Well Arranged Molecules | Mineral Specimens

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SOLD Rhodochrosite on Analcime
stock #SOLD 20.1-080
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Monteregie
Quebec, Canada
4.6 x 3.6 x 2.5 CM (miniature)
price: $0
Spring 2020

A killer miniature with a main Rhodochrosite rhomb 3.2 CM in diameter which is perfectly perched on a cluster of Analcime crystals. The Rhodos are opaque in some areas and translucent in others, perhaps due to some dark inclusions (Birnessite?). The luster is in person impressively bright and glassy, there are some subtle striations and growth structures as well that add interest in person. The faces show a color range and mottling from dark reds, pinks and close to black in spots. Rhodochrosite at Mont St. Hilaire took many forms and color hues, but such well formed, sharp textbook crystals are not common at all. This is an exceptional showy piece in remarkable clean condition.

Andradite - large parallel position crystals
stock #20-FC-034-(9133)
Lac D Amiante, Black Lake Mine, LAB Mine, Chaudiere-Appalaches
Quebec, Canada
4.1 x 2.9 x 2.4 CM (miniature)
price: $900
Spring 2020

Flattened habit mint green crystals often called "Demantoid" are in a stacked alignment with almost no matrix present. From the now classic finds made over 25 years ago at Black Lake, these Garnets are far larger than the average and this is an incredibly enormous cluster, the largest we have ever seen. The biggest garnet in the cluster is over 2.2 CM across, it is huge for this locale where most are 2-3mm in size only. Translucent with some tiny areas of transparency, the luster is moderate, some faces are glassy but others are slightly dusted with and included by tiny needles of Pectolite with gives a more matte effect. In excellent condition at 20X magnification no damage or chips can be found which is also quite rare. For some reason many of the larger crystals we have seen had unusual or distorted habits including this sort of flattening. A very choice and huge green Andradite.

Prehnite - sharp gemmy crystals
stock #AX-24-495
Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos (now Val-des-Sources, Estrie,
Quebec, Canada
3.4 x 2.7 x 2 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $780
Spring 2020

Prehnite crystals which are unusually sharp, clear and distinct with textbook perfect form. An older specimen from the Jeffrey Quarry in Quebec which was at one time an incredible source of fine and often unique Prehnites. This is in flawless condition damage-wise. The matrix is a mix of needle crystals of Pectolite and micro Natrolite. The matrix is fluorescent as well. Very much a three dimensional specimen that displays well from almost any angle, the overall esthetics are impressive.

colorless Grossular on Prehnite
stock #AX-24-475
Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos (now Val-des-Sources, Estrie,
Quebec, Canada
3.7 x 2.4 x 2.1 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $440
Spring 2020

Doubly terminated Prehnite (3.7 CM) crystal showing sharply striated, glassy faces encrusted with small colorless Grossular crystals. One of the rarest colors for Garnet are the clear or white crystals which were found more than 30 years ago at the Jeffrey Quarry. Just as uncommon is the vivid fluorescence (orange to red) of these Grossular. The underlying Prehnite shows through on several areas of the specimen and is highly lustrous with distinct stepped structures and striations. No damage, a rare and choice combination from a classic, extinct locale. I understand this combination (Prehnite with colorless, fluorescent Grossular) is unique in this one find, and never seen elsewhere on the planet.

Prehnite -well crystallized with Pectolite
stock #AX-16-543
Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos (now Val-des-Sources, Estrie,
Quebec, Canada
4.7 x 3.3 x 3.2 CM (miniature)
price: $500
Spring 2020

Some of the best Prehnite ever found came from the Jeffrey Quarry and it came in many different habits and colors. The orange color on this piece is quite rare and the well isolated crystals reach to just under 2 CM. The crystals also show the curved and twisted faces that give a rounded, globular look at first glance. The matrix also hosts many needle crystals of Pectolite that add some sparkle on close inspection. Damage free, this is a well composed piece with the largest crystals prominently positioned. A choice Prehnite from anyplace and an especially fine, rare type from the Jeffrey Quarry.

Apatite CaF (Fluorapatite)
stock #6.2-537
Panasquieira Mines, Panasquiera Covilha
Castelo Branco District, Portugal
6.2 x 4.7 x 2.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $360
Spring 2020

A main hexagonal Apatite crystal is well positioned on a matrix of Siderite and Muscovite. The Crystal displays well despite some bruises and a large contact on the backside. Close exam shows the many acicular inclusions of dark tourmaline and an unknown white mineral some of which are arranged in radiating patterns. Vivid yellow fluorescence with some color zoning is noted as well. Though not perfect as noted, as a result this is very affordable for the size and still looks like a more costly specimen.

Selenite (golden gemmy)
stock #20.1-124
Salinas de Otuma, Otuma Village, Paracas, Pisco, Pisco Province
Ica, Peru
3.6 x 3.8 x 2.9 CM (miniature)
price: $260
Spring 2020

The yellow to orange "golden" Selenites from Ica were rather common at mineral shows 20 years ago. There have not been new finds for some time and good, undamaged examples are now quite scarce. These still represent a very good value for a colorful, display quality specimen. This piece is from a small lot that has been in storage since the mid seventies. Sharp, glassy transparent crystals to 2.5 CM tall stand out from the matrix. In perfect condition, in person this is far more clear and very lustrous.

Selenite (gemmy golden)
stock #20.1-123
Salinas de Otuma, Otuma Village, Paracas, Pisco, Pisco Province
Ica, Peru
4.3 x 3.3 x 2.4 CM (miniature)
price: $120
Spring 2020

The yellow to orange "golden" Selenites from Ica were rather common at mineral shows 20 years ago. There have not been new finds for some time and good, undamaged examples are now quite scarce. These still represent a very good value for a colorful, display quality specimen. This piece is from a small lot that has been in storage since the mid seventies. Sharp, glassy transparent Selenite 2.5 CM tall stands on a base of small crystals. The main crystal shows well the "duckbill" twin habit.