Copper with Quartz
stock #AX-19-163
Onganja Mine, Windhoek District
Khomas Region,
Namibia
5.1 x 2.8 x 1.7 CM (miniature)
price: $350
Spring update
A crystallized sculpture of Copper from the famed Onganja mine that has several crystallized Quartz clusters perched. In fine condition, the Quartz seems to have formed on a Calcite core. A rare association, the tiny Quartz crystals are very clear, adding a sparkling accent. The Copper is in branching crystals with some showing crude spinel twinning and flattened, stretched octahedrons. Quartz is not a common association in these coppers.
Barite with Calcite
stock #18.1-187
Meikle Mine, Bootstrap district, Carlin Trend, Elko County
Nevada,
United States
4.7 x 4.4 x 2.3 CM (miniature)
price: $290
Spring update
A large, clear golden Barite crystal sits on a few smaller Barites and minor Calcite. The main crystal is well presented, doubly terminated, tabular habit, lustrous and pristine. There are crystal contacts in a few areas but no damage. A modern American classic locale, the Meikle mine has produced many great Barites at one time. This specimen was collected well over a decade ago in the hight of production. better in person too.
A killer Vanadinite. This delicate thin sprire of dark matrix has dozens of sharp red crystals in a sparkling confusion. This is from a recent small find produced from single pocket. Small stalactitic based Vanadinites have been seen from time to time over the years but I have never seen any so very long, slender, perfect and esthetic.
The source for these had attributed them only to Mibladen area (but without a mine or area). However, to many collectors it seems far more likely these are from Taouz due to the habit, matrix, form etc. We have visited both mines and I agree that these specimens match more perfectly the style of the best Taouz pieces and differ greatly from Mibladen. For this reason we are posting these as Taouz but I must acknowledge we may be wrong and perhaps a totally different type of Vanadinite was recently found at Mibladden. Our sources from Mibladden agree. No matter which locale, the form, luster and presentation of this piece is exceptional. In clean perfect condition this displays fine on every side. Brilliant.
Pyrargyrite
stock #16.1-530
Taxco de Alercon, Municipio de Taxco
Guerrero,
Mexico
3.6 x 2.8 x 1.4 CM (miniature)
price: $250
Spring update
Dark Silver-Black mass of crystallized Pyrargyrite on a chard of matrix. Strong light shows distinctive Ruby red color on most areas. There are areas of "meltedlook" masses mixed with very sharp small crystals in textbook form. Fascinating under good magnification, the specimen is complex and has several habits present. An older piece from Taxco in great condition. We do not have an exact mine attribution, it is common from this region especially with older pieces that many small mines and prospects send ore and specimens together for processing and sale.
A single terminated Elbaite crystal 3.1 CM long is nicely set on Clevelandite blades from the famed Stak Nala pegmatites. A few crystals of the Clevelandite have grown into the Tourmaline but most of it is well exposed and fully visible. In good condition, the three color Elbaites are much less common at Stak Nala. A cute miniature that is quite affordable for one of these.
Fluorite on Muscovite and Quartz
stock #4.2-220
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
4.2 x 4.1 x 3.2 CM (miniature)
price: $190
Spring update
Glassy transparent and sharp cubes with areas of deep purple color zoning. The matrix is visible through the Fluorites. No damage. This sort of Fluorite once came out in large amounts from Yaoganxian, though undamaged pieces were much less common. A modern classic location, the supply of nice pieces is drying up but some are still relatively affordable.
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.
Fluorite with Sphalerite
stock #AX-14B-009
Elmwood Mine, Carthage, Smith County
Tennessee,
United States
10.2 x 8.6 x 3.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $360
Spring update
Classic Elmwood purple Fluorite on Sphalerite in a very three dimensional piece. Most cubes show good zoning as well with color from very deep purple to some pale violet nearing white. Some corner cleaves are here, but most all the cubes are complete and perfect. Due to the cubes being well above the matrix base most also pass light very well which makes a bright presentation. This looks like a much more expensive specimen but the cleaves keep it reasonable. Now that the mine is closed these are the last of Midwestern US Fluorites and are sadly missed in the mineral world.
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