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.
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.
A fine small cabinet matrix hosting several perfect gem clear Sphalerites on needle Quartz with minor Galena, Pyrite etc. The largest cluster is 1.6 CM and all are glassy yellow green color that is classic for this material. From finds in 2014. The name Cleiophane is not an approved specie of course but it is perhaps the most desirable variety of Sphalerite.
Calcite with Sphalerite and Quartz etc.
stock #A-27-132
Borieva Mine, Madan, Rhodope Mts.
Smolyan Oblast,
Bulgaria
4.6 x 3.9 x 3.5 CM (miniature)
price: $170
Pre Holiday 2017
A delicate specimen in excellent condition with very pale pink (mangano) Calcites on a matrix of needle Quartz, lustrous Sphalerites and Pyrite. An attractive and nicely composed specimen from the great Madan deposits of Bulgaria. To my taste the Sulfide deposits of this region have produced the most esthetic examples of many species. This is a small but striking piece with quite remarkable slender Quartz that are decorated with tiny crystals of Sphalerite as well.
Exceptional bright luster and contrast on this esthetic specimen from the Madan area. The condition is excellent, this is clearly not a typical piece and displays very well. Black Sphalerite is not normally an eye-catching mineral, but this one is mirror bright and well-composed. The Calcite adds a fine contrast.
.jpg)
.jpg)
