A huge, stout main crystal of Magnetite 7.8 CM tall dominates this very unusual early specimen. Other Magnetites up to 2.8 CM are on the matrix as well. We obtained this specimen in China in 2004, it was quickly sold back then but it is back now to be recycled to a good home. This is by far the largest Magnetite I know of from China, it was from a very small lot from the pegmatites of the Gaoligong Shan, and has a form and style unlike any of the later finds in Inner Mongolia and elsewhere. The crystals are all thick yet elongated and show stepped faces on all sides. Somewhat crude but still quite sharp, complete and showing textbook form. Aside from a single contact on the back area of the main crystal this is in perfect condition. These crystal faces all show a slightly golden lustrous alteration coating that adds a glistening to the overall appearance. Despite looking, I have never found any other Magnetites from this region for sale over the past 17 years. A nice Magnetite from anyplace but a really great piece for any serious China suite.
Cassiterite on Quartz w. Chlorite
stock #8.1-086
Gaoligong Shan, Baoshan Prefecture
Yunnan Province,
China
4.7 x 4.5 x 3.5 CM (miniature)
price: $280
Spring 2017
A nice Cassiterite is perched atop a Quartz crystal matrix. Dark opaque black with good luster the condition is very good but there is some chipping on the front and contacts on the backside (not seen on display) From the unusual locale at Gaoligong Shan, a well-developed Cassiterite.