SOLD Ludlamite with Pyrite and Siderite
stock #SOLD 22.1-345
Huanuni Mine, Huanuni, Pataleon Dalence Province
Oruro Department,
Bolivia
3.8 x 3.5 x 1.9 CM (miniature)
price: $0
Fall 22
Exceptionally well-crystalized Ludlamite on a matrix of Siderite and Pyrite. The Ludlamite is in both prismatic crystals and in spherical rosette form balls. The largest ball is a textbook perfect crystal cluster perched at the top of the specimen. No damage and with bright luster, vivid color and excellent esthetics. From the recent find at Huanuni, (Bolivia), these have been big news in the mineral world as they have outstanding quality and form.
Stannite with Zinkenite on Pyrite
stock #7.AE-195
San Jose Mine, Oruro
Oruro Department,
Bolivia
6.4 x 4.6 x 3.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $650
Late Summer 2021
Stannite is somewhat rare Sulfide that is not usually attractive unless it has some contrast with its matrix or a very good form. This specimen has a bright sparkling Pyrite matrix with excellent luster that hosts some Stannites in well-formed, complex twinned crystals. The largest Stannite is 1.3 CM across. There is a little Zinkenite in the mix as small but fat needle-like crystals that need a close examination to find. This is from the San Jose Mine which has produced many incredible rare Sulfides and Sulfosalt specimens over the years. This piece is roughly 20 years old from the golden age of this important locale. There is no sign of degradation to the Pyrite and the Stannite is undamaged. A really attractive setting for the dark sulfides nestled in a golden matrix.
Franckeite has always been an incredibly rare mineral and was only known in micro crystals until the major find in 2004 of what was then called Potosiite. This is now known to be a variety of Franckeite with less tin than usual. This was not a large find but the better specimens were quickly gobbled up by collectors and are almost never available now. This piece was one of those major specimens, it is from a collection we are liquidating for the owner and retains the original Kosnar label. In incredible condition for this delicate mineral with individual crystals that reach over 1 CM, in clusters and free standing masses. This piece also has crystals of the original Franckeite that is not the Potosiite variety so this brings two of the world's rarest Sulfosalts on a single matrix. For the species, this is also an esthetic piece, with very three dimensional form and a good metallic luster.
A fine and attractive specimen of this rare Lead, Silver, Antimony "black ugly" mineral. Until the 2004 find, Andorites were one of the rarer Sulfosalts and crystals were always quite tiny. This piece is from that discovery and unusually esthetic, excellent for the size, condition and distinct form of these crystals. The metallic luster and steel to brassy hues are as good as these ever get. Ex Kosnar, there are now very few of this caliber to be found. An outstanding example of this rare Silver specie.
Cassiterite variety Needle Tin
stock #18.1-104
Minera Monserrat, Challapampa, Poopo Province
Oruro Department,
Bolivia
5.6 x 5.5 x 3.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $160
Spring update
A very unusual specimen from Boliva that looks like an old Cornish "needle tin". A three dimensional matrix densely covered with delicate accicular crystals of brown Cassiterite. In fine condition as seen, ex. Hitchings collection. Especially impressive under magnification, this is an uncommon habit and a well crystallized example.