Elbaite - two specimens - classic USA
stock #0990-JM-N127-2
Newry, Oxford County
Maine,
United States
4.8 x 3.8 x 3.2 CM, 1.3 x 1.1 x .8 CM (miniature)
price: $300
new year 2021
A pair of Elbaite specimens from the now famed Newry Mine of Maine. One is a small thumbnail the other a miniature. These come from the collection of John Marshall, who was one of the investors in what later became one of the greatest mineral finds of all time. These two pieces date to before that big strike. The set includes a matrix specimen with a gemmy Elbaite and crystals of Lepidolite on a blocky Albite crystal. The second specimen is a gemmy bi-colored Elbaite that is very clear and lustrous. The single crystal is not terminated but shows on one end a "nodule" or ball like mass which were noted at this locale as the most desirable gem grade. The matrix specimen has John's hand-printed collection number on one side. This material is quite unlike the later finds but which was an encouraging sign of the potential in the quarry at that time.
Barite (Baryte) - large zoned crystals
stock #7.AE-476
Jinkouhe town, Ebian
Sichuan Province,
China
10 x 5.6 x 3.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $280
new year 2021
A cluster of three main Barite crystals that are translucent, phantomed and have areas of gemmy over-growths. Somewhat crude but complete and recrystallized on many faces. The blocky terminations have several faces that are zoned, with inclusions of white and pale yellow that is likely all Barite as well. In excellent condition, near the base is a small chip and the bottom was the point of attachment. Older specimen vintage 2004 from Jinkouhe in the Ebian area, Sichuan, China. An architectural habit with the crystals in a parallel growth that has the look of a skyscraper.
Tennantite and Siderite - classic European
stock #17.1-032
Barbora Adit, Knottei area, Krupka, Krusne Hory Mts
Usti nad Labem Region (Bohemia),
Czech Republic
5.4 x 3.3 x 2.2 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $150
new year 2021
A very old and very rich Czech Tennantite from this historic mining region. The matrix is a sparkling Quartz with several large (for the locality) Siderite rhombs up to 2.5 CM. The Tennantites are in clusters of many small, distinctive crystals, up to 4mm - though most are smaller. The Tennantite masses are relatively bright, lustrous and includes many twins. A small amount of Chalcopyrite is seen with magnification. This can be displayed from several angles that show more Dolomite or more Tennantite depending on preference.
SOLD Wulfenite with Mimetite
stock #SOLD 17.1-166
Rowley Mine, (Reliance Mine), Theba, Painted Rock District
Arizona,
United States
2.1 x 1.6 x 1.4 CM (thumbnail)
price: $0
new year 2021
A superb and perfect thumbnail of bright orange windowpane Wulfenites with a scattering of red Mimetite. The Wulfenites are perched like wings on a small mound of solid matrix so this looks like a butterfly from some angles. Even under strong magnification this is flawless, undamaged and looks fine from any angle. The Rowley Mine is one of the great USA localities for Wulfenites, the crystals tend to be small, thin and brilliant. The mine, before it closed in recent years, was an excellent source of specimens but fully perfect competition quality was very rare. We have handled many good pieces and are currently offering some others on line, but this is simply not a typical level piece. Far better in person and an outstanding colorful, delicate Wulfenite that is a choice example of this iconic locality.
Fluorite on Muscovite with Quartz
stock #6.2-568
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
10.4 x 6.4 x 5.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $880
new year 2021
A choice old Yaogangxian specimen with fantastic contrast. Purple phantom Fluorites in a cluster set like jewels on matrix, the largest crystal about 2.5 CM diameter. Transparent to translucent Fluorites with a glassy to waxy luster, these look fine from just about any angle. In fine condition overall, by naked eye there is no visible damage, just some minor rough spots. With a good loupe some small bruises are seen, this is not distracting and is lost in the bigger context. The color ranges from the "grape purple" phantoms to a lighter violet-blue in the crystal bodies, glows great if backlit. This is 2006 vintage, from the "golden years" for Fluorites at Yaogangxian.
Dolomite - iridescent
stock #20.1-814
Tsumeb
Otjikoto Region,
Namibia
3 x 2.4 x 2.3 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $120
new year 2021
An unusual and attractive thumbnail of Dolomite crystals from Tsumeb with iridescent sheen. An older piece originally labelled "Cobaltoan Dolomite, Tsumeb SWA", however, this does not look at all like the usual Cobalt coloring and doubt the accuracy of that. This is however unusual looking for Tsumeb the crystals are sharp, slightly curved and have reddish-purple highlights.
Vanadinite
stock #13.1-224
Mibladen Mine, Upper Moulouya lead district, Midelt, Khenifra Province
Meknes-Tafilalet Region,
Morocco
4 x 2.4 x 2.7 CM (miniature)
price: $140
new year 2021
Vanadinite crystals with both brilliantly lustrous red faces and some faces that are a mustard color. The form and esthetics are choice and looks fine from several angles. Vanadinite from Morocco has been rather plentiful for the past few years and the costs are still reasonable for such an attractive specie.
Apatite, Siderite, Quartz and Pyrite
stock #17.1-054
Panasquieira Mines, Panasquiera Covilha
Castelo Branco District,
Portugal
11.1 x 8.3 x 4.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $390
new year 2021
A complex mix of sharp gemmy Apatites with Quartz crystals that are in turn covered with small Siderites and a sprinkle of Pyrite. From the famed Panasqueira Mine, this is both esthetic and has an unusual presentation. The Apatite (Fluorapatite) is vividly fluorescent and in fine condition.
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