Calcite on Goethite stalactites
stock #25.1-315
Noxon Park Mine, Forest of Dean
Gloucestershire ,
England
9.8 x 6.8 x 5.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $450
A strange British locality not well-known internationally is the old mines located in the Forest of Sean in Gloucestershire. This specimen was collected in 1977 by Les Hitchings and shows very well the 3-dimensional structure of these Goethite fingers that are covered with sparkling Calcite crystals. The Calcites range from colorless to red and nearly black due to the color of the matrix below. In fine condition and nice on all sides and angles. An attractive British material we do not see often in the market, this example is the most esthetic I have seen.
Chalcopyrite - USA classic locality
stock #9.1-238
French Creek Mines, St Peters, Chester Co.
Pennsylvania,
United States
5.2 x 5 x 4.1 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $670
One of the historic, classic and long respected mineral localities of the Northeast USA, French Creek was famed for the complex and unusual crystal forms of the Chalcopyrites found there. Mining began in 1717 and the last works stopped about 100 years ago. Many famed mineralogists including Dana considered the Chalco from here to be exceptional. Specimens were sold and traded worldwide especially by AE Foote and George English in the later 1800 era. They are now very scarce and only seen when older collections are disbursed. This specimen shows many of the habits that made the locale famous and is in very good condition as seen. Triangles, thin blades and epitaxial stacks are all displayed clearly. Nice form and classic habits!
A killer small miniature with perfect form and sharp termination. From a small find in late 2023 at Corinto in Brazil, the color, luster and balance is first class. Selected from hundreds of specimens, this piece stands out and has a strong display impact despite the small size.
Spinel twin Galena with Sphalerite
stock #24.1-285 (DK)
Dalnegorsk, Kavalerovo Mining District
Primorsky Kray,
Russia
6.7 x 6 x 1.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $1200
A perfect and complete "floater" of clustered epitaxial Galena in spinel twin crystals. No Damage at all and completely crystalized on all edges. From the golden years at Dalngorsk, dating to the 1980-90 era finds of exceptional Galena twins. The scattered Sphalerite adds a nice contrast, in person this Galena has outstanding luster and fine geometric patterns on the flat faces. When these were first found it made a huge sensation in the mineral world, considered to be some of the greatest spinel twin Galena ever. Since then a few newer finds from Bulgaria are of similar quality but the best of these Russian crystals are just slightly different and remain prized world-class specimens. Far better in person, the bright metallics are hard to appreciate and capture on line.
Azurite and Dolomite, fine slender crystals
stock #15.1-475
Schmitt Dolomite Quarry, Altenmittlau, Freigericht, Spessart
Hesse,
Germany
8.8 x 7.2 x 5.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $300
Choice older German Azurite in exceptional condition. From Altenmittlau, a well-known locale that has been closed for over 25 years and back-filled. At one time the best of German Azurites were found here. This is a very fine example with a central lustrous ball of sharp bright crystals. The matrix could be trimmed much smaller of course but the Dolomite crystals and host rock makes (to me at least) a great setting. Very rare to see one of these on the market and a very good value for a modern classic.
These Calcites were called pineapple style when they were found at the famed Shangbao Mine (Hunan, China) in the 2001-2005 era. Calcite crystals with a remarkable pineapple color and a slightly visible inner phantom. The Calcites are on a minimal matrix which is a mix of both Fluorite and Quartz with a few tiny Pyrites. In very nice condition overall, some minor edge scuffs are noted but still displays very well. This also keeps the price relatively low for one of these. The pineapples are quite distinctive for this locale, it is unlike any Calcite from other localities and the contrast with the few small purple Fluorites is a nice bonus.
Nice gemmy Anglesite crystals from the famed Tintic district with lots of historic pedigree and provenance. From the original labels (included) this went from J. A. Scott in 1911 to the A.F. Holden collection, from there to Harvard, from Harvard through Argentum to the Phil Scalisi collection. Phil sold this to the John Marshall Jr collection in 1995. The Anglesite are small but bright, transparent in fine condition overall, protected in the Galena vug. The recent (March 2024) issue of the Mineralogical record has an incredible article on this locale. These crystals are super fine for the locale, sharp, lustrous, reach 8MM (which is huge for Tintic) and the largest crystals are textbook perfect.
Legrandite
stock #AX-4-287
Mina Ojuela, Mapimi
Durango,
Mexico
3.6 x 2.3 x 2.1 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $860
Sharp, gemmy and in fine condition, a vug in gossan matrix protects sprays of bright yellow Legrandites. This is a famously delicate and rare mineral, the best crystals in the world are from Mexico, many years ago at the original Flor de Peña Mine and from Ojuela very sporadically. Several years have passed without any new finds of quality. This piece dates to the mid 1970 era. Small but choice and remarkably perfect this can be trimmed to a killer thumbnail if wanted.
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