Descloizite -unusual form, iridescent
stock #AX-12-055
Berg Aukus, Grootfontein District
Otjozondjupa Region,
Namibia
5.5 x 4.3 x 2.6 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $190
Late Summer 2018
There are many different habits seen in the Descoizites of Berg Aukus, which is certainly the premier locale for this mineral. This specimen has a rounded series of crystal aggregates that present curved faces and a colorful patina. The iridescence is most striking and at first glance this looks like a fine Chalcocite. Undamaged, pristine condition, and crystalized all around, the underside is a hollow cup holding more traditional forms of small bright red Descloizite crystals. We have handled and seen many fine Berg Aukus specimens but this piece is unique in my experience. Ex William Hladysz collection, his catalog notes "very rare habit, unlike any other".
The very best Yaogangxian Cassiterite I have ever seen, with the largest crystals as well. An excellent multi-specie piece mostly composed of superb Cassiterite. This locale has produced thousands of excellent mineral specimens but Cassiterite is very rare from this famed locale. Sharp lustrous crystals to almost 3 CM are arranged in a radiating cluster on a very complex matrix. I count at least 7 mineral species on this miniature, but the Cassiterite is clearly dominant and is in fine condition as well. A superb modern classic and a very important Yaoganxian specimen.
Beryl var Aquamarine on Albite
stock #6.2-170A
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
7.1 x 5.1 x 4.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $330
Late Summer 2018
An esthetic and sharp edged piece. The Aquas are super clear, mid-range blue, (largest is 4.2 CM across,) tabular crystals consisting of two pinicoids and no prism faces. This is a less common form for Aqua at Pingwu (and very rare worldwide) normally there are prism faces present. The albite is well crystalized and some is quite gemmy too. The piece has a saw marks on base and side (from the collecting) not visible on display side. Displays very well as seen, but is better in person. There are some contacts and tiny edge chipping present that is not distracting yet keeps this from being a far more expensive specimen.
Inesite
stock #AX-10-036
Hale Crek Mine, Mad River Rock, Trinity County
California,
United States
8.1 x 6.9 x 6.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $800
Late Summer 2018
Superb old USA (California) Inesite with large and very fine crystals lining an open pocket. Hale Creek Inesites could still be collected about 45-50 years ago, but not recently, they are a US classic, rarely available in this quality. This specimen is in fine condition, with prismatic crystals up to 1.7 CM but most are about 1.2 CM (which is huge for the locale and specie). Displays well from several angles, the open vug shows several differing habits and radiating clusters. Ex William Hladysz and Ara Dildillian collections, this is by far the best California Inesite I have seen for sale in 20 years.
Garnet (Almandine)- Antique specimen
stock #13.1-387
Ziller Valley, North Tyrol
Tyrol,
Austria
4.5 x 3.4 x 3 CM (miniature)
price: $140
Late Summer 2018
A very old (18th century) Tyrolian Garnet specimen from the Zillertal. This area has been the source of Almandine for centuries, these were sold and traded worldwide. This comes with an early Julias Bohm label and a much older (crumbling) one as well as an affixed one on the specimen back. The matrix is an unusual one, a complex mix with Actinolite, Hematite, Magnetite, Quartz and more unusual, small Galena and other Sulfides. Not the usual mica Schists we typically see from the Tyrol. The main crystal is well exposed and complete 1.5 CM in diameter and has some good translucent areas.
Cinnabar- twinned elongated crystal
stock #6.2-054
Chatian Mine, Fenghuang
Hunan Province,
China
6.3 x 5.5 x 3.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $475
Late Summer 2018
A long (2.7 CM) terminated twin Cinnabar on a crystallized Dolomite vug. A strong piece with esthetic structure, the back has been sawn to aid collecting this piece, the saw marks are not visible on display. With strong light the crystal is quite translucent and glows a deep cherry red. The termination shows the complex re-entrant angles (drill bit type) of twinning. There is a crack near the base of the crystal that looks like an old repair, checking with Acetone did not reveal any problem but we have priced this as if it was repaired (a previous price of 1100.00 was a very good value if not repaired). The better Chinese Cinnabar crystals are well known as the worlds best and were eagerly sought for more than 150 years. For a while in the past two decades these were more available but now the old mines are closed. We will hope that the future produces more.
Dioptase on Shattuckite
stock #AX-14-226
Kaokoveld Plateau
Kunene Region,
Namibia
6.1 x 5.7 x 5.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $850
Late Summer 2018
Fantastic Copper species piece with Emerald green Dioptase crystals on royal blue Shattuckite. The Dioptase are highly lustrous, sharp and up to 1 CM. The underlying Quartz matrix is very solid and there are few hints of Malachite at the edges. These were found a few years ago in a one time find in the Kaokoveld, and sold very quickly. Happy to be able to offer this one again. The color contrast on this is especially fine.
Fluorite on Beryl (Aquamarine)
stock #AX-10-745
Gilgit, Gilgit district
Gilgit-Baltistan,
Pakistan
7.3 x 5.2 x 4.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $600
Late Summer 2018
A choice combination specimen with light pink octahedral Fluorite on gemmy clear Aquamarine. The largest Beryl is 2.5 CM tall and well exposed on the matrix of Muscovite and Albite. This is a typical Northern Pakistan assemblage. The condition is quite fine, good magnification finds some tiny rough spots on a few Beryl edges but this is perfect by naked eye. Ex. William Hladysz collection. Separately both the Beryl and the Fluorite are fairly good but not extraordinary, however in a combination like this they are much more impressive.
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