Quartz on Calcite on Aurichalcite
stock #17.1-557
Mina Ojuela, Mapimi
Durango,
Mexico
7.3 x 5.7 x 4.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $380
Spring 23
An unusual specimen ex Les Hitchings collection, obtained in 1963 as noted in his ledger; one of his earliest pieces. This is quite different from more recent pieces and has a fine composition overall. The Calcite and Quartz have a light mint-green color caused by the underlying copper minerals. A small area of Aurichalcite is noted on the matrix. The taller fingers or towers grade to a white to pale yellow color at the tips. Overall in excellent condition, the sparkle and luster are excellent. This dates back to the early years of Mexican mineral specimens being exported to the USA.
Mimetite
stock #13.1-145
Mina Ojuela, Mapimi
Durango,
Mexico
5.3 x 3.7 x 2.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $480
Spring 23
A fine "wet-look" Mimetite in elongated balls and fingers covers a contrasting matrix. Excellent color and luster in fine condition. The surfaces have a distinct sparkle as well. From the find about 7 years ago at Mina Ojuela, these look very much like the prized San Pedro Corralitos Mimetite from the 1980 era. As these are a more recent discovery the price for a fine piece like this are considerable less than the older material yet the look is very similar.
Mottramite covering Wulfenite
stock #22.1-033
Mina Ojuela, Mapimi
Durango,
Mexico
4.4 x 3.4 x1.7 CM (miniature)
price: $350
Fall 22
A miniature with great form and an unusual combination of specie. The specimen is fully covered by Mottramite in a botryoidal form that has enclosed underlying Wulfenite crystals. The form of the Wulfenite blades is still evident but they are not visible on the specimen surface. A very unusual replacement, and another example of the amazing processes that have taken place at Mina Ojuela. No damage and a fine example of Mexican Mottramite.
Hemimorphite - older find
stock #22.1-647
Mina Ojuela, Mapimi
Durango,
Mexico
5.3 x 4.4 x 2.7 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $480
Fall 22
Exceptional and esthetic NATURAL Hemimorphite from finds about 15 years ago at Mina Ojuela. In fine, undamaged condition there are two generations seen here with the larger free standing crystals being the only ones with color. The light green-blue hue came from a small find of fully natural color caused by Copper Carbonates in the area. Many people know that a few years ago some artificially dyed (faked) Hemimorphite with a vivid blue color came into the market. It was at first accepted as natural since the mine had at one time produced these lighter color natural Hemimorphite. This is a choice example of the now rare natural color Hemi from Mina Ojuela, looks fine from any angle too.
A super aesthetic Fluorite from the great Mina Ojuela. A single sharp purple cube is delicately perched on a sliver of matrix. The matrix though small has a lot of other mineral species on it as well. A scan by loupe finds Conichalcite, Pyrite, Quartz, Galena and Calcite, all crystalized. The Fluorite though is the star, it has the rare bright red fluorescence that some specimens from this mine exhibit. The isolation and good rich color of the crystal give this an strong visual appeal. Overall this is in great condition, the front or display side is in fine shape, the back and side have cleave/contact that is not seen from the fron. It is amazing that this mine has operated for centuries and has been a source of remarkable and often surprising minerals to this day.
Adamite - classic Mexican
stock #16.1-147
Mina Ojuela, Mapimi
Durango,
Mexico
6.3 x 4.7 x 4.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $950
Fall 22
A killer hemisphere of green Adamite crystals resting on a second generation of red-brown Adamite and Calcite. An older piece from Mina Ojuela which has produced so many great Adamites in a wide array of forms. One of the most sought after is the compound ball or hemisphere form. This ball is large (almost 4 CM across) with fine luster as seen. One side shows the rounded faces of the cluster of Adamite crystals that form the ball. The opposite side is completely different, it is concave to flattish with a rim of sharper more defined prismatic crystal that have extra bright luster. The Matrix is the usual gossan but well covered with sharp Adamite crystals that seem to be included by some of the Hematite giving a reddish color. The ball itself is vividly fluorescent and all is in fine condition.
Super esthetic, a brilliant and rich Rosasite specimen from the famed Mina Ojuela. An outstanding example of this colorful Copper specie. A thumb-like projection of matrix extends out of an open cavity and is thickly decorated with blue-green balls of Rosasite and sheaves of clear Hemimorphite blades with sparkling small Calcite crystals. In perfect condition the vivid color and bright luster are top shelf. Most Mina Ojuela (and other localities) Rosasites are velvety to dull in luster. This piece with the addition of the Calcite next to and on top of some Rosasites is extra bright and eye-catching in person. The matrix gives a fine contrast.
Mimetite with minor Wulfenite
stock #22.1-127
Mina Ojuela, Mapimi
Durango,
Mexico
4.9 x 3.2 x 2.6 CM (miniature)
price: $500
Fall 22
Large (for the specie) and well-isolated balls of Mimetite in an attractive cluster. From the great Mina Ojuela, the larger balls exceed 1 CM in diameter and have excellent color and satiny luster. Some tiny pointed habit orange Wulfenites are present as well, but this is really a Mimetite in fine classic form. In excellent condition (no visible damage or bruising) this is a choice piece from the 1980 vintage finds that is not like any of the more recent Mimetites from here.
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