Sheelite with Fluorapatite on Muscovite.
stock #AX-15-167
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
8.3 x 5 x 3.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $720
Spring 2017
A really nice combination specimen, with typical Xuebaoding matrix of Muscovite that hosts several yellow-orange Scheelite crystals and a single pink Fluorapatite. The apatite is well-exposed and mostly transparent. The matrix was sawn on the back to remove it from the cleft. In good condition, there are very small chips on some Scheelites and the Apatite has a contact on the backside. Fine luster and better in person. Formerly in the Shields Flynn collection of Chinese minerals, vintage 2004 and obtained from Bert Ottens, this type of combo is no longer found. A modern classic.
Sheelite on Muscovite - fine orange color
stock #AX-16-175
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
7 x 4 x 3.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $530
Spring 2017
An older, choice (vintage 2002) Scheelite from early finds on Mt. Xuebaoding. The glassy luster and deep orange color makes this a strong small cabinet specimen, although it could be trimmed to miniature size without problems. These Scheelites rocked the mineral world when they were first found, they were the best ever seen. Now the original locale is closed down, nearby mining still produces some Scheelite but not with this color or style. A modern classic, there is chipping at the outer edge and contacting of the main Scheelite, not very distracting but it is there. So this is not right for perfectionists but if perfect it would be many times the price. Displays well and is a lot more affordable as a result of these issues.
Beryl var. Aquamarine with Albite
stock #AX-19-267
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
6.8 x 4.9 x 4.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $600
Fall 2015
Tabular style Aquamarine specimen from Xuebaoding is a modern classic. This one has excellent form and very good color, transparency and glassy luster. In fine condition this has very esthetic display impact. The main crystal is 3.9 CM across.
Scheelite w. Goshenite & Pyrite
stock #15.1-097
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
8.1 x 6 x 2.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $700
Post Tucson 2015
An excellent and very weird Scheelite from the great Xuebaoding locale. Deep orange-red color Scheelite largest being 4.8 CM in elongated pseudo-octahedral crystals that also shows some selected etching that is almost never seen. The form is unusual and the matrix is even more odd, completely unlike other Xuebaoding specimens. Close exam shows small but typical flattened Goshenite Beryls and related minerals seen from this find. The Scheelite is quite clear and has gemmy areas. In 16 years I have only seen 2 specimens of this style.
Cassiterite
stock #AX-12-213
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
3.8 x 3.3 x 2.9 CM (miniature)
price: $150
pre Tucson 2015 update
There have been many Cassiterites recovered from Xuebaoding, but the prismatic type with the pyramidal termination is by far the rarest form. This is a good lustrous single crystal that shows the habit well. There are contacts and a few tiny chips so the price reflects this yet it is still a very nice example.
Fluorite - spinel twin
stock #8.1-068
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
6.3 x 2.2 x 5.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $700
pre Tucson 2015 update
A very rare Chinese example of a light pinkish spinel- twinned Fluorite perched on a Muscovite matrix along with a few small Aquamarine Beryls. From the great locale of Xuebaoding, which has been the source of several habits of cubic Fluorite, but spinel twins and in this color are almost unheard of. Etched faces on all sides there is no damage seen even at 20 magnification. An important specimen for this major locale.
Beryl v. Aquamarine & Euclase on Quartz
stock #6.2-471
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
8 x 4.1 x 3.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $170
pre Tucson 2015 update
A rare combination piece combining Euclase and more typical species from the heyday of the Xuebaoding discoveries. This great locale produced incredible specimens of Scheelite, Cassiterite and many others, but Euclase was always rare. This specimen features a sizable (for the locale) over 7CM Quartz crystal with well formed free standing transparent Aquamarine Beryl. The specimen also features several Euclase to about 9MM that show some good transparency. The condition is good overall some backside area chipping is noted with magnification. We have never seen many Euclase from Xuebaoding and none for a few years.
Beryl var. Goshenite on Muscovite with Albite
stock #7.AE-462
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
6.2 x 5.3 x 3.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $320
pre Tucson 2015 update
Unusually gem clear, free standing Beryl crystal from this world-class locale. The main crystal is sharp and undamaged, a few wispy veils are seen inside from some angles. A very faint hint of blue is noted but this is essentially colorless Beryl (Goshenite) which is surprisingly rare. Sawn on the underside as is usual for collecting these, it sits well on the flat base.
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