A large and rich specimen of this uncommon Turquoise variety from the St. Austell district where this was originally described from several mines. The Rashleighite is a botryoidal green covering much of the matrix. This is set off nicely by sparkling micro crystals of what seems to be very transparent Siderite. A sizable and colorful old Cornish specimen.
An excellent old Cornish Cerussite with sharp crystals to 2CM long. The crystals are all twinned with most showing a complete sixling habit. These look like six spoked gears when seen on end. The matrix is mostly a vuggy Quartz with micro crystals sparkling on most surfaces. For such a delicate mineral this is in good condition. Hard to know the exact age of this specimen, it has an old collection number on it, the mine was most active in the mid 1800's but there has been collecting activity in more recent years.
Olivenite on Quartz - classic Cornwall
stock #12.1-022
Wheal Carpenter, Fraddam, Gwinear-Gwithian
Cornwall,
England
5.1 x 3.9 x 4.1 CM (small cabinet/large miniature)
price: $690
new year 2021
Well-crystallized Olivenites are protected in a shallow vug lined with Quartz crystals. In excellent condition, ex Don Shultz collection. The Olivenites are deep green, glassy lustrous and many are doubly terminated. From Wheal Carpenter according to the original label, this is a small mine that operated sporadically from 1792-1855. We have never seen another example from this locality. This specimen is similar to other Olivenites from this region, though the crystals here are a bit larger than others we have seen.
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.
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
Pyromorphite
stock #0692-JM-2595
Wheal Alfred, Phillack
Cornwall,
England
7.3 x 6.5 x 3 CM (cabinet)
price: $120
Cornish Pyromorphite from the prolific Wheal Alfred. Ex John Marshall and Douglas Creba with labels. Tiny grass green crystals on several sides of a blocky matrix. Wheal Alfred long ago produced a few very fine, world class Pyros which today are prized and very expensive when available. This is frankly not in that league but it is better than average, looks great magnified and a nice locality piece with good coverage.
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