Cerussite - stacked sixling twins
stock #19.1-105
Broken Hill, Yancowinna County
New South Wales,
Australia
7.3 x 5.3 x 4.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $2400
Early summer 2023
An elegant stack of sixling twinned Cerussites from the classic Broken Hill Mine (Australia). The stack, when viewed from the ends, looks like a typical six-ray star form Cerussite, but when seen on the side is a stack of many connected twins in an aligned cluster. In remarkable condition for this delicate mineral, there is no damage seen by naked eye. This is another modern classic locale although it dates back to 1885, it was until recently one of the major Lead mines in the world. This specimen is fairly old and unusual as the delicate reticulation is very well defined and far more lustrous than most. A super Cerussite from Broken Hill and about as fine as can be found outside museums.
SOLD Opal var. Boulder Opal
stock #SOLD 23.1-369
Queensland Opal Fields
Queensland,
Australia
5.2 x 3.2 x 2.9 CM (miniature)
price: $0
Spring 23
Super color with intense fire play, this opal has bright blue, purple and green flashes. The matrix is typical ironstone, the Opal is well-exposed and visible on all sides of the piece. An older piece circa 1960, ex Immer Cook collection. The opal density is very good, the specimen could cut several stones. Despite the age there is no sign of crazing, cracking or spalling, the opal is quite stable. We do not usually handle non-crystalized specimens but of course we make exceptions for interesting natural items like this! More vivid in person too.
Outstanding color and luster, a super example of this famed find made about 13 years ago. We are told the locality flooded shortly after and no further work was possible. The top surface is densely covered with sharp Pyromorphites on a vivid green carpet of Malachite. Most pieces from this locale are quite flat, but this has a fine three dimensional presentation and is in perfect, undamaged condition. A modern classic locality, for several decades the Rum Jungle area had produced some fine Lead and Copper specimens. However this particular find is considered the best ever, and sadly was the last.
A remarkable and pristine example of this rare Phosphate from what is unquestionably the best locality for the specie (Reaphook Hill, Australia). This has the very best esthetics and coverage of perfect slender crystals we have seen, including top collections and museums. It certainly is among the very top specimens of the specie. These crystals average 1 CM and the radiating structures are up to 3.3 CM in diameter. These were found in the 1960-70 era, nothing since has been seen. Pieces of this quality are only available from old collections.
Stellerite and Quartz
stock #8.AE-1062
Tambar Springs, Pottinger County
New South Wales,
Australia
11.3 x 9.2 x 3.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $1150
Spring 23
Large crystals of this rare Zeolite (Stellerite) with intense salmon orange color are sprinkled with sparkling colorless Quartz balls. From the famed discoveries at the Tambar Springs area of the Garawalla Volcanics. The Stellerite from this zone is unlike any other known worldwide, which is usually in very small crystals or rounded balls. In excellent condition the crystals on this piece exceed 5 CM and have sharp form, bright luster and are translucent to transparent. This deep orange color is the most sought after for Stellerite, these are now only seen from older collections. A first rate rare Zeolite with fine esthetics, minimal matrix and display pop.
A sizable and very pure mass of Chlorargyrite (formerly Cerargyrite) crystals in branching clusters. There is no matrix, just crystal masses of this uncommon Silver Chloride. The crystals have the typical rounded look but many also have distinct faces and well-developed form. This is a classic Australian Silver specimen from the famed Broken Hill which was at one time the greatest source of such minerals. This is an especially sculptural piece with a very three dimensional look that displays well from all sides. The color in person ranges from the dark olive green to a rusty brown. Such large specimens are unknown outside of this classic old deposit, these represent best of the specie. Ex Ruth and Andy Palmer and William Hladysz collections. At a quick glance the surface seems rather crude but with even slight magnification the complex crystal forms are especially impressive.
Bromian Chlorargyrite (Embolite)
stock #0591-JM-3253
Broken Hill, Yancowinna County
New South Wales,
Australia
7.5 x 5.2 x 3 CM (cabinet)
price: $1500
Fall 22
A fine and super well-crystalized cabinet specimen of this rare Silver Halide. Ex. John Marshall collection, from the famed Broken Hill of Australia which produced the very best of these long ago. This has greenish to yellow waxy crystals standing on massive matrix. Some epitaxial clustering and hoppered stacking of the crystals (see the last photo) is unusual and distinctive. A hefty specimen in hand, the crystals are also unusually large for the specie. John obtained this from Ernie Schlichter in 1994, labels and collection card are included. Formerly known as Embolite, this is certainly a very old piece, these were found from the early 1900's to about 1940. Super rich and rarely available in this size and quality.
Pyromorphite
stock #21.1-482
Broken Hill, Yancowinna County
New South Wales,
Australia
4.2 x 3.2 x 2.1 CM (miniature)
price: $280
Post Tucson 2022
Brilliant yellow crystals cover the display face of a dark contrasting Coronadite matrix. The crystals are lustrous and on close exam, very gemmy. In fine condition for such slender, delicate prisms. A choice and colorful example from this classic locality.
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