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.
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.
Rhodochrosite- gem crystal
stock #18.1-254
Hotazel Mine, Kalahari Mg Field
Northern Cape Province,
South Africa
2.2 x .7 x .4 CM (thumbnail)
price: $450
Worldwide mix summer
Clean, sharp, brilliant luster and intense red color in this single scalenohedral type Rhodo prism. From the Hotazel mine, this clearly grew in contact with other crystals and so the faces show the geometric imprints of those forms. Perfectly terminated (not cleaved which is rare) and with excellent clarity, this is a the sort of thumbnail that looks fine in any display.
Apatite (fluorapatite)- gem clear
stock #18.1-252
Cerro de Mercado
Durango,
Mexico
2.5 x 1.7 x 1.4 CM (thumbnail)
price: $60
Worldwide mix summer
Sharp, clear, bright yellow and lustrous a choice Apatite from the famed Cerro de Mercado. This Durango locality has produced vast numbers of Apatites for decades, but despite the numbers the better pieces stand out as choice specimens and one of the best values for a good quality gem crystal. This is that sort of value, well above average color and clarity, simple, pretty and relatively affordable.
Serandite with Natrolite and Elpidite
stock #A7-256-(337A)
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Monteregie
Quebec,
Canada
4.8 x 2.8 x 1.9 CM (miniature)
price: $650
Worldwide mix summer
Cluster of sharp intergrown Serandite crystals with the flat blade habit that host several terminated Natrolite prisms and one Natrolite rosette. The Serandites also have a few needles of Elpidite as well, and all are in remarkable, intact condition. Ex Larry White collection, this includes his homemade Balsawood base. Fine delicate prisms and vibrant pink color, this is an uncommon form for Serandite and this piece is especially esthetic.
Barite on Fluorite
stock #AX-13-013
Minerva Mine #1, Rosiclare Level, Cave in Rock
Illinois,
United States
10.4 x 6.5 x 3.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $130
Worldwide mix summer
Sharp contrast of the bluish white Barite crystals with the purple Fluorites in a classic combination. Ex York collection. This is dated 1992, so it is from the last part of the mining period. In fine condition the Barites are all perfect, undamaged, there are some very tiny cleaves on Fluorites that is not noticeable. A modern US classic that is better in person.
Fluorite -etched edges and faces
stock #18.1-249A
Elmwood Mine, Carthage, Smith County
Tennessee,
United States
2.4 x 1.8 x 1.4 (thumbnail)
price: $220
Worldwide mix summer
A tasteful thumbnail of zoned Fluorite showing very fine stepped and etched faces. From the Elmwood mine ex Larry White collection, this is a strong display piece with minimal matrix. In fine condition, there is a cleave on the backside (not seen) and a micro chip seen with magnification, otherwise pristine and now that the mine is closed there will be no more. It has been remarkable to many that this incredibly productive locale had so few good thumbnail sized specimens, everything was usually far larger and in most pockets nothing small was collected.
A large specimen from Bleiberg (Type locale) that is mostly Hydrozincite some formed over and with Smithsonite. Very well defined bothroids on a cast of Gossan that has additional layers of Hydrozincite seen on the underside. In fine condition, fluorescent and with some luster. One old label included mentions only the Smithsonite. For what is often an un attractive mineral specie, this is quite attractive and well composed.
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