Serandite on Albite
stock #AX-27-095
Poudrette Quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire
Quebec,
Canada
2.5 x 1.9 x 1.2 CM (thumbnail)
price: $90
new year 2021
A thumbnail specimen with perfect, lustrous Serandite crystals scattered on a Albite matrix. These are true Serandites and not Schiziolite which was for many years confused and mislabeled. Excellent color, translucent to slightly transparent and in fine condition, these Serandites are tiny but choice from the classic Poudrette Quarry at Mt. St.-Hilaire.
Spessartine on Galena - classic
stock #19.1-786
Broken Hill, Yancowinna County
New South Wales,
Australia
6.3 x 3.7 x 3.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $650
new year 2021
A cluster of dark red Spessartine crystals on a Galena matrix showing bright luster. The Garnets are up to 1.8 CM across and most show some distinct separation. The backside of the specimen has breakage where it was removed but the display face is quite good with only minimal bruising seen by loupe. These are remarkable specimens the association of a Garnet family specie intergrown with Lead Sulphide is simply bizarre. This specimen dates from the early 1960's the Garnets are translucent to transparent but overall are an opaque wine red. On a few edges the interiors of the Garnets have a slightly orange color that shows through and may look like damage in photos, in person it does not.
SOLD Dioptase
stock #SOLD 8.AE-891
Tsumeb
Otjikoto Region,
Namibia
4.1 x 2.1 x 2.2 CM (miniature)
price: $0
new year 2021
It is almost impossible to capture the brilliant luster and deep color of a fine Dioptase. This small miniature has perfect, undamaged crystals with that top color and luster. Some very minor bits of Calcite add a little contrast otherwise just nice bright Dioptase from the great Tsumeb Mine.
A classic specimen from Mount Antero, this matrix holds several small Phenakite crystals the largest being 5 mm. Close exam with a loupe finds several other tiny Phenakites and some Fluorite octahedrons. Mount Antero is a remarkable high elevation pegmatite best known for some important finds of Aquamarine. However it has been long known as a source of other minerals, including Phenakites, it is certainly the most important USA locality for this specie.
Amethyst
stock #AX-24-388
Piedra Parada, Las Vigas
Veracruz,
Mexico
6.7 x 4.2 x 3.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $440
new year 2021
Lots of good Amethyst has been found from time to time over the past decades in Vera Cruz, Mexico. This piece is far better than most of this size with the most desirable white matrix and perfectly zoned crystals. In undamaged condition, the specimen is much better in person, the glassy faces and color are hard to capture in photos. We selected this piece and a few others from the finds of 2016 when they first arrived in the USA.
Spodumene var. Kunzite - gem crystal
stock #20.1-116
Laghman
Laghman Province,
Afghanistan
10.5 x 3.5 x 1.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $480
new year 2021
A complete and undamaged Kunzite crystal that is doubly terminated with good color. The terminations on each end are of different habits, both are very sharp and distinct. The crystal is very transparent, it is possible to read through the center of the prism. Kunzites have a very deep violet color when viewed on end but much more pale pink on the prism faces, this piece has an especially strong color gradation. Fine Afghan specimens like this are a good value.
Salzburg,
Austria
7.1 x 5.4 x 4.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $1100
new year 2021
Lustrous crystals of Epidote fill an open cavity on a matrix that also hold masses of Byssolite. A big stack of old labels come with this piece. It was last in the John Marshall collection but dates back through many other owners perhaps also including the famed Lechner collection (Austria), certainly over a century old, the quality is excellent. The original labels and documents all give just Salzburg as the locale, but this certainly looks a perfect match for Kappenwand, but that is not confirmed. Regardless the exact spot this came from the piece displays well, is better in person. With good lighting the dark green to yellow color is more evident.
Fluorite - classic English
stock #7.AE-114
Hilton Mine, Scordale, Hilton Escarpment District, Murton, Eden
Cumbria,
England
9.8 x 7.8 x 3.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $520
new year 2021
A plate of bright honey-yellow Fluorites from the famed Hilton Mine. The crystals reach over 2 CM in diameter though most are smaller, and all have good sharp edges. As is typical for English Fluorites from this region this is vividly fluorescent. The Fluorites are translucent to transparent on the edges though a few have a milky core area. The luster is slightly satin on some faces but others faces are more glassy. Overall in very good condition, a nice classic English specimen
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