A classic combination of species from the famed Mt Xuebaoding (Sichuan, China). Two small but gem-clear Beryl crystals show the classic flat/ tabular form of hexagonal prisms. The Scheelite is an incomplete crystal with excellent orange color and bright luster that is contacted on the back. The matrix is a mat of Muscovite crystals having a rusty color that sits on a massive chunk of country rock that has been sawn on the back, base and sides. These combination specimens have become less common lately and many have become quite expensive, this is a nice example at a relatively low price.
Quartz with Anatase and Chlorite Phantoms
stock #21.1-512
Manihar Valley Kuilu District
Himachal Pradesh,
India
6.8 x 5 x 2.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $650
Post Tucson 2022
Superb, sharp and gem clear Quartz in perfect condition with distinctive green phantoms of Chlorite seen inside. The specimen is also dusted with tiny sparkling Anatase crystals in several areas. Overall this displays incredibly well. What may look like bruises in the photos are all internal veils, the condition is exceptional. These Quartz are obtained at very high elevations in Alpine clefts from 3000 to 4400 meters elevation. True alpine Quartz is remarkably different from all others. The optical clarity of the best Quartz from this area is among the very highest in the world. This piece shows that clarity in the upper section and this displays the internals perfectly.
Scapolite - gem crystal
stock #21.1-518
Marble Occurance, Moogoro, Ulugaru Mts.
Morogoro,
Tanzania
1.5 x 1.4 x 1 CM (thumbnail)
price: $220
Post Tucson 2022
A single sharp and totally transparent gem crystal of Scapolite from Tanzania. Delicate yellow color and showing a well-defined termination, this is from the Marble Occurrence deposit that years ago produced some very fine crystals. In great condition, fluorescent under short wave UV and super lustrous in daylight, a small, fine gem thumbnail.
Sphalerite with Quartz
stock #4.2-421
Rucheng Mine, Caojia, Nuanshui, Chenzhou
Hunan Province,
China
6.2 x 5.1 x 4.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $280
Post Tucson 2022
A large, complex crystal of Sphalerite with a "crown" of clear Quartz crystals. This is a rather old specimen from a find in China in 2003 at the Rucheng Mine which is very close to the larger Shuikoushan operation and I am told may now be linked to it underground. The Sphalerites found at both these localities are of great importance and are impressive. The Rucheng area was noted for larger and often complex crystals like this with sizable Quartz where the Shuikoushan operations had smaller Sphalerites, lighter red color and druzy Quartz. This Sphalerite is dense and opaque except at the very outer thin edge. It is a deep brown color with some red and yellow highlights in spots and a small amount of Chalcopyrite as well. In good condition, there is no obvious damage but a few small rub points can be found, the Quartz is contacted in the back. We've seen nothing new from this locality for a few years and the mine has been idle for a while.
An attractive and very unusual Fluorite for those who enjoy oddities. A snakelike cluster of Fluorite crystals which on close exam are all octahedral and aligned in a stack with a little curve and even some blending of faces so the whole looks like a stretched prism on some edges. From the prolific Erongo Mountains (Namibia) where some wonderful and rare forms have turned up over the years. This is also impressive when backlit the green crystals are seen to have a lighter inner zone with a distinct deep yellow to orange line running the length of the stack, much like a faden line. This does not show in the photos as they are not strongly backlit. All the crystals show a bit of etching and textured faces as well. The top of the piece shows a distinct termination or octahedral edge while the base is more etched and less distinct. No bruises or damage to note, a very odd and oddly attractive Fluorite. Far more impressive in person too.
Pyromorphite
stock #21.1-482
Broken Hill, Yancowinna County
New South Wales,
Australia
4.2 x 3.2 x 2.1 CM (miniature)
price: $280
Post Tucson 2022
Brilliant yellow crystals cover the display face of a dark contrasting Coronadite matrix. The crystals are lustrous and on close exam, very gemmy. In fine condition for such slender, delicate prisms. A choice and colorful example from this classic locality.
Silver, elongated spinel-twin, floater
stock #21.FC-011
Batopilas, Andres del Rio District
Chihuahua,
Mexico
3.9 x .8 x .6 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $660
A superb older specimen from the great Silver discoveries at Batopillas. Ex Behier collection, this is textbook perfect example of a single elongated, twisted spinel-twin crystal with a secondary addition of a few smaller crystals like a crown or hat. This looks a bit like a palm tree from some angles. Close exam shows the shaft or trunk has the herringbone form visible which is characteristic of this locality. In perfect condition the specimen displays well on every angle. Small but with great display impact.
A very fine and impressive Adamite from the famed Mina Ojuela. Aside from the rich covering of crystals, this is particularly choice due to the crystals having two colors, the core of these is a purple-magenta while the exterior is a yellow-green hue. The exterior color seems to vary depending on the light used, but the hue is more yellow than green under most lighting. Of the many colors of Adamite from Ojuela the most rare and sought after is the purple (manganoan). The combination of this with the yellow-green is quite esthetic. Most collectors agree the Adamites from this locale are the world's best and highly respected. In excellent condition and better in person.
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