A host of rare Antimony species on Stibnite. From the collection of Ruth and Andy Palmer (species collectors working with the late Dr. Joe Mandarino) there are likely several other species present that were not identified yet when this specimen was catalogued. The Peretite are white flattened habit crystals, from the type locality associated with Klebelsbergite on Stibnite. Areas of reddish Kermesite crystals are in several vugs and a few isolated Sulfur crystals are noted as well. Though not identified on the collection ledger or labels it seems there is both Metastibnite and Stibiconite as well. A nice suite of rare minerals in these micro crystals from an important mineralogical locality.
Kutnohorite with Aragonite in Geode
stock #22.1-181
Levane, Bucine, Arezzo Province
Tuscany,
Italy
4.7 x 4.4 x 2 CM larger half (miniature)
price: $380
Fall 22
A complete Geode of Carbonate rock filled with colorless Selenite needles and brown to pinkish spheres of Kutnahorite. In perfect condition, this is from an very unusual occurrence and is a very attractive presentation of Kutnahorite unlike any others we know of. This specie is a fairly uncommon Manganese Carbonate, but it can take many forms and habits. It is best known as good display specimens from the Kalahari Manganese Fields, from most other localities these are quite drab. This deposit has a very different style and esthetic, the better specimens like this are quite attractive and unusual. This specimen is especially rich for this locality with balls of Kutnahorite to well over 1 cm both pink and brown in color.
Valentinite on Barite - classic Italian
stock #12.1-304
Tafone Mine, Manciano, Grosetto Province
Tuscany,
Italy
8.5 x 6.4 x 4.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $950
New Year 22
An incredibly rich and sizable specimen that is covered with hundreds of slender glassy crystals of Valentinite. Ex John Marshall collection, with previous labels from Shields Flynn and Pequa Rare Minerals, this is an excellent cabinet sized display piece, by far the largest and very best we have ever seen from this locality and outstanding from practically anyplace. Typically Valentinite is seen as Micro specimens or thumbnails, such a large dense carpet of crystals is very rare. Despite the delicacy, this is in excellent condition.
Pyrite with Dolomite
stock #0725-JM-2882
Niccioleta Mine, Massa Maratima, Grosseto Province
Tuscany,
Italy
9.6 x 9.5 x 4.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $300
New Year 22
A fine and well-developed cluster of Pyrite crystals showing deep striations and bright luster. Ex John Marshall collection, this is a vintage piece from a locality we rarely see, but which was famed for fine Pyrite crystals and some other Sulphides (Stibnite etc). In excellent condition the Pyrites are in clusters and also in well-isolated crystals. This is a solid and stable piece there is no sign of any degeneration or oxidation.
Three dimensional vuggy matrix with several altered Stibnite crystals that are now the matrix for blood red Klebelsbergite crystals. There are also some sprays of colorless needles and small yellow balls that are not identified though we suspect the needles are also Klebelsbergite. Most specimens of this mineral are micromounts and not so well visible as this. The crystals of Stibnite/ Stibiconite reach to a little over 3 CM long and are well-protected in the vugs. Ex collection of Glenn Petrie and Brizzi Gioncarlo (Florence, Italy). The older labels mention Kermesite which is not known from this locality. I can not see anything that looks like this specie and suspect it is an error, but it could be possible in tiny crystals. . The Pereta Mine is not well-known outside of Italy but it is an important and rich old locale that has been the source of many rare Antimony minerals. This is a rich example of several alterations of Stibnite and while very impressive under magnification it is also attractive as a normal, eye visible display specimen.
Pyrite - classic form and locality
stock #AX7-438-(81A)
Rio Marina, Elba Island, Livorno Province
Tuscany,
Italy
10 x 6.8 x 4.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $350
new year 2021
A cluster of Pyritohedral Pyrite crystals with sharp and lustrous faces. From the famed finds on Elba Island, this is an older specimen Ex Larry White collection. The specimen was acquired from Joe Stachura in 1967. The age is important because despite more than a half century out of the ground there is no sign of tarnish, degradation or "pyrite disease" which was an issue with some from this locale. It is a brilliant golden metallic luster that is hard to appreciate on a computer screen. The crystals are clustered in an epitaxial arrangement and are in fine condition, there is just one small attachment point that sits under the specimen and it can be displayed from several different angles.
Pyrite and Hematite - classic locale
stock #17.1-608
Elba Island, Livorno Province
Tuscany,
Italy
6.6 x 4 x 3.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $190
new year 2021
An open vug or pocket lined with Hematite blades that are the matrix for several Pyrite crystals in Pyritohedal form. Classic Elba specimen that shows well the contrast between the two species and the crystal habit that is famed from Elba. This is an older piece with the Pyrite having maintained very good luster.
An old Italian specimen that is loaded with several well crystallized rarities. Included older labels have misidentified the Metastibnite as Kermesite which it does indeed look like. Aside from that, this hosts well developed crystals of Klebelsbergite in several forms, Peretaite, Sulphur, Stibnite, Valentinite and possibly Ottensite and Minyulite. A real treat under the microscope, but the largest metastibnite crystal is 2.8 CM and needs no magnification.
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