Smithsonite -
stock #18.1-682
Xiafu, Zhoaping Co. Henzoh Prefecture
Guangxi Province,
China
7.8 x 6.4 x 4.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $1150
A colorful and very well formed knob of botryoidal Smithsonite with good yellow color. Choice and three dimensional, this looks great from most any angle. Except at the base where this was removed, there is no damage or bruises on any surface. The satiny luster is especially rich. These have been marketed as "Cadmium" Smithsonite but there have been some different analysis that conflicts with this and some claim that none of the yellow Smithsonites from any deposit owe their color to Cadmium. I suspect the truth is someplace in the middle. I do not know if Cadmium is involved in this specimen or this find but this is the sought after "Cadmium'" color. Excellent eye appeal and overall esthetics, no matter the color source. An excellent value for one of these complete knobs which are quite uncommon and priced far higher when available.
Pyromorphite
stock #18.1-697
Daoping Mine, Gongcheng County, Guilin Prefecture
Guangxi Province,
China
5.1 x 4 x 3.1 CXM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $2850
A perfect, killer miniature. Top intense color, brilliant luster and elegant form in an undamaged specimen. Even though many of these were found since the first finds in 2000, very few were this well formed and esthetic. This specimen comes from a small recent pocket, that gave the first Pyromorphites of any quality in more than 4 years. These are modern classics and the best Daoping Pyros like this one are quite prized as they stand out from the average pieces. This presents well on every side and angle, the crystals show several habits but are mostly elongated freestanding hexagons some with central hoppers. The smaller, slender crystals are a little less bright green and are also perfect in radiating clusters. Minimal matrix, a perfect large miniature with a display impact much larger than this size. It is incredible this is so perfect and undamaged, even better in person.
Pyromorphite -hoppered crystals.
stock #18.1-634
Daoping Mine, Gongcheng County, Guilin Prefecture
Guangxi Province,
China
4.8 x 3.8 x 2.7 CM (miniature)
price: $520
A pretty Pyromorphite with better than average, very distinct hoppered crystals on smaller prisms. From late finds at the amazing Daoping mine, this is a not the typical color from here, it is more like an olive green hue in person. Choice and in excellent condition, Daoping has become a great modern classic locality and this sort of Pyromorphite shows why.
Axinite with Quartz and Calcite
stock #9.AE-1077
Nandan, Hechi Prefecture
Guangxi Province,
China
6.5 x 4.3 x 2.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $260
Well defined, sharp Axinite crystals from a find over 10 years ago in the little known mines of Nandan. At the time these were the first Axinites found in China and as far as I know are still the only good quality specimens found so far. No damage but a few contacts are noted, the crystals are free standing and reach over 1.5 CM.
Rhodochrosite -rhombic and etched forms
stock #AX-22-103
Wutong Mine, Liubao, Cangwu Co. Wuzoh Pref.
Guangxi Province,
China
3 x 2.3 x 2.3 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $420
Late Summer 2018
Deep red color, translucent to transparent and with fine form, a choice toenail sized Rhodo. From the Wuton (Wudong) mine that is no longer producing, but at one time this discovery made nice Rhodos much more affordable for many collectors. This piece has a pair of modified rhombs joined in a V shape. One is sharp and glassy with some stepped etching, the other is more heavily modified, etched and recrystallized. This is the style that was often compared to Rhodos from Sweet Home. There is a lot of similarity but the price is very much lower from this locale!
Plumbogummite - dark blue replacing Pyromorphite
stock #18.1-174
Daoping Mine, Gongcheng County, Guilin Prefecture
Guangxi Province,
China
5 x 4.5 x 3.3 CM (miniature)
price: $150
Spring update
The rare deep indigo blue Plumbogummite from the earliest finds at Daoping that is very different from the later powder-blue replacement crystals. This botryoidal mass covers a bright yellow to greenish zone of unaltered Pyromorphite. Sawn on the base and with some bruises mostly at the outer edges, so this is not for a perfectionist but is still choice and very attractive for one of these. For centuries the worlds best Plumbogummites were the British specimens that were priceless treasures in top collections. This Chinese specimen even though modest is richer and esthetically superior to most of those. Collected before 2004 from a zone that was mined away soon after.
Cerussite -Green and yellow crystals
stock #7.AE-415
Daoping Mine, Gongcheng County, Guilin Prefecture
Guangxi Province,
China
7.8 x 5.3 x 3.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $750
Spring update
A cabinet sized specimen well crystalized on front and back with fine Cerussite. These crystals are green (likely caused by copper or Chrysocolla inclusions) and yellow (often called Chromian Cerussite). This is from a series of pockets found at the famed Daoping mine near Yangshao in 2004-5. Overall in fine condition, no damage seen by naked eye but a few micro dings can be seen with 10X magnification, and that only on outer edges. Since Cerussite is so delicate this peice is amazingly pristine. This sort of Cerussite has not been found for a few years, and now is being recognized as a significant find. There has been discussion (argument) as to weather or not to label these are Chromian Cerussites or Cuprian or nothing at all. It seems there have been differing results in analysis. As we await resolution we simply call this Cerussite.
Intense red color and fine translucent Rhombs from early finds at the Wudong (Wutong) mine. This is one of the few pieces that can match the color and style of some good Sweet Home Mine specimens. Choice and in great condition as seen. The rhombs are just over 2.5 CM (an inch) and very esthetic in their placement. The Pyrite adds a golden sparkle and the overall display is very eyecatching. Later finds produced more pale red and flatter crystals. A less expensive alternative to a similar Colorado specimen but still a fine Rhodo!
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)