Grossular (Raspberry Garnet)
stock #10.1-274
Lago de Jaco,Sierra de la Cruz, Municipio de Mojada
Coahuila,
Mexico
6.6 x 4.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $340
From 2009 mining at this classic Mexican location, this is a far better than average example of this rare garnet variant. The main crystal here is 2.3 CM across, very lustrous, dark raspberry-red and in pristine condition. This is quite sizable for the locality and has been carefully exposed so it sits well on the matrix. Some minor crystals have typical damage that shows the dark core of the garnets. Since 1920 these garnets have sporadically been available but good ones have always been rare.
A cluster of intergrown, rich deep green gem crystals perched on a crystalline matrix. From the major find made in 2006, these were quickly absorbed into the market and disappeared. A very esthetic example of this uncommon variant, the largest crystal is 1.5 cm and is perched on other crystals. Far better in person! These show complex, lustrous faces and are undamaged.
A rare variation of the classic British Campylite from Dry Gill, this small, esthetic piece features a curved chain of Mimetite crystals. Lustrous and in excellent condition damage-wise, the chain has a central hollow canal running its length. The matrix also hosts small botryoidal crystals of yellow, green and orange Mimetite. A fine small miniature!
A quite sizable (7.9 CM) and impressive Chinese Emerald with the typical color from this find. This Beryl is not gemmy except on thin edges and not colored by Chromium as are the Colombian Emeralds. Despite that this is still attractive and affordable. The crystal has been repaired (1x) and shows also a natural break and re-healing. A very good addition to a suite of Beryl, Chinese minerals or just as an attractive display piece.
A great multi specie Rhodochrosite and Silver piece that has lots to look at! The Rhodo rhomb is 1.6 CM in size, sharp with rich red color. It is resting on a mass of crystallized Sulfide minerals, Sphalerite and Acanthite being the main ones and has native Silver in wires and curling clusters scattered. The rare associations are well presented, few Wudong area Rhodos have Silver associated, and few of those are esthetic.
Azurite with minor Malachite
stock #4.2-539
Tongshan Mine, Guichi Dist., Chizhou Pref.
Anhui Province,
China
7.4 x 6.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $140
A big, bright blue sparkling specimen with Azurite crystals densely packed on the display faces. The copper deposits in this area of Anhui province have been mined for thousands of years, probably the longest continuous operation on earth. Small scale mining lets specimens escape the huge crushers that are used elsewhere. Very attractive and affordable.
Super deep rich color, no damage and large size from mining in the late 1950's. These are already cherished classics for their color and luster. Much more green than the usual blue color, displays well and a very good value.
Beryl (zoned-milky white to Aquamarine)
stock #0126-JM-383
Palmital Mine, Minas Novas, Jequitinhonha Valley
Minas Gerais,
Brazil
3.9 x 3.6 CM (miniature)
price: $175
An unusual Beryl crystal, from a find several years ago (1960's) that produced these odd specimens. Bright glassy luster, a deep translucent bluish white zone at the base changes to a clear blue green near the termination. There is micro chipping on some edges, as all pieces had from this find, despite this the specimen is the most pristine I have seen of this style. A very different Beryl that is certainly rare!
