A fine, vintage classic specimen of very large Pyromorphite crystals that are partly altered to Galena but are mostly still Pyro. The Kautenbach mine is one of the most distinctive of all European locales and the Galena Pseudomorphs are highly prized. Pyromorphite in sharp hexagons to 2.5 CM across with some zones of Galena coatings and alterations. The oldest label lists a date of 1880, and this is in remarkable condition given that age. Most crystal faces are sharp and complete but some minor edge wear is present. Excellent patina, the Pyro crystals are huge for the location and about as large as were found. Perhaps not a "beautiful" mineral specimen but to many collectors these old Pyros are real treasures. Choice.
Pyrrhotite - partly altered crystals
stock #13.1-086
Santa Eulalia, Aquiles Serdan
Chihuahua,
Mexico
5.4 x 2.9 x 2.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $125
Pre Holiday 2017
A well-formed cluster of Pyrrhotite crystals showing the in process alteration on several faces. The terminations are unaltered and have the typical brassy color. This is a 1960 vintage specimen from Santa Eulalia which at that time produced many Pyrrhotites. These are now rare on the market. In good complete condition although the main crystal shows separations from altering, and would have eventually split apart, so this shows well a mid-stage transition.
Fluorapatite on Quartz and Cookeite
stock #A7-219-(536)
Harvard Quarry, Greenwood, Oxford County
Maine,
United States
7 x 3.1 x 2.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $1450
Pre Holiday 2017
Attractive and with an unusual esthetic, this is a densely packed matrix of lilac color Apatite. An older specimen from the classic Harvard Quarry in Maine, The druzy Quartz matrix hosts hundreds of small but perfect Apatites most being doubly terminated. In perfect condition and showing well the paragenesis of this locale, this was in the collection of the late Larry White. Two older labels give the locality as Mt Apatite (a more famous locale often incorrectly cited) but those labels are not correct, it is confirmed by Dr. Carl Francis and others as absolutely a classic Harvard piece. Choice and very rare in such fine quality.
Cuprite with Malachite, Plancheite etc.
stock #17.1-702
Mashaba West Mine, Kolwezi Mining District
Katanga (Shaba),
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
5.8 x 3.7 x 3.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $460
Pre Holiday 2017
Big, dark red and lustrous Cuprite Octahedrons are nestled in light blue Plancheite and dark green Malachite. Fine contrast, esthetics and in very good condition. The backside is contacted but not damaged, pitting and face voids are natural some with Plancheite inside. Individual octahedrons are up to 1.8 CM, some with nice edge modifications quite rare at this locale. These have not been coming out for almost a decade. Choice.
Cobaltoan Calcite
stock #16.1-002
Kolwezi, Katanga Copper Crescent
Katanga (Shaba),
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
6.3 x 5.8 x 3.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $280
Pre Holiday 2017
Colorful bright specimen with rhombs to 2.4 CM, ex Victor Yount collection. In fine condition, at one edge the overgrowth of Cobaltoan Calcite has not covered the underlying Calcite rhombs and the structure is well exposed.
Anglesite -Unusual form at this locale
stock #16.1-338
Touissit, Touissit-Bou Beker Dist., Jerada Province
Oriental Region,
Morocco
3.2 x 2.9 x 2.1 CM (miniature)
price: $180
Pre Holiday 2017
Blocky transparent crystals of white Anglesite with inclusions of Galena seen clearly inside. From the mines at Touissit, this is not the well known form, habit or color most often seen. The form is similar to some specimens from Sardinia or Tsumeb. The condition is good with very minor edge chipping on a few areas not very evident.
Copper with and in Calcite
stock #15.1-892
West Vein, Phoenix Mine, Phoenix, Keweenaw County
Michigan,
United States
6.8 x 3.4 x 2 CM (cabinet)
price: $700
Pre Holiday 2017
Esthetic and not typical at all! Native Copper in leafy tendrils holds and is inside very clear crystals of Calcite. The Calcite is in blocky cube forms with complex growth hills on some faces and colored by the inclusions a bright Copper hue. The Calcites are glassy and the whole composition is very attractive. Some contacts are noted mostly on the backside of the specimen, overall in fine condition. I have not seen another of this style in many years.
Malachite -stalactitic form, cross section slab
stock #17.1-699
Katanga, Central Area, Katanga Copper zone
Shaba,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
5.6 x 3.6 x .4 CM (cabinet)
price: $280
Pre Holiday 2017
Sections of stalactitic Malachite can be quite esthetic, especially when the form is more complex and with good color banding. This is an excellent example cut from materials collected in the 1990s. This style is now becoming rare with the "cauliflower" form. Complete edge rind all around, and polished on both sides.