Vesuvianite
stock #17.1-513
Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos (now Val-des-Sources, Estrie,
Quebec,
Canada
4.5 x 3.7 CM (miniature)
price: $360
A excellent cluster of glassy, bright gem Vesuvianites from the now closed Jeffrey Mine. Modern classics, good examples are now very scarce. A lustrous medium green piece in excellent condition that shows small zones of deep purple and dark emerald green. Expect these to appreciate well.
A superb example of a very fine phantom quartz from this classic location. Pristine, damage free and optically clear main crystal (6 CM tall) is decorated with light green Prehnite balls and holds elegant, wispy phantoms. From every angle this displays well, but my personal favorite is looking straight down from the top (the C axis. The matrix block is sawn on the underside and on some edges, so it sits perfectly on its own. These are often collected using diamond saws to avoid damage. It is possible to further trim the specimen to remove all traces of the sawing, but for me it is fine as is. If you like good quartz, you will love this specimen!
A remarkable, fine Silver and Rhodochrosite specimen, one of the best from the 2009 finds at Wuzoh. A crystallized cluster of etched Rhodo 4.7 CM in diameter sits on a bed of mixed Acanthite and Galena crystals. The rest of the matrix is Sphalerite and quartz with small zones of native silver in wires and flattened crystals. Some of the Galena has an overgrowth of Acanthite and seems to be psudomorphing. Much galena from this zone is highly argentiferous and this specimen shows that well. Impressive esthetics the largest Rhodo rhomb is 1 CM, giving great contrast to the metallic sulfides. For some reason specimens from this mine have more native silver on the back or sides away from the well developed crystals on the front. This is no exception, the best silver is on the left side and top rear. Displays well.
Pyromorphite
stock #A0180-JM-2174A
Tanzfleck, Friehung Grafenwohr, Upper Palatinate
Bavaria,
Germany
4 x 2.4 x 2.7 CM (miniature)
price: $450
A German classic, bright, gemmy pyro crystals cover the surface of the sandstone matrix. Ex John Marshall collection. Nice "wet look" example of this classic location, and much better than the usual micro druze. Not often available as this mine has been closed for over 60 years and this piece is likely far older than that.
For this fabled location, this specimen is exceptional for size and form. Obtained by Ed Over in the 1930's for Arthur Montgomery and later sold by Schortmann's Minerals, this specimen stands apart from others. The Hilltop Mine in the Chiricahua Mts. is a long closed locale. Most Specimens have 1+ CM yellow crystals on matrix and are highly desirable (and expensive) when available. A few unusually large crystals were found but most were badly damaged or crudely formed. At over 4 CM across, this is the largest Hilltop crystal cluster I have handled. More orange than usual with a secondary druse of tiny bright yellow crystals that sets off the larger blades well. Unfortunately, chipping is visible along one edge but perhaps forgivable on a remarkable old classic.
Excellent large zoned yellow crystals to 3 CM size are clustered in a hemispheric arrangement on a thin matrix. Good clarity with gemmy areas and selective frosting on some faces. In excellent condition despite the age and delicacy of this specimen. A very pretty classic specimen, and far better in person.
Epidote (sharp prismatic form)
stock #12.1-010
Capelinha, Jequitinhouha Valley
Minas Gerais,
Brazil
4.1 x 3.8 CM (miniature)
price: $160
Sharp, bright shining luster and well-composed. The "back" side has a light dusting of secondary Epidotes so it is slightly duller, the "front" is just glassy clean and pretty. From a small find that was not typical, these look much better than most Capelinha Epidotes. Very good display and more affordable than other locations.
Real unusual and quite remarkable, a perfect floater! Doubly terminated Epidote crystals (largest is 2.4 CM) on a clear quartz 7.3 CM long that is also doubly terminated. Several smaller Epidotes penetrate into the quartz and can be seen from all sides. I have never seen any other like this.
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