Serandite (on Albite)
stock #AX-27-094
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Monteregie
Québec,
Canada
2.2 x 1.8 x 1.2 CM (thumbnail)
price: $190
Late Summer 2018
A very cute thumbnail of bright, transparent Serandites on contrasting Albite. Serandite is usually opaque or at best milky, translucent on thin edges. These tiny crystals are transparent, colorful and lustrous. As is typical of St Hilaire specimens there are micros of other species as well, most noticeably Polylithonite and Natrolite. Despite the small size the luster and color make this one pop.
Ludlamite - fan crystals
stock #15.1-852
Santa Eulalia, Aquiles Serdan
Chihuahua,
Mexico
4.7 x 4.1 x 3.1 CM (miniature)
price: $850
Late Summer 2018
A rare miniature sized and very fine Ludlamite from the classic locale of Santa Eulalia. Excellent color, condition and with the desirable fan aggregates of crystals standing above the matrix. Most of what is seen from Santa Eulalia are thumbnails (which can be superb) but those too are very uncommon, they were found before 1985. This is a very large (miniature) specimen with fine form, luster and presentation. Between Santa Eulalia and the later Bolivian Ludlamite finds, these are the worlds best for the specie. Many of the Ludlamites from both locales have a rather unstable Sulphide matrix. This one seems to be very solid, stable with no rotting pyrite or other issues.
Apatite (CaF)
stock #18.1-388
Sapo Mine, Goiabeira
Minas Gerais,
Brazil
5.7 x 4.2 x 4.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $450
Late Summer 2018
A fine cluster of Apatite (Fluorapatite) crystals with a silky luster and a hint of zoning. From the remarkable Sapo Mine which has been the source of many different forms and types of Apatite, but is now closed. An older specimen, this habit and color were quite uncommon. Very esthetic, there is a natural crack (not a repair) and contact on the backside that is out of sight from the display side. There is no damage, a very clean specimen. A few Muscovite books are the only matrix, the cluster of crystals are well isolated and the composition is elegant.
Diopside with Grossular
stock #18.1-389
Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos
Québec,
Canada
2.6 x 2.2 x 1.8 CM (thumbnail)
price: $70
Late Summer 2018
Mostly a Diopside thumbnail but with some bright orange Grossular tucked between the crystals. A waxy yellow-green color that is not very common at the Jeffrey mine. The central area of the piece is undamaged and well formed, only the outer edge has some chipping. A very affordable but well crystalized piece.
Pectolite
stock #18.1-390
Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos
Québec,
Canada
2.4 x 1 x .7 CM (thumbnail)
price: $220
Late Summer 2018
Probably the worlds best and largest Pectolite crystals came from the Jeffrey mine years ago. These were often slender, flat blades or needles often in spectacular sprays and groups. Sharp euhedral prisms like these were much more rare. This one is just large, doubly terminated crystals that have crisp sharp edges, glassy faces, is translucent to transparent. Perfect, undamaged glassy prisms in a nice arrangement, no place else on the planet has ever formed Pectolites like this. These have the characteristic one sided chisel termination and a hint of green. A choice thumbnail of a mineral not often considered for fine crystals.
Apatite (CaF)
stock #18.1-391
Sapo Mine, Goiabeira
Minas Gerais,
Brazil
5.2 x 3.5 x 2.2 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $390
Late Summer 2018
Stacked hexagonal prisms with super glassy faces and a deep green color. A Sapo mine specimen that in some ways looks like a Panasquira Apatite. Sapo produced many styles of Apatite over the years, this is a choice example of the non-tabular oriented type of prisms vintage 2004. Sadly the mine is not working anymore. In excellent undamaged condition, a pretty and esthetic arrangement.
Cassiterite on Quartz
stock #AX-12-417
Amo Mine, Ximeng
Yunnan Province,
China
3.8 x3.4 x 2.2 CM (miniature)
price: $440
Late Summer 2018
Cassiterites in gemmy crystals with brilliant luster and sharp form. The Amo mine in Ximeng county (Yunnan, China) produced a few spectacular Cassiterites. They were immediately prized and have almost disappeared. Unlike from any other location, these had a unique, recognizable style that could be very esthetic. This fine example is sharp, well formed, nicely perched on a cluster of quartz crystals that have some green inclusions as a bonus. In great condition there is contacting only on the back side not in view. In some photos what may look like damage is internal reflections inside the Cassiterites. Much better in person.
Calcite (Pineapple) on Fluorite
stock #6.2-306
Shangbao Pyrite Mine, Leiyang
Hunan Province,
China
3.7 x 3.2 x 2.0 CM (miniature)
price: $290
Late Summer 2018
Almost 20 years ago the Shangbao mine in China encountered some pockets of "pineapple" look Calcites. The best of these were on contrasting Fluorite and had (to my eye anyway) great esthetic appeal. This is a small but perfect example of that find. The color, luster and habit are distinctive for these Calcites and unlike any others from anyplace. The Calcites are transparent and undamaged (a small contact is on the backside, but no damage). A fine small modern classic piece.
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