Very fine Rhodochrosite on Quartz from the famed Wallace Gould Levison (NYC, USA) collection obtained by trade in 1894 from a Mr. Gruzig. The large matrix holds an open cavity with Rhodochrosite balls and sparkling small crystals mixed with Quartz. The original locality listed in Levisons collection ledger calls the locality Sieben Geberge in Hungary. He later amended his label to Felsobanyo, Hungary. This is now Baia Spirie, Romania. This period was a dynamic epoch in the Austrio-Hungarian Empire, so localities were often renamed as borders, languages and nationalities changed. No matter the locality changes, this is a very well-formed specimen in excellent condition. The original Levison handwritten label is attached to the piece, and we also include a photocopy of this page from his collection notes/ ledger. Levison was an important American mineral collector and inventor (first patented movie camera etc). This piece is his number 1407 from a collection that eventually reached over 5,500. In addition to being an attractive specimen this has well-documented provenance and a good historic pedigree. Better and a little more vivid in person.
Sphalerite - triplet macle
stock #21-FC-010
Baia Mare
Maramures,
Romania
4.3 x 2.4 1.6 CM (miniature)
price: $390
New Year 22
A sharp, textbook perfect triplet or macle twin of Sphalerite on contrasting Dolomite. From the classic Romanian locale of Baia Mare, this is highly lustrous in person. The main twin is a prominent 1.8 CM triangle nicely centered in the center of this cute miniature specimen. Sphalerite is a mineral that is very often twinned, but this habit of triple joining is quite unusual.
Multi-specie specimen with at least 8 minerals present, the most significant being a cluster of Semseyite from this type locality. This is a complex matrix holding milky Quartz crystals that are surrounded by Siderite and Pyrite. Semseyite in radial form sits on one edge and Galena, Sphalerite, Chalcopyrite and Dolomite are evident too. Baia Sprie is the type locality for Semseyite, but it was more more commonly found at Baia Mare. Semseyite is fairly rare at Baia Sprie. Long known as Felsobanya, this locale had been mined since the 14th century, so by any definition the locality and this specimen are classics. The mines have all been closed since 2006. Ex Ernie Schlichter, this is a good example and especially interesting with magnification.
Calcite - curved saddle-form crystals
stock #21.1-226
Herja Mine, Chiuzbala , Baia Mare
Maramures,
Romania
7.7 x 4.6 x 3.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $130
Early summer 2021
Sharp edged saddle shaped crystals of Calcite with curved or bent faces in a stacked cluster. The Calcites are a flattened rhomb habit with every face showing the curved plane but most strongly visible on the largest crystals. The Calcites are a very light grey color and in good condition, some minor edge roughness exists and most of the Calcite has a matte luster on the surface that looks textured but several parts also have a brighter smooth surface as well. An odd habit that is a lot like saddle-shaped curved Dolomite but this form is not at all common in Calcite.
A classic form from the Herja Mine in Romania, this is a flawless and very sharp Stibnite ball. The individual crystals are highly lustrous, gun metal blue-black to silver that reflect colorful highlights in person. The matrix is a solid crystalline Silicate that is a complete floater, micro crystallized on all sides. Unusual and especially eye-catching in person. The ball is 2.3 CM across and impressively undamaged.
A superb and very hard to find Barite with the sharp color zoning of red to orange Realgar inclusions that makes remarkable phantoms. This classic mine has been closed now for a long while, there will never be more of these and there were never many. Most of the Realgar included Barite found was not so transparent and the red color filled the entire crystal. This piece has excellent clarity and the inner zoning is very sharp and well-defined. Overall in fine condition for such thin and delicate crystals, these are also far larger and better isolated than most crystals. There are very small rough areas as seen in the photos but this is never the less a superb display specimen, and a standout in any suite of Barites.
Vesuvianite - classic locale
stock #16.1-697-(stk)
Dognaczka, Banat Mountains
Caras Severin Co.,
Romania
6.4 x 4.6 x 4.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $220
Spring 2020
Glassy isolated crystals of Vesuvianite with some Calcite presenting several habits. Some crystals reach to 2.1 CM. An older specimen dating back to the era when this was part of Hungary.
Stibnite
stock #9.1-247
Cavnic
Maramures,
Romania
6.7 x 5.2 x 4.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $380
Spring 2020
An esthetic classic Romanian Stibnite crystal cluster with colorful patina on several crystals. This is a radiating group of metallic crystals that is damage free and looks good on all sides. This is an older specimen (30 years or more) from the Cavnic mines that have been closed for a few years. These older stibnites are unique in their habit and look and are clearly recognizable being unlike those from other localities.
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