Realgar - single crystal
stock #4.2-185
Shimen (Jiepiayu) Mine, Shimen County, Changde Prefecture
Hunan Province,
China
2.2 x 1.1 x .6 CM (thumbnail)
price: $220
new year 2021
A bright red crystal that is translucent to transparent, well-formed and distinctly striated. This crystal was mined in 2003, it has been stored in the dark so is fresh and bright. A few small rough spots are to be mentioned but overall this is in fine shape, well-terminated and a choice thumbnail. When these were found they were certainly the best Realgars available at that time, and are still about as fine as can be seen. Of special note, these Hunan Realgars seemed to keep their color and luster better than specimens from other localities.
Realgar -doubly terminated crystals
stock #6.2-838
Shimen (Jiepiayu) Mine, Shimen County, Changde Prefecture
Hunan Province,
China
4.5 x 3.3 x 1.3 CM (miniature)
price: $380
Sharp, bright gemmy red Realgar with intense color. This specimen has minimal matrix and has not been displayed in bright light so it is still very impressive. This was mined in 2005 so it has held its color very well. Minimal bruises on a few edges are not easily seen by naked eye and the main crystals are in fine shape. The Shimen mine was at one time a prolific source of super (maybe the worlds best) Realgars, but it is no longer operating. The backside of the specimen has just a hint of matrix on it and is contacted where it was attached but the rest is very well crystallized and nearly all crystals show double terminations. Unusually fine for one of these.
Realgar with Calcite- gemmy crystals
stock #8.1-185
Shimen (Jiepiayu) Mine, Shimen County, Changde Prefecture
Hunan Province,
China
7.2 x 5.2 x 4.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $850
Spring update
A fat, intense red main crystal dominates this Realgar specimen. The Realgar is the less common blocky habit and has top vivid color. Glassy luster, transparent to translucent and a strong display piece. Mined over a decade ago this has been in dark storage ever since so it is pristine and fresh looking. No more is coming out, this is a very choice example. There is damage on the backside where it was removed that is not seen, the front in is fine condition and showy.
Realgar crystals on Calcite
stock #6.2-833
Shimen (Jiepiayu) Mine, Shimen County, Changde Prefecture
Hunan Province,
China
4.6 x 3.9 x 2.7 CM (miniature)
price: $390
Spring update
Brilliant, transparent red Realgar crystals perched on a translucent single Calcite scalenohedron. Older Shimen mine specimen that has been kept in dark storage so the color is fresh and lustrous. Like many Chinese minerals from this era, these were the best examples of their specie and are no longer being mined. A few crystals have slight edge wear but overall this is in pristine condition. Choice.
Realgar on Calcite
stock #AX-19-309
Shimen (Jiepiayu) Mine, Shimen County, Changde Prefecture
Hunan Province,
China
9 x 7.9 x 4.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $450
new june 17
Brilliant red and gemmy crystals of Realgar are growing from a cluster of phantom Calcite crystals from Shimen. This mine produced many of the very best Realgar specimens ever found, they have the brightest luster and the color is excellent. This specimen has been kept in the dark for more than 10 years since found so it is has a fresh unfaded look. In fine condition, the Calcite makes an excellent contrast and a also has a few bit of Realgar inside. A classic Chinese combination that is now quite rare on the market in this quality.
Realgar in and on Calcite
stock #4.2-107
Shimen (Jiepiayu) Mine, Shimen County, Changde Prefecture
Hunan Province,
China
7 x 5.5 x 4.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $145
Spring 2014
A very attractive bright specimen that has become sort of a modern classic from the Realgar Mine at Shimen. The Calcite is milky-white to clear-yellow and glassy, while the Realgar is brilliant red. This is clearly seen inside the Calcites and extending to the surface in sharp form. In good condition with some bruising that is not distracting, specimen like this one are a great value for building collections with attractive pieces that are fine yet affordable.
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