A choice multi-specie specimen from Yaoganxian, ex Shields Flynn collection. The Quartz in person is very clear, has a sharp termination and you can see Ferberite and Muscovite inside. There are unknown white inclusions inside as well. The Ferberite is lustrous, and the Fluorite is transparent as it should be. Not perfect however, when seen under 10x magnification there are rough spots and the smaller Feberite has chipping, but the overall quality is far better than average and this has the sort of esthetics that displays very well. The price reflects the imperfections which for many collectors makes this a very good value.
Veracruz,
Mexico
2.8 x 2.7 x 1.6 CM (thumbnail)
price: $130
Worldwide mix summer
A bright and attractive thumbnail of gem clear Garnets from Vera Cruz that was added to the Les Hitchings collection in 1983. This is an almost perfect match to the look of the new find of Andradites from Vera Cruz in 2016. The new find was very big news since no one had ever seen such fine garnets from that area, and there was speculation that they came from elsewhere, no exact locality was given. The new find was quickly exhausted but this specimen shows that area has in the past produced some very pretty Andradite, and perhaps it will again someday.
Krohnkite - large crystals, rare habit
stock #AX-18-037
Chuquicamata Mine, Calama, El Loa Province
Antofagasta Region,
Chile
4.7 x 3.6 x 3.4 CM (miniature)
price: $580
Worldwide mix summer
Bright, large blocky habit Krohnkite crystals in a cluster with minimal matrix. From the type locale, Chuquicamata which is the only place where this rare Copper Halide was ever found in such fine crystals. While and non micro crystals are rare most of those are fibrous growths or slender clusters. Prismatic habits like this are far more uncommon, and were all found long ago. Most of the existing specimens were collected long before 1934 (the early 1900 era was most productive) but it is probable a few came out later. The zone where these were found was long ago disappeared, consumed by the largest open pit mine on the planet. Only seen now from old collections.
Langite
stock #16.1-1282
Spania Dolina, Banska Bystrica County
Banska Bystrica Region,
Slovakia
12.2 x 9.1 x 5.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $360
Worldwide mix summer
Incredibly rich, a large old Langite specimen with a fine blue-green color that is quite intense. This secondary copper Sulphate specie is a dimorph of Wroewolfeite and can be confused with it or Posnackite. While Langite is found as micros at many localities, the best and largest specimens are mostly from old Slovakian mines. The matrix here has at least some Langite on every side, but the 3 main faces have the best coverage and most distinct crystals. This could easily be made in to several very good specimens but we like the large size for impact. Formerly in the Vrzal collection in Brno, Czech Republic.
Smithsonite - muti colored multi layered
stock #17.1-607
Choix, Municipio de Choix
Sinaloa,
Mexico
6.8 x 5.6 x 2.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $260
Worldwide mix summer
A choice small cabinet Smithsonite made of purple and pink botryoidal layers over a green core. There is minimal matrix. From the now defunct Choix locale, this has a fine color and luster that is much better in person. In undamaged condition, these Smithsonites are no longer being found. A modern classic locale, better specimens like this really do stand out and are a good value.
Fluorite - distinct phantoms
stock #16.1-739
Aouli. Midelt, Khenifra Province
Meknes-Tafilalet Region,
Morocco
5 x 4.2 x 2.9 CM (small cabinet/large miniature)
price: $330
Worldwide mix summer
Impressive and clear, these are very sharp purple phantoms inside bright yellow Fluorite cubes. We have seen hundreds of Aouli Fluorites but never this quality of phantom. Overall sharp and displays well but not a piece for perfectionists, there are small nicks and cleaves. Despite that there is strong impact for color, form and the distinct phantoms stand out well.
Adamite with Calcite
stock #17.1-617
Mina Ojuela, Mapimi
Durango,
Mexico
4.9 x 3.8 x 3.8 CM (miniature)
price: $125
Worldwide mix summer
Bright lemon yellow crystals that are sharp and gemmy contrast with white Calcites. Choice and lustrous, this is an older specimen from the "golden era" at Mina Ojuela. Vivid Fluorescence and in great condition.
Benstonite on Fluorite
stock #15.1-967-(SM3121)
Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County
Illinois,
United States
6.7 x 5.7 x 4.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $450
Worldwide mix summer
Benstonite in unusual distinct crystals clustered on Fluorite cubes. Ex Charles Noll collection, a choice example of this uncommon mineral that has always been a very desirable rarity from this region. The Fluorite cubes are also very sharp and clean with strong Fluorescence. These are only available from older collections and most are just a whitish coating on other minerals. This almost certainly came from the Minerva mine but the label does not give that specific detail so we leave this listed as Cave-in Rock only.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)