Ilvaite on Quartz
stock #AX-15-286
Huanggang Mine, Chifeng Prefecture, Hexigten Banner, Ulanhead League
Inner Mongolia Region,
China
7 x 4.9 x 4.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $360
Late Summer 2018
The Inner Mongolian region finds in the past few years re-defined how we look at Ilvaite, these were huge news in the mineral world. This specimen is sharp and quite lustrous, the Ilvaite is undamaged and sits on greenish quartz needles (likely included by Hedenbergite). Very esthetic (for a black mineral, this is exceptional) the form is textbook and the contrast with the matrix is choice. These better pieces are world class for the specie and still very affordable, a good time to add a good example before these inevitably disappear. .
For many collectors, the most desirable Barites (Baryte) are the rare, classic Romanian specimens colored bright red by Included Realgar. This is a choice old specimen in excellent condition with delicate orange-red Barites on contrasting matrix. The crystals show sheaf-like bundles and rosettes well separated from the matrix and free standing. Crystallized on both sides this has very strong display impact. Almost impossible to find today even average specimens have become very expensive.
Lazurite pseudo after Sodalite
stock #15.1-336
Fayzabad, Koksha Valley, Khash-Kuran Wa Munjan District
Badakshan,
Afghanistan
4.8 x 3.3 x 2.7 CM (miniature)
price: $700
Late Summer 2018
A brilliant blue crystal of Lazurite nicely perched on a Calcite matrix. This is quite a fine Lazurite but it is in fact much less common, it is a partial pseudomorph of a Sodalite crystal. Both minerals are known to pseudomorph each other but can have similar crystal shapes so it is hard to detect. On this crystal there is some small zones where the brilliant blue is only partly covering the whitish to more pale blue interior. The core of the crystal can be seen and is still Sodalite, This is vividly Fluorescent in those spots but the exterior blue Lazurite has no response. The crystal is up to 2.7 CM across and contrasts perfectly with the matrix. A choice crystal and intense blue pseudo.
Free standing elongated crystals of Cinnabar in a well protected vug lined with small crystals of Quartz and Dolomite. Excellent bright red color and very translucent. The largest crystals have sharp terminations with distinct re-entrant notches, so they are in fact twins. Slender elongated crystals like these are much rarer than the blocky type and since the mines are closed for a few years, any good quality Cinnabar is now very scarce. In fine condition and with bright luster, Chinese Cinnabar crystals have always been respected and desired as the worlds best for the specie.
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.
Apatite (CaF) on Pericline
stock #13.1 -163
Anemzi Village, Midelt Province
Meknes-Tafilalet Region,
Morocco
5.3 x 4 x 3.2 CM (small cabinet/large miniature)
price: $320
Late Summer 2018
The sort of gemmy Apatite that is sometimes called "asparagus stone". Set on a complex Feldspar matrix, there are a few small Apatites there as well. The main crystal is textbook sharp, transparent and depending on the lighting looks either lemon yellow or asparagus green. Close exam reveals what looks to be a repair, if so it is well done. Of course the price is adjusted for that. A choice display piece regardless the contrast is especially nice.
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.
A superb specimen with gigantic, perfectly formed Wardite crystals. Textbook perfect form and up to 2 CM across these are the best and largest Brazilian Wardites I have ever seen, and are top percentile for the specie worldwide. These are esthetically set on a complex mix of Pegmatitic minerals and Phosphates. Aside from the Quartz and Muscovite crystals the matrix also includes what are identified as Wavelite (radiating sprays and blue green balls) and what seems to be Fairfieldite and Guimaraesite. The main event however is certainly the Wardites which are a cream color and undamaged. Outstanding Phosphate specimen and a killer Wardite.
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