Sphalerite with Quartz
stock #8.1-439
Krushev Dol Mine, Madan, Rhodope Mts.
Smolyan Oblast,
Bulgaria
10.4 x 7.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $325
Spring 23
As a rule, black Sphalerite is not a very attractive mineral, but this one is something special! Lustrous and sharp glassy Sphalerites to almost 3 CM are decorated with treelike growths of slender Quartz crystals. In great condition and with killer esthetics, the Sphalerites are well-positioned and show complex growth hillocks on many faces. Careful examination finds only minor edge wear on some Sphalerites, nothing distracting from the impact of this piece. Great for this specie and exceptional for this famous mineral region!
Galena -Spinel twinned
stock #10.1-055
Krushev Dol Mine, Madan, Rhodope Mts.
Smolyan Oblast,
Bulgaria
4.6 x 3.8 x 2.2 CM (miniature)
price: $280
Fall 22
Text book perfect, Spinel twinned Galena crystals in a complex epitaxially oriented cluster. In excellent undamaged condition, the metallic luster ranges from mirror bright to slightly satin. The color is a silver grey gun-metal and the specimen looks fine on all sides. From an important find in 2010 at Madan (Bulgaria), these were quickly recognized as among the best Galenas ever found. A choice miniature that looks fine on either side. The forms look more like a futuristic landscape than a mineral specimen.
Sphalerite (Cleiophane) and Galena on Quartz
stock #13.1-158
September 9th Mine, Madan Ore field, Rhodope Mts.
Smolyan Oblast,
Bulgaria
11.8 x 8.2 x 4.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $950
Early summer 2021
A very fine cabinet display specimen of gemmy yellow to dark green Sphalerite crystals on a contrasting drusy Quartz boxwork matrix. The Quartz druse sprinkled with cubes of Galena some of which have grown next to the Spahlerites. A classic association from the Madan area of Bulgaria, this is much better than most and in excellent condition. This presents the majority of the Cleiophane (gemmy Sphalerites) in a chain like cluster. These photos are not backlit but with a good light behind the Sphalerites they glow a vivid bright yellow-green which is fantastic in person.
Galena with Sphalerite and Quartz
stock #15.1-174
Borieva Mine, Madan, Rhodope Mts.
Madan,
Bulgaria
9.8 x 5.8 x 6.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $450
new year 2021
Stacked skeletal cubes and modified cubo-octahedra forming a curved "monster" of Galena. Remarkable geometric structures in a complex structure. This is mostly Galena but dark Sphalerite and white Quartz are a nice contrasting matrix. Matte metallic luster and slightly melted edges on one side of the specimen with a brighter and sharper display on the opposite side. In fine undamaged condition, this is a far better in person, a striking and unusually esthetic Galena from finds in 2015. A choice modern classic.
Galena, Chalcopyrite, Quartz and Sphalerite
stock #9.1-345
September 9th Mine, Madan Ore field, Rhodope Mts.
Smolyan Oblast,
Bulgaria
8.2 x 5.8 x 4.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $390
new year 2021
Geometrically aligned Galena crystals dominate this complex multi-specie piece from the famed Madan area. We have been awed by the diversity and quality of Galenas and Sphalerites from Madan, which is probably the world's best source for these. Every few years a new habit or style is found. This was mined in 2009, it is in perfect, undamaged condition. The Galena Luster is dull metallic which is contrasted by the bright Sphalerite and Chalcopyrite. It is easy to understand why some collectors love Sulfides and especially Galenas.
Brilliant metallic luster which is impossible to really appreciate in any photograph, from the great Madan mining region. Very sharp, perfect crystals with no damage contrast with the sparkling white matrix. The crystals here have several habits and are mostly modified cubo-octahedral. This particular mine yielded some of the best Galena specimens found over the past several years and the luster as in this piece can be incredible. An excellent value for the esthetics and quality.
Chalcopyrite with Galena and Sphalerite
stock #AX-22-137
Borieva Mine, Madan, Rhodope Mts.
Smolyan Oblast,
Bulgaria
10.8 x 7.7 x 6.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $2600
Great Chalcopyrite crystals are remarkably rare, these are superb, sharp and quite large. Set on a "melted" Galena matrix with scattered crystals of Sphalerite, the Chalcopyrites are perfect, no chips, cracks or any damage. These have a nice patina and dark brassy color that sets off the well defined striations. Textbook perfect forms these show both single crystals and twins in fine detail. We try to grab any great Chalcopyrite crystals from this region. I believe they are some of the best ever found when they are this well defined. In person this is especially impressive and it is one of the most esthetic we have seen. Individual crystals are just under 5 CM, and the contrast with the matrix is strong. This specimen is also a "floater" it is crystalized all around and displays fine from most any angle.
Galena with Dolomite and Sphalerite
stock #AX-27-091
Ninth of September mine, Madan, Rhodope Mountains
Smolyan Oblast,
Bulgaria
7.7 x 4.7 x 3.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $380
Worldwide mix summer
Bright metallic Galena with high luster is epitaxially encrusted with Dolomite in a very esthetic manner. Much of the Dolomite is in spherical form and is aligned on crystal edges. In super condition, the specimen is more impressive in person and the crystals have mirror brilliance on many faces. The Madan area mines have been the source of the worlds best Galena for several years, this specimen shows why these are so well respected as a very good value for quality.
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