A superb cluster of gemmy Celestite crystals encrusting a Sulphur matrix which adds a bright yellow between the smaller Celestites. In perfect condition all around, which is impressive with such delicate form and fine slender crystals. From the famed Sulfur deposits in Agrigento, Sicily, a choice Celestite from anyplace, this is so bright it is hard to capture in photos. Top glassy luster and presentation, this is a specimen that looks great from all angles and has a great impact for its size.
Epidote gemmy crystals with minor Byssolite
stock #17.1-281
Antrona Valley, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola Province
Piedmont,
Italy
7.9 x 5.2 x4.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $170
new year 2021
Fine transparent crystals of olive green Epidote clustered in a pocket on a Rodingite matrix. Ex Glenn Petrie and Brizzi Giancarlo, (labels included), this specimen is dated March 1982. Most crystals are sharply terminated but some are incomplete due to being contacted. The luster is bright and glassy as is expected on any good alpine Epidote.
Andradite var. Demantoid-Topazolite
stock #20.1-468
Val Malenco, Sondrio Province
Lombardy,
Italy
6.4 x 2.7 x 1.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $390
new year 2021
Classic Garnet specimen from the Malenco Valley of Italy collected in the late 1890's. There are some pale yellowish and darker green Andradite crystals on this matrix which has a tiny bit of adhering Asbestos. This is more Demantoid than Topaziolite despite the label that accompanies the specimen. The Garnets are translucent to slightly transparent, typically showing some rounded areas and what seems like face etching. These are well-exposed from the matrix and in good condition. Garnets from this very old mineralized zone have an immediately recognizable look unlike any others. A choice old European garnet.
Pyrite and Hematite - classic locale
stock #17.1-608
Elba Island, Livorno Province
Tuscany,
Italy
6.6 x 4 x 3.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $190
new year 2021
An open vug or pocket lined with Hematite blades that are the matrix for several Pyrite crystals in Pyritohedal form. Classic Elba specimen that shows well the contrast between the two species and the crystal habit that is famed from Elba. This is an older piece with the Pyrite having maintained very good luster.
A super sharp, clear and lustrous gemmy Adularia crystal is nicely perched on matrix. A very old specimen, ex Roberto Palumbo (Rome, Italy mineral dealer active 1928-1945) with his label. The Feldspar is distinctly twinned as well and perfcely undamaged even at high magnifications. The locality of Monte Forno in the Piedmont has several well known alpine localities on it but also many tiny clefts that were worked mostly by Swiss Strahlers over a very long period. This is a choice piece with the Adularia well above the matrix and presenting well from all sides.
Pyromorphite- Mimetite series, Classic locale
stock #18.1-220
Donori, Calagari Province,
Sardinia,
Italy
5.9 x 4.7 x 3.2 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $280
Worldwide mix summer
Choice, quite lustrous green Pyromorphite (originally labeled as Mimetite) from the old locality at Donori, Sardinia. Very good coverage and deep apple green color, a few small crude crystals are seen with strong magnification, but overall this is a botryoidal specimen. Quite three dimensional and in fine condition, this is much richer than most I have seen from the locality. These are now often labelled as being Pyromorphite- Mimetites as it seems there are both species in the deposit and may be zoned.
Andradite var. Demantoid- classic locality
stock #18.1-168
Sferiun Asbestos Mine, Vallone del Cengiaccio, Vaitellina, Sondrio Provi
Lombardy,
Italy
6.8 x 5.9 x 2.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $475
Spring update
Choice Val Malenco Garnet specimen with several waxy green rounded Demantoid crystals perched on typical Amphibole matrix. The elongation of the 2.1 CM main crystal is impressive, and shows complex rounded faces. Classic specimen, these have always been prized and this is an older piece, sawn on the back as is common to enable collecting intact. The matrix has some cracks that may be old repairs or typical weakness in the fibrous structure of the matrix. Well above average quality best appreciated in person
An old Italian specimen that is loaded with several well crystallized rarities. Included older labels have misidentified the Metastibnite as Kermesite which it does indeed look like. Aside from that, this hosts well developed crystals of Klebelsbergite in several forms, Peretaite, Sulphur, Stibnite, Valentinite and possibly Ottensite and Minyulite. A real treat under the microscope, but the largest metastibnite crystal is 2.8 CM and needs no magnification.
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