Hyalite opal on Rutile crystals
stock #24.1-311
Novo Horizonte
Bahia,
Brazil
5.2 x .8 x .6 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $360
An amazing and odd specimen with the association of glass-clear Hyalite Opal balls coating the golden to copper color Rutile crystals. From a small find about 2 years ago, these were very much a surprise in the mineral world. As far as I know, this association is unique to this locale, only one example is seen on Mindat and this is certainly a very rare combo. In fine condition, esthetic and the Hyalite is vividly fluorescent as well.
Lustrous and gemmy red-brown crystals of Uvite cover a thin matrix. From the famed finds at Brumado, these were and are considered to be some of the best Uvites in the world. Found in the late 1980 era, this piece was from the late Dr. Luis Menezes, a prolific dealer and dedicated mineralogist. These were called simply Uvites when first found but later work showed that few were true pure Uvite, most are partly to fully Fluor-Uvite. No matter which name is used these are quite attractive and with magnification the smaller crystals are more evident and add a lot of flash. The largest crystals on the plate are about 1.2 CM across. A very good example from this modern classic locale.
Quartz included by Dumortierite
stock #22.1-241
Vaca Morta Quarry, Serra Da Vereda, Boquira
Bahia,
Brazil
2.7 x 2.2 x 1.6 CM (thumbnail)
price: $110
Spring 23
Bright blue inclusions of Dumortierite are visible inside and through Quartz crystals. From a find at Vaca Morta (Bahia, Brazil) a very nice example in thumbnail size. The blue color is mostly concentrated on the backside of this specimen along a crystalized contact plane and there is more near the terminations. This color is quite similar to the uncommon Shattuckite inclusions and a bit brighter than Papagoite. A vivid and still affordable Quartz.
Classic sixling type twin of Rutile crystals epitaxially growing from a Hematite crystal. In very fine condition, this radiating star habit is one of the wonders of the mineral world. These are delicate but not especially fragile, this can be shipped safely.
A super cabinet size display specimen of large, sharp transparent crystals of Magnesite. The Magnesites are highly lustrous and the largest exceeds 4 CM across. A few small yellow-brown Uvite crystals are scattered as well. Overall in fine condition, minor edge rubs are noted and the overall quality is top percentile. While Magnesite is a common mineral, good crystals are quite rare and are mostly know from a very few localities. Magnesite from the finds at Brumado (early 2000 era) have been considered as the best yet seen on the planet. The classic localities in Europe also produced some fine specimens are are treasured for the antiquity and rarity. However the Brumado Magnesites are known to be especially distinctive and are the crystals exceptional as this piece shows. While not really in any demand as a gemstone, some clear crystals like these have been faceted for the rare gem collector market. Since the deaths of some of the great collector/ dealers in Brazil (Carlos Barbosa, Luiz Menezes) there have not been more of these emerging on the market.
Magnesite with Uvite
stock #21.1-174
Brumado
Bahia,
Brazil
6 x 4.3 x 3 CM (cabinet)
price: $1200
Late Summer 2021
A killer, well crystalized Magnesite with the addition of yellow to green Uvite crystals from the now classic finds at Brumado. These are considered by most collectors to be the very best Magnesites ever found worldwide, and this is a superb example. This is a very early specimen from the first imports of the late Luis Menezes, and with a rare perfection and quality. The Magnesite is super clear, very sharp and the largest crystal is 3.4 CM. We have not seen any good or new specimens for the past few years. The arrangement of the rhombs on this specimen is especially esthetic and the Uvites are also glassy, colorful and add a nice contrast.
Rutile on Hematite
stock #20.1-177
Novo Horizonte
Bahia,
Brazil
3.6 x 3.4 x .2 CM (miniature)
price: $120
Spring 2020
Epitaxial arrangement of Rutile needles in the six ray form that is famous from this locality in Bahia, Brazil. A choice small example of metallic silver-black Hematite crystals with typical very flat habit hosting radiating needles of Rutile. Close exam of the Hematite faces shows complex striations and some embedded Rutile.
Rutilated Quartz and Hematite
stock #13.1-175
Novo Horizonte
Bahia,
Brazil
3.8 x 2.4 x 1.8 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $190
A cute toenail sized rutilated Quartz that sits on bladed Hematite crystals that are also Rutilated. The Rutile hairs are bright golden color and very sharp, clearly seen both inside and out of the Quartz. Rutile on Hematite and Rutile inside Quartz are both often available, but it is quite uncommon to see both together like this.