Leucite is a mineral oddity in that it is classified as both a Feldspathoid and is listed in the Zeolite family as well. It has a crystal form very similar to
Analcime. This cluster is in the typical habit and from a well-known Italian locality. Complete all around no damage.
A classic old Sardinian specimen and highly sought after bright green Anglesites on typical matrix. There are several green crystals of Anglesite on this specimen, largest 1.7 CM, but sadly most have noticeable damage, only some small ones in vugs are in good shape. Despite the damage the color is good, it is very hard to find any such specimens. The Anglesites are fluorescent yellow and the matrix exterior is a botryoidal Gossan with a core of altered Galena hosting the Anglesites. Montevechio is an ancient mine worked even before the middle ages. Green Anglesites were found long ago and are something of a holy grail for many. The damage here is heart breaking but makes this a very affordable example of this rare Lead secondary. With more perfect crystals this would easily be a mid 4 figures specimen.
A killer of Piedmont style Garnet on Clinochlore. Perfect, well-formed and well-exposed Grossular crystals up to 1.2 CM. contrast with blue green matrix. Fine condition Italian specimens with such large size crystals from the high elevation Rodingite zones are prized by collectors the world over. These rank as some of the world’s best for the specie. This piece has several Garnets in an epitaxial cluster but also has perfectly isolated crystals as well. The bright luster makes this hard to photograph but in person it is very impressive and eye-catching.
A host of rare Antimony species on Stibnite. From the collection of Ruth and Andy Palmer (species collectors working with the late Dr. Joe Mandarino) there are likely several other species present that were not identified yet when this specimen was catalogued. The Peretite are white flattened habit crystals, from the type locality associated with Klebelsbergite on Stibnite. Areas of reddish Kermesite crystals are in several vugs and a few isolated Sulfur crystals are noted as well. Though not identified on the collection ledger or labels it seems there is both Metastibnite and Stibiconite as well. A nice suite of rare minerals in these micro crystals from an important mineralogical locality.
A fine Italian Garnet specimen with two generations of Grossular on sharp Clinochlore crystals. The smaller Grossular are gemmy red and very bright in color. The larger Garnets are a deeper orange to brown color and also very lustrous. In very good condition overall, there are some broken areas but only on the outer perimeter. Classic and pretty.
Phosgenite - classic Sardinian
stock #23.1-352
Monteponi Mine, Iglesias, Carbonia
Sardinia,
Italy
2.3 x 2.1 x 1 CM (thumbnail)
price: $490
Spring 23
A single crystal of Phosgenite from the classic Monteponi Mine, ex Delaware University museum and attributed to the George Kunz collection (No Kunz label but a faded number on the specimen). Most of the Phosgenites from this locale have some type of damage, this one has some edge wear but is mostly complete on all sides, there is a chip on the backside and an old repair to note but still shows the form very well. This has classic flat basal terminations and stepped outer edges on the prism faces. Gemmy areas as well as vivid fluorescence add interest and character. For many years the Monteponi Mines were the world's best source of crystalized Lead secondary minerals like this; they are still prized and respected today.
Kutnohorite with Aragonite in Geode
stock #22.1-181
Levane, Bucine, Arezzo Province
Tuscany,
Italy
4.7 x 4.4 x 2 CM larger half (miniature)
price: $380
Fall 22
A complete Geode of Carbonate rock filled with colorless Selenite needles and brown to pinkish spheres of Kutnahorite. In perfect condition, this is from an very unusual occurrence and is a very attractive presentation of Kutnahorite unlike any others we know of. This specie is a fairly uncommon Manganese Carbonate, but it can take many forms and habits. It is best known as good display specimens from the Kalahari Manganese Fields, from most other localities these are quite drab. This deposit has a very different style and esthetic, the better specimens like this are quite attractive and unusual. This specimen is especially rich for this locality with balls of Kutnahorite to well over 1 cm both pink and brown in color.
Valentinite on Barite - classic Italian
stock #12.1-304
Tafone Mine, Manciano, Grosetto Province
Tuscany,
Italy
8.5 x 6.4 x 4.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $950
New Year 22
An incredibly rich and sizable specimen that is covered with hundreds of slender glassy crystals of Valentinite. Ex John Marshall collection, with previous labels from Shields Flynn and Pequa Rare Minerals, this is an excellent cabinet sized display piece, by far the largest and very best we have ever seen from this locality and outstanding from practically anyplace. Typically Valentinite is seen as Micro specimens or thumbnails, such a large dense carpet of crystals is very rare. Despite the delicacy, this is in excellent condition.
