Manganite
stock #7-AE-030
Ilfield
Harz Mountains,
Germany
5 X 3.1 CM (miniature)
price: $400
A classic from the world's greatest source for crystalized Manganite. This piece is probably well over 150 years old and shows the most desirable crystal form, luster and style that has made the Ilfield Manganites famous. These are rarely available at this price level, I expect this will not last long. There is some damage at the edges (see the photos) and on some crystals but is not distracting, and it still displays well. If perfect this would easily command 1500.00 or more. A very attractive miniature and a great piece of mineral history!
Sphalerite on Quartz
stock #7.AE-492
Shuikoushan Lead Zinc Mine, Changning, Hengyang Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
13 x 10.6 (cabinet)
price: $500
Deep red complex crystals of Sphalerite sit on a plate of sparkling reddish Quartz. Some are claiming the Quartz is red due to inclusions of Sphalerite, I am not sure about that. There is Galena here too and the back of the piece is crystalized Calcite. The largest crystal is 3.3 cm and with good backlight it glows a rich red. No damage and great luster, this looks like globs of jelly on matrix. Way above average!!
Fluorite
stock #7.AE-457
Xianghualing Mine, Linwu County, Chenzhou Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
13 x 11 CM (cabinet)
price: $375
The large octahedron here is over 7 CM, undamaged, lustrous and aesthetically perched with others on a contrasting matrix . The crystals all show the "micro stepping" being composed of hundreds of tiny fluorite crystals that are arranged together in the octahedra. A deep green that can backlight well, this piece is a very fine example of an older style of Fluorite from Xianghualing not often available anymore.
Euclase
stock #8.1-219
Piaotang, Dayu
Yunnan Province,
China
4.5 x 3.9 CM (miniature)
price: $600
Sharp and glassy Euclase on matrix to 1.4 CM. A great example from this small one time find. These were the best Chinese examples of this rare Berylium gem mineral. The crystals have some micro cavities on a few faces with unknown black materials inside. Good condition in general, there are broken and damaged crystals on the edges and back the display side looks fine to the unaided eye.
Bournonite with Fluorite
stock #7-AE-442
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
5 x 3.2 CM (miniature)
price: $650
An exceptionally large metallic crystal, sharp, lustrous and with fine termination. As a bonus it is sprinkled with lots of small light violet Fluorites for an extra sparkle. In very good condition overall though there are some small spots of damage that are very forgivable in a crystal of this size and can be minimized with careful display. This is FAR better than average and really shines!
SOLD Elbaite
stock #SOLD 7.AE-183
Himalaya Mine, Gem Hill,Mesa Grande District, San Diego County
California,
United States
4.6x2.4 CM (miniature)
price: $0
A richly zoned crystal that is very sharp and damage free. This is the classic bi-color for this mine showing a sharp flat termination. It has much richer than usual color depth and really glows with any backlight.
Azurite
stock #6.2-102
Changmenshan Copper Mine, Jiulang
Jiangxi Province,
China
8.5x8.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $560
A very well developed almost spherical aggregate of blocky azurite crystals up to 1.4 CM and some smaller flattened rhomb forms. This piece is also encrusted with many lemon yellow micro crystals of an unknown mineral (awaiting analysis we will send results if you wish). Quite attractive and a good value.
SOLD Goshenite (Beryl) on Muscovite
stock #SOLD 6.2-074
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
12.8x10x4.5 (cabinet)
price: $0
A matrix of reddish muscovite provides a good contrast to these Goshenite crystals. The largest is 3.8CM and is partly gemmy with a very sharp tabular form. This form is also different from the usual tabular beryl (aquamarines) from this location, and are far less common. Goshenite is one of the rarer types of beryl and these are very fine examples, not often available. The underside of the matrix is sawn which is common in collecting these, this one has a crack that seems to be a repair of the matrix, it is completely invisible on the display side.
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