Wavellite
stock #21.1-231
La Caridad Mine, La Caridad, Nacozari de Garcia Municipality
Sonora,
Mexico
8.7 x 3.6 x 2.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $140
Early summer 2021
A nearly pure Wavellite specimen with minimal matrix, the Wavellite is in fibrous layers surrounding an open vug. The vug surface is a lemon-yellow carpet of botryoidal Wavellite that with good lighting has a wet-look luster. An unusual style and habit that is unlike most any other Wavellite in the entire world. From long ago finds at the La Caridad Mine, we have not seen any new material available for decades, only from older collections like this piece.
This would be a world class Bismuthinite from anyplace and is exceptional from Kara-Oba. The addition of a complete, doubly terminated Ferberite adds a great balance, and the coatings of tiny bright purple Fluorite puts this piece in a class by itself. With good magnification several Cosalite sprays of metallic needles are noted, along with flattened Quartz crystals. In excellent condition, the Fluorite druse covers some faces of the Bismuthinite as well as the Ferberite, adding a nice sparkle in person. The Bismuthinte crystals are up to 6 CM tall and have a fine metallic patina seen on one side. Bismuthinite is not normally an attractive mineral but this is a very esthetic example, has great associations and is simply superb for the specie.
Rosasite on Malachite over Mimetite
stock #17.1-533
Tsumeb
Otjikoto Region,
Namibia
5.3 x 4.4 x 3.2 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $390
Early summer 2021
A choice example of Rosasite from Tsumeb, this is formed on and next to Malachite which has formed over Mimetite. Several Mimetite crystals have also formed on top of the Rosasite, adding a nice color contrast. The central "tower" of botryoidal Rosasite is about 2.5 CM (inch) tall, with a velvet luster that gives a nice focus to the specimen. Tsumeb is unquestionably the locality that has best mixed many beautiful secondary minerals of diverse elements, habits and forms.
Fluorite - rare
stock #21.1-239
Mahodari, Sinnar, Nasik District
Maharashtra,
India
6.2 x 4.4 x 2.8 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $160
Early summer 2021
A small but distinct single ball of red Fluorite is nestled in a matrix of Quartz crystals. From earlier finds at Nasik, there have been a lot of ball shaped Fluorite found in recent years, but the red color is very rare, almost never seen for years. There have also been many fakes with dyes used to color the Fluorite. This is a fully natural, real example with the ball just under 1 CM across. Hard to find and when available the prices can be incredibly high. A nice example at a reasonable price, good value for any lover of Fluorite or Indian minerals.
Silver - classic German locale
stock #20.FC-026-(9123)
Freiberg District, Mittlesachsen
Saxony,
Germany
4.6 x 3.3 x 1.6 CM (miniature)
price: $2300
Early summer 2021
A complex tangle of Silver wires and ropy masses rises from a pure Silver matrix composed of smaller wires. An old piece from the classic Freiberg district, this is an especially fine example of several wire forms and has a great overall esthetic. A vintage Deyrolles (Paris) label is included, however the specimen age is not known (Freiberg produced Silver since the 12th century, the last mine closed over a half century ago). In fine condition and with a mix of patina, most is a dark silver-black but there are zones of brighter golden luster which gives great contrast.
Fluorapatite with Cookite
stock #15.1-872
Mount Rubellite, Hebron, Oxford County
Maine,
United States
5.2 x 3.3 x 2.5 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $580
Early summer 2021
A richly crystalized purple Apatite from the classic Mt Rubellite in Maine. The Apatites show the distinctive "Hebron" form and cover the two largest faces and much of the sides on this piece. The crystals are also quite gemmy. This has a boxwork matrix of Cookite etc, and the luster is especially bright. In fine condition and with very good purple color, this can be displayed from almost any angle. Any nice purple Apatite from Maine is usually very hard to find as these are highly sought after, very little is found and only obtained from older collections.
Pyrolusite - well-formed crystals, vintage
stock #21.1-047-(JM-4339)
Ahmeek Mine, Ahmeek, Keweenaw County
Michigan,
United States
8.3 x 6.7 x 3.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $170
Early summer 2021
A choice old specimen of Pyrolusite from upper Michigan copper country. The old labels and documents all list this as an Akmeek Mine specimen, but Pyrolusite is not noted from that mine, although it does occur nearby. Our sources seem very certain this is actually from the Taylor Mine and a fine example from that locality, with typical matrix. We are listing this using the original label locality rather than change this attribution. Either way a choice piece with well-formed, shiny metallic crystals of what is usually a sooty black and ugly mineral. The crystals are protected in vugs on both sides of the matrix and up to 1.5 CM. From a classic region, these are some of the best of the specie from this zone. Ex Ernie Schlichter and John Marshall collection, also with an unattributed very old label.
Wulfenite
stock #16.1-063
Jianshan Mine (stone crack), Ruoqiang County, Bayin gholin Prefecture
Xinjiang Autonomous Region,
China
9.6 x 7.1 x 3.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $460
Early summer 2021
Bright and sparkling small (7mm) red Wulfenite crystals with glassy luster and epitaxial coatings of whitish Calcites. In excellent condition overall, which is incredible for such delicate thin crystals. The Calcite is selectively deposited in the middle of the Wulfenite blades and the edges are uncovered, showing a sharp beveled termination. A quite good and eye-catching example from this important find in 2016. This locality had provided many fine pieces at all levels and price points, this piece is a very good value for the locale.
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