Pyromorphite -unusual color for locale
stock #AX-19-049
Daoping Mine, Gongcheng County, Guilin Prefecture
Guangxi Province,
China
6.1 x 4.5 x 2.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $1400
Delicate sprays of glassy, transparent and sharp Pyromorphite crystals covering all sides of this specimen from Daoping. Minimal matrix, this Pyro has unusual pale colors mixed with a few of the more typical bright green hues. In impressive condition overall, this is incredible for such a delicate specimen. The pointed light yellow to brown crystasls are arranged in radiating clusters and bunches. The Daoping mine at Yangshao has become world famed for top Pyromorphites. This is a fine quality specimen and it is much more rare to see this color and habit so well presented.
Fluorite,
stock #17.1-188
Samning prefecture
Fujian Province,
China
6.5 x 2.9 x 2.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $750
From the impressive finds of 2016 this is an nice example of this purple to blue color change Fluorite. The crystals are gem clear (this has been referred to as "Tanzanite Fluorite" due to the deep color) and most show slight wispy zoning or phantoms. The specimen is contacted on the backside and some crystals have a few rough spots so it is not right for a perfectionist but it still displays very well and is much more affordable as a result. The matrix is a duze of small Quartz crystals and the Fluorites are nicely perched on the matrix stalk. The color shift is seen under different light sources, ranging from a grape purple to indigo blue.
Orpiment on Calcite
stock #AX-15-177-(C117)
Shimen (Jiepiayu) Mine, Shimen County, Changde Prefecture
Hunan Province,
China
11.5 x 9.9 x 5.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $850
Spring 2019
A very large specimen of fine Calcites richly coated with bright needle Orpiment crystals. Most of the Calcites are twinned and in fine condition, the matrix is a large shard of the same Calcite. A few areas of Realgar are noted too. With backlighting the some of the Calcites show bright red realgar inclusions. Ex Shields Flynn collection, these were a major find about 12 years ago, none since, and the mine is now inactive. A modern Chinese classic not often available in this size or quality. Esthetic.
Orpiment -gemmy crystals on Calcite
stock #6.2-532
Shimen (Jiepiayu) Mine, Shimen County, Changde Prefecture
Hunan Province,
China
5.6 x 3.7 x 3.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $875
Spring 2019
Brilliant luster on transparent crystals of Orpiment that are free standing on white Calcite. Top quality for the mineral and for this world class locale, this is damage free and far better in person. Some crystals have an internal chantoyant zone while other are simply transparent. No discoloration or crumbling, this is an older piece that has not been treated with acids or enhanced, it is from 2005 vintage mining. The Shimen mine has been closed for a while and no more specimens are coming. These have been considered to be the worlds best of the specie and are unique in the mineral world. This example is far beyond average, top quality with sharply terminated crystals just over 2 CM tall.
Tabular Beryl are not known from many localities, and this sort of elongated tabular Beryl is really rare. There are several smaller parallel position additional crystals that are not elongated but the main crystals are which is really unusual. In very good condition, no damage and with fine luster on all sides, this was found in 2007 at Xuebaoding. This form is the flat hexagon with a sharp beveled edges that is so distinctive for this location. Better in person, a choice and rare Beryl.
Ferberite, Stannite, Quartz and Fluorite etc.
stock #8.1-146
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
5.6 x 4.2 x 3.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $440
Spring 2019
A wonderful multi-specie specimen from the golden period of the great Yaogangxian mine. In fine condition, this is both esthetic and mineralogically complex. A complete label would have a long list including Ferberite, Stannite, Muscovite, Scheelite, Quartz, Fluorite, Dolomite and probably Wurtzite. The Ferberite is the dominent specie and is well defined, sharp and seems to be twinned. The Stannite crystals are numerous in clusters that covers an area over 3 CM across. The luster and overall composition makes this an especially choice piece. Displays well from several angles.
Smithsonite -two toned yellow to green
stock #18.1-686
Xiafu, Zhoaping Co. Henzoh Prefecture
Guangxi Province,
China
5.1 x 3.4 x 2.9 CM (miniature)
price: $240
Spring 2019
A wet looking luster on this botryoidal Smithsonite with the so-called Cadmium color. From the find in 2016 in Guangxi, China, this is an attractive large miniature with two colors and two different textures. In excellent condition the display side of this has no bruises or issues. These were originally sold as a Cadmium Smithsonite due to the color but later testing shows little to no Cadmium. Still a great color for Smithsonite no matter the source.
Cassiterite, Aquamarine and Muscovite
stock #AX-15-161-(C273)
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
8.8 x 4.3 x 3.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $1100
Exceptionally lustrous and choice specimen of Cassiterite crystals clustered with light blue Beryl (Aquamarine) and set off by well crystalized Muscovite. Ex Shields Flynn collection, this is an older Mt. Xuebaoding specimen that is unlike any of the later finds and is especially esthetic in person. In excellent condition as seen, the display face is in perfect condition the only damage is on the outside edges where this was removed. The bright glassy luster of the Cassiterites is hard to capture in photos it is really brilliant in person.