Amethyst - unusual forms
stock #12.1-106
Karur
Tamil Nadu,
India
7.8 x 5.7 x 2.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $190
A cluster of Amethyst crystals on matrix with a mix of habits and forms. In excellent condition and with good color, luster and sharp forms. There are several doubly-terminated crystals and reversed scepters as well as a few other habits. The Karur area has a reputation for odd Amethysts and this shows some of that. With magnification it is possible to see many inclusions especially needles and hairs of red and yellow color.
Amethyst on Calcite
stock #12.1-113
Karur
Tamil Nadu,
India
7.4 x 5.8 x 2.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $260
A small cabinet sized plate of small greenish Calcite crystals is the matrix for a complex array of doubly terminated Amethyst. The Quartz is in perfect condition, very lustrous and fully transparent, it makes a great contrast with the vivid purple on green. This has a flowerlike look in person, Some of the crystals are sceptered and reverse sceptered. Good magnification also show some slender red inclusions that may be hematite or another mineral. Pretty and unusual a very nice example from this moist inusual locality at Karur in Southern India.
white Prehnite casts
stock #7.AE-239
Malad Quarry, Malad, Mumbai District
Maharashtra,
India
9.6 x 4.2 x 2.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $320
Spring 23
Really unusual hollow casts of sparkling white crystalline Prehnite sprinkled with small clear Apophyllite crystals. From Malad (Deccan Plateau of India) It looks like this has grown over Anhydrite crystals (and not Laumontite) that are now gone. The backside of the specimen is hollow, the void of the original crystals is clearly seen. No damage or bruises, this is a perfect and complete replacement unlike anything we know from India. Such replacements are well-known in the Northeastern USA trap-rock zones, but never in such elongated, slender fingers and always with typical green color. White Prehnite is surprisingly uncommon, this piece also has very distinct small crystal bundles of flattened stacks of lath-like Prehnite crystals best appreciated with magnification. Although the Deccan Plateau produces many mineral specimens, this habit and style is really unusual and comes from a find more than 16 years ago.
Cavansite with Stilbite
stock #8.AE-735
Dhoot Quarry, Wagholi, Pune
Maharashtra,
India
5.3 x 5.2 x 2.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $390
Spring 23
A choice Cavansite with top color and no damage at all from the classic Wagholi locale in Pune (India). For many years we would see a lot of Cavansites at major mineral shows, these were popular due to the often intense color, and quite affordable. Undamaged pieces were much less common and now we understand the quarries are being redeveloped into housing. It seems the end of a great locality, there are no other sources of such quality worldwide. There are still a few fine pieces to be found in the mineral market, though the prices are already going up. This piece is from finds in 2003 and is well above average for quality in this size. The thumb of Cavansite is 3.2 CM tall, perfect and vivid. A choice, colorful and increasingly rare mineral.
A most unusual Quartz with a perfect stepped hexagonal cavity in place of the typical pointed termination. A very esthetic piece with no damage. From the amazing finds at Karur, this specimen has a complex matrix of Quartz, Calcite and Muscovite that holds the 4.2 CM main Quartz scepter. The upper section or head is a glassy deep purple Amethyst while the shaft is Smoky Quartz.
A row of gemmy sceptered Amethyst crystals showing fine form. From the remarkable and unique deposits in the Karur area of Tamil Nadu (India), these crystals show inclusions of red to golden needles of Lepidocrocite. A pretty piece with very bright purple color concentrated in the terminations. The terminations are well-defined and undamaged.
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.
Stilbite with Apophyllite
stock #19.1-278
Nasik
Maharashtra,
India
9.1 x 6.4 x 3.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $350
Late Summer 2021
We do not often offer Indian Zeolite minerals as there are so many in the market and few stand out. However these can be both exceptionally esthetic and reasonable in price. This vivid orange spray of perfect Stilbites is that sort of specimen. The matrix is a jumble of Apophyllite crystals with off white porcelain luster that make a fine contrast to the orange. In perfect condition and with classic form, this is more impressive in person. Well selected Indian minerals are some of the greatest bargains in the mineral world, they offer perfection, color, esthetics and elegant forms at a low cost. This is that sort of specimen.
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