Diopside with Grossular
stock #18.1-389
Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos (now Val-des-Sources, Estrie,
Quebec,
Canada
2.6 x 2.2 x 1.8 CM (thumbnail)
price: $70
Late Summer 2018
Mostly a Diopside thumbnail but with some bright orange Grossular tucked between the crystals. A waxy yellow-green color that is not very common at the Jeffrey mine. The central area of the piece is undamaged and well formed, only the outer edge has some chipping. A very affordable but well crystalized piece.
Vesuvianite
stock #AX-23-143
Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos (now Val-des-Sources, Estrie,
Quebec,
Canada
8.8 x 7.2 x 6.1 (cabinet)
price: $720
Late Summer 2018
Large block of nearly pure Vesuvianite with every side showing bright crystals to 1.6 CM though most are much smaller. Some contacts and very small chipping can be found so the pricing reflects this, yet the overall display impact is strong. An excellent value for a showy Jeffrey Vesuvianite. A few additional vugs hold the rare Emerald green (so called Chromian) Vesuvianite and a few bits of purple color pop out too. Overall this is the classic mint green color, sparkling with glassy luster on crystals that are transparent to translucent.
Serandite (on Albite)
stock #AX-27-094
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Monteregie
Quebec,
Canada
2.2 x 1.8 x 1.2 CM (thumbnail)
price: $190
Late Summer 2018
A very cute thumbnail of bright, transparent Serandites on contrasting Albite. Serandite is usually opaque or at best milky, translucent on thin edges. These tiny crystals are transparent, colorful and lustrous. As is typical of St Hilaire specimens there are micros of other species as well, most noticeably Polylithonite and Natrolite. Despite the small size the luster and color make this one pop.
Siderite (huge Crystal) with Albite
stock #18.1-361
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Monteregie
Quebec,
Canada
10.6 x 9.7 x 5.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $4800
Late Summer 2018
A monster! The main crystal is as large as these have ever been found, and one of the best. The big crystal measured on the edge is 7.5 CM and on the diagonal is 9.8 CM across. Very impressive, this piece is one of the top three of the giant St Hillaire Siderites, and outstanding for the specie world wide. Sharp and fairly lustrous as well, the honey brown color has yellow highlights and is translucent. The matrix is the sort of elongated Albite crystals that look a lot like Natrolite. Ex Hitchings collection, obtained in 1967 the early part of the "golden years" at St Hillaire. In fine condition there is a contact on the backside but no damage. Even the smaller crystals in the cluster here would be choice specimens alone but they add a nice esthetic touch to the whole piece.
Serandite with Natrolite and Elpidite
stock #A7-256-(337A)
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Monteregie
Quebec,
Canada
4.8 x 2.8 x 1.9 CM (miniature)
price: $650
Worldwide mix summer
Cluster of sharp intergrown Serandite crystals with the flat blade habit that host several terminated Natrolite prisms and one Natrolite rosette. The Serandites also have a few needles of Elpidite as well, and all are in remarkable, intact condition. Ex Larry White collection, this includes his homemade Balsawood base. Fine delicate prisms and vibrant pink color, this is an uncommon form for Serandite and this piece is especially esthetic.
Lazulite with Siderite and Apatite
stock #17.1-636
Rapid Creek, Dawson Mining District
Yukon Territory,
Canada
8.2 x 7.4 x 3 CM (cabinet)
price: $1400
Worldwide mix summer
A superb cabinet sized Lazulite covered with sharp, bright crystals with brilliant luster. The display side is well decorated with a dusting of sparkling light blue to white Apatite crystals much like snow on a hillside. The Rapid creek Lazulites are unique, well regarded as the best crystals of the specie and impressively esthetic in fine specimens like this. Hard to photograph, this is more impressive in person. An older piece from the early finds, top quality, undamaged specimen with excellent presentation.
Vesuvianite
stock #18.1-193
Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos (now Val-des-Sources, Estrie,
Quebec,
Canada
3.1 x 2.1 x 1.2 CM (thumbnail)
price: $180
Spring update
Jeffrey Mine thumbnail with a main 2.5 CM crystal standing above broken but recrystallized smaller Vesuvianites. The main crystal is in good condition as seen, the color is good and displays well. Attractive from all angles, a nice example of the habit from this prolific but closed locality.
Grossular -gemmy etched crystal cluster
stock #AX-24-267
Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos (now Val-des-Sources, Estrie,
Quebec,
Canada
3.4 x 2.6 x 1.8 CM (miniature)
price: $380
Spring update
A completely transparent cluster of Garnets that has no matrix and yet also has good isolation of the largest crystals. A relatively three dimensional specimen that has an unusual "etched" or melted look to several crystals. With strong magnification this is seen as complex modifications to edges and very fine striations that are not typical. An attractive and (in my experience) rare oddity that is also affordable. Internal clarity is near 100 clean facet grade gem.
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