freestanding crystals, this is a very good example for the locale. As is typical for the location, most larger crystals have intergrown and contacted each other so the only "textbook" forms are the micros.
A sizable, sharply terminated crystal of Spodumene is well placed in a mica and quartz matrix. From the historic location of Walnut hill (Norwich, later Huntington, Massachusetts). In the early 1800's this was the first location where spodumene was found in terminated crystals, these were used to describe the crystal form. The locality was worked by several important early minerologists including Sheppard, Hitchcock and Emerson. Most specimens were dispersed to important collections long ago. Good specimens are rarely available. This is a fine example and typical of the type of termination found here. A new England Classic!
A Viburnum trend rarity, a stacked series of elongated spinel twin Galena form chain like structures. These reach over 6 CM in length and average 7 mm wide. Decorated with sparkling Pyrite and Dolomite they quite attractive. I do not know of any similar form found anyplace else, and I have not seen any available for some time. A must for a serious Galena collection!
A large (3.7 CM) rhomb of bright red Rhodo sits neatly on a contrasting matrix made up of Acanthite crystals, Native Silver in wires, Sphalerite, Pyrite and Fluorite. If that list is not long enough to clog a label, there are other dark sulfides one of which may be Stephanite but have not been confirmed. A super example of the Rhodo from this find and the association with Silver minerals is very special. Really attractive overall and one of the best I have seen for the relation to Silver.
Topaz
stock #8.1-418
Thomas Mountains
Utah,
United States
3.9 x 1.5 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $90
A very clean, sharp and clear sherry color Topaz that is representative of the better quality gem crystals that the Thomas Mts have produced. Good value for a bright, sparkly toenail!
Vanadinite on Goethite (stalactitic)
stock #8MOR 722
Mibladen, Midelt, Khenifra Province, Meknes-Tafilald
,
Morocco
3.1 x 1.5 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $300
A fine, esthetic small piece with excellent color and contrast. There are a lot of Vanadinites around, but few have this level of form and perfection. Looks great on all sides. Competition quality, yet affordable!
Quartz (red accicular)
stock #8.1-409
2nd Sovietsky mine,Dalngorsk, Primorsky Kray
Far Eastern Region,
Russia
10.8 x 6.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $475
This is technically called red quartz although this example is much more a peach- orange color. From the famous finds several years ago at Dalngorsk, these are now very rare especially when this large, esthetic, and clean. Very sculptural, displays well from several angles. Some of the crystal sprays (that reach 6 CM) are doubly terminated, others have a contact on one end but typically on the underside so they are not noticeable from the viewing angles. The color is very attractive, but not strong red or deep orange so the price is not 3-5K.
An excellent value for one of these!
HOLD Rhodochrosite on Quartz
stock #HOLD 8.1-047
Wudong mine, Liubao, Cangwu Co. Wuzoh
Guanxi,
China
10.9 x 8 CM (cabinet)
price: $1800
An esthetic Rhodochrosite from anyplace, and quite fantastic for China. I selected this one in 2007 at the mine, it was in the top 6 pieces that year. Despite the larger finds in 2008 this is still a very fine example with well defined crystals and proportions. It really looks like a good Sweet Home piece. This plate of crystalized quartz is studded with many sharp rhombs to 1.6 CM. Quite pristine with some minimal edge damage. The Rhodos are translucent to transparent, it is possible to see inside them and note the internal stress lines on the cleavage planes. In Tuscon this year we saw a near twin of this piece from Colorado. This one is over $6,000. cheaper!
