Veracruz,
Mexico
2.8 x 2.7 x 1.6 CM (thumbnail)
price: $130
Worldwide mix summer
A bright and attractive thumbnail of gem clear Garnets from Vera Cruz that was added to the Les Hitchings collection in 1983. This is an almost perfect match to the look of the new find of Andradites from Vera Cruz in 2016. The new find was very big news since no one had ever seen such fine garnets from that area, and there was speculation that they came from elsewhere, no exact locality was given. The new find was quickly exhausted but this specimen shows that area has in the past produced some very pretty Andradite, and perhaps it will again someday.
Krohnkite - large crystals, rare habit
stock #AX-18-037
Chuquicamata Mine, Calama, El Loa Province
Antofagasta Region,
Chile
4.7 x 3.6 x 3.4 CM (miniature)
price: $580
Worldwide mix summer
Bright, large blocky habit Krohnkite crystals in a cluster with minimal matrix. From the type locale, Chuquicamata which is the only place where this rare Copper Halide was ever found in such fine crystals. While and non micro crystals are rare most of those are fibrous growths or slender clusters. Prismatic habits like this are far more uncommon, and were all found long ago. Most of the existing specimens were collected long before 1934 (the early 1900 era was most productive) but it is probable a few came out later. The zone where these were found was long ago disappeared, consumed by the largest open pit mine on the planet. Only seen now from old collections.
Fluorite - distinct phantoms
stock #16.1-739
Aouli. Midelt, Khenifra Province
Meknes-Tafilalet Region,
Morocco
5 x 4.2 x 2.9 CM (small cabinet/large miniature)
price: $330
Worldwide mix summer
Impressive and clear, these are very sharp purple phantoms inside bright yellow Fluorite cubes. We have seen hundreds of Aouli Fluorites but never this quality of phantom. Overall sharp and displays well but not a piece for perfectionists, there are small nicks and cleaves. Despite that there is strong impact for color, form and the distinct phantoms stand out well.
Adamite with Calcite
stock #17.1-617
Mina Ojuela, Mapimi
Durango,
Mexico
4.9 x 3.8 x 3.8 CM (miniature)
price: $125
Worldwide mix summer
Bright lemon yellow crystals that are sharp and gemmy contrast with white Calcites. Choice and lustrous, this is an older specimen from the "golden era" at Mina Ojuela. Vivid Fluorescence and in great condition.
Benstonite on Fluorite
stock #15.1-967-(SM3121)
Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County
Illinois,
United States
6.7 x 5.7 x 4.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $450
Worldwide mix summer
Benstonite in unusual distinct crystals clustered on Fluorite cubes. Ex Charles Noll collection, a choice example of this uncommon mineral that has always been a very desirable rarity from this region. The Fluorite cubes are also very sharp and clean with strong Fluorescence. These are only available from older collections and most are just a whitish coating on other minerals. This almost certainly came from the Minerva mine but the label does not give that specific detail so we leave this listed as Cave-in Rock only.
Malachite - Primary crystals, classic locale
stock #15.1-1064-(SM2923)
Andrassy II. Mine, Rudabanya, Rudabanyai Mts.
Borosod-Abauj-Zemplen Co.,
Hungary
7.6 x 5.2 x 3.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $750
Worldwide mix summer
An old, well formed and crystallized Malachite from Rudebanya ex Charles Noll collection. The Malachite is quite lustrous and contrasts with the gossan matrix, but this is nearly all Malachite. This is also a well formed and fine Primary Malachite, not a pseudomorph. The luster is bright and satin like with clustered groups of prismatic crystals in spherical arrangements. In excellent condition, we do not know the vintage of this piece but the style is only seen in very old collections, and the locality has been mined since the copper age, it is one of the oldest mineral sites in Europe. Impossible to find specimens of this caliber today.
Gold - exceptional crystals, multiple forms
stock #AX-12-281
Alta Floresta Gold Province, Alto Floresta
Mato Grosso,
Brazil
2.3 x 1.3 x 1.1 CM (thumbnail)
price: $1750
Worldwide mix summer
A natural sculpture in Gold, this is a remarkable cluster of several different forms and habits. Any angle of view has considerable impact and interest with these forms. From old finds at Matto Grosso (more than 20 years ago) this is an especially dramatic piece with skeletal and hoppered forms based on elongated octahedrons. 9.1 grams and all of it very well crystallized, a strong display thumbnail of fine competition grade.
Smithsonite - muti colored multi layered
stock #17.1-607
Choix, Municipio de Choix
Sinaloa,
Mexico
6.8 x 5.6 x 2.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $260
Worldwide mix summer
A choice small cabinet Smithsonite made of purple and pink botryoidal layers over a green core. There is minimal matrix. From the now defunct Choix locale, this has a fine color and luster that is much better in person. In undamaged condition, these Smithsonites are no longer being found. A modern classic locale, better specimens like this really do stand out and are a good value.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)