Fluorite - classic English
stock #7.AE-114
Hilton Mine, Scordale, Hilton Escarpment District, Murton, Eden
Cumbria,
England
9.8 x 7.8 x 3.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $520
new year 2021
A plate of bright honey-yellow Fluorites from the famed Hilton Mine. The crystals reach over 2 CM in diameter though most are smaller, and all have good sharp edges. As is typical for English Fluorites from this region this is vividly fluorescent. The Fluorites are translucent to transparent on the edges though a few have a milky core area. The luster is slightly satin on some faces but others faces are more glassy. Overall in very good condition, a nice classic English specimen
Mimetite var. Campylite
stock #17.1-555
Dry Gill Mine, Caldbeck Fells
Cumberland, Cumbria,
England
6 x 4.8 x 3.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $440
new year 2021
A cluster of red to brown barrel shaped crystals surrounded by Quartz and a few tiny yellow needles of Mimetite. Classic English specimen this was collected in 1974 by Les Hitchings. Les was a fireman based in Massachusetts, USA, who took his work vacations seriously and made several trips to dig in the UK. His label is enclosed. The form is distinct and the condition is good with some small rough areas as seen. A nice example that looks like one of the very old finds.
Fluorite - penetration twins
stock #15.1-546
Blackdene Mine, Weardale
County Durham,
England
4.4 x 3.4 x 1.7 CM (miniature)
price: $110
new year 2021
Light purple Fluorites with penetration twinning on miniature matrix. Vivid fluorescence which is typical for Fluorite from this region, and some fluorescence in daylight as well. The Fluorites are transparent and have a deeper purple core. Classic habit and in very good condition, these were found for many decades, and are unlike Fluorite from any place else.
Super lustrous black Sphalerite crystals on contrasting crystals of Siderite. This piece is from the noted Cornish collection of Lewis Barton (his label is included), and is a superb Sphalerite from anyplace in Cornwall and likely the best known from the Ale and Cakes Mine (which is a great name for a mine)! Despite a few edge nicks and contacts the overall quality and condition is really fine. A choice addition for any good Cornish or UK suite.
Balydonite -classic locale
stock #0040-JM-135
Penberthy Croft Mine, St. Hillary
Cornwall,
England
8 x 6.7 x 4.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $750
Spring 2020
A colorful and attractive very old Balydonite specimen from Cornwall with rich density. Ex Lechner collection (Austria) a mid to late 19th century collection that had also absorbed several earlier collections. The collection was dispursed in 1940-50 era. In 1969 sold to John Marshall via Schortmanns. This specimen is well over 100 years old, perhaps much older. The original label does not specify the mine but with the Lechner collection number (7132-13-23) it can be confirmed that this is in a sequence from the famed Penberthy Croft, and the habit etc is a perfect match for this location, which is also the type locality. The mine closed in 1840. There are several other species present that are not identified but what appears to be an area of Cornubite is noted as is some areas where the Balydonite has partly covered by a bluish-white mineral. Overall a choice classic example that has several possible display angles. Labels from Schortmann and Marshall are included.
Fluorite
stock #19.1-517
Heights Mine, Durham, Weardale County
County Durham,
England
4.1 x 3.3 x 3.3 CM (miniature)
price: $325
Spring 2020
Perfect and well composed Fluorite from the Heights mine. This cute miniature has a prominent, well isolated and very sharp cube perched on top. The edges and corners are sharp and perfect on this, the luster is glasslike and the Fluorites are quite transparent. No visible damage. A good value for a small, choice classic British Fluorite with a quality well beyond typical.
A fine old Cornish specimen with a large spray of Torbernite (4 CM across) nicely perched on matrix. Great history with previous owners Hugh Ford, J. Cilen, Larry Conklin and John H. Marshall collections. This was advertised for sale by Larry Conklin for 250.00 fourty years ago. The specimen is certainly older than these collections (the Ford Label can be dated between 1946-1957). This mine dates back to the 1500 era as a copper mine later worked for Tungsten. Many other species were found there in later years including a few fine Torbernites many of the best can be seen in the British Museum. This piece is quite choice.
Bornite pseudo after Chalcocite
stock #14.1-211
Levant Mine, Trewellard, St Just,
Cornwall,
England
5.5 x 4.7 x 2.7 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $650
Spring 2020
Very fine classic specimen, ex George Robinson collection with sharp, free standing crystals. This specimen is currently pictured on Mindat it is the first specimen in the St Just Bornite section. The shape of the original Chalcocite shows some cyclic twins that are perfectly preserved. Some of the crystals may still have some Chalcocite inside. The exterior shows the patina of Bornite and is quite attractive. In fine condition as seen a choice old classic piece
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