Aragonite - classic, vintage
stock #16.1-499-(CN4680)
Cicov Hill, Horenec, Libceves, Louny District, Usi Nad Labem Region
Bohemia,
Czech Republic
5.1 x 1.9 x 1.6 (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $420
Fall 22
A classic old Aragonite crystal that does look a lot like a Calcite. It has good yellow to amber color zoning and sharp form that are distinctive to this classic old find. In fine condition and well-terminated, lustrous and translucent. The original labels (see the second photo) do have a mis-identification for the locality showing the coal mining locale of Bilina. Since this find at Cicov hill is world famous, unique and well-documented we can correct this with certainty. The great finds were made at this locale in the 19th century, the George M English label included is from the 1893-1898 era based on the address printed. A true and choice classic specimen Ex Charles M Noll and G. M English
From one of the oldest Mine sites in Europe (close to 900 years plus) this is an exceptional vintage specimen. Well-formed Cerussites with elongated pseudohexagonal habit are perched across a crystalized Galena face. The Cerussites are a sooty butterscotch yellow-orange color and are mostly in clusters yet are distinct and well-separated. Largest reach 2.5 CM Old labels include one from Muralt (Vienna). In remarkable condition for this very delicate specie, there are only some minor bruises on the outer edges. The Galena has a complexly crystalized surface and the Cerussite is quite strongly Fluorescent.
Pyromorphite- ex. Bally, Marshall
stock #0933-JM-4233
Stribro (Mies), Tachov District, Pizen Region
Bohemia,
Czech Republic
6.8 x 5.5 x 3.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $285
A mass of rounded Galena is covered on all sides by sharp brown crystals of Pyromorphite. A choice example from Stribro (Mies) in Bohemia, this was in the Bally Museum (Switzerland) then sold by Alain Martaud to the John Marshall Pyro collection. A floater, the crystals are slender like needles growing on all surfaces. By naked eye this is in perfect condition but with magnification some broken crystals are seen. A much better than average old Mies specimen that is probably the Ca rich variety but has not been tested.
Pyromorphite
stock #16.1-425-(CN3253)
Stribro (Mies), Tachov District, Pizen Region
Bohemia,
Czech Republic
5.8 x 3.9 2.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $290
A somewhat "normal" type of Pyromorphite from Stribro Mies. The Calcium rich Pyromorphites from Stribro were at one time proposed as a unique mineral specie "Miesite", but is simply a variety. This vintage specimen has a chain of labels calling this Miesite but it does not have the usual look with brown balls. This is a more normal type Pyro with two generations of greenish to yellow-brown crystals on gossan matrix. A nice old piece ex University of Pennslyvania, Crawford and Noll collections. Crystals to 5mm but most are smaller, in reasonably good condition especially considering the age and delicate nature of the piece.
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