Stilbite with Apophyllite
stock #19.1-278
Nasik
Maharashtra,
India
9.1 x 6.4 x 3.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $350
Late Summer 2021
We do not often offer Indian Zeolite minerals as there are so many in the market and few stand out. However these can be both exceptionally esthetic and reasonable in price. This vivid orange spray of perfect Stilbites is that sort of specimen. The matrix is a jumble of Apophyllite crystals with off white porcelain luster that make a fine contrast to the orange. In perfect condition and with classic form, this is more impressive in person. Well selected Indian minerals are some of the greatest bargains in the mineral world, they offer perfection, color, esthetics and elegant forms at a low cost. This is that sort of specimen.
Descloizite - well-crystallized, unusual locale
stock #21.1-282
Olifantsfontein Mine, Olifantsfontein 9 (Annshope), Grootfontein
Otjozondjupa Region,
Namibia
4.7 x 4.1 x 3 CM (miniature)
price: $850
Late Summer 2021
A fine cluster of sharp Descloizite crystals in an esthetic cluster. This is an old specimen, the original yellowed label is for Oulifantsfontaine in South West Africa which is an old, little known locality for Descloizite located about 40 KM from the well-known Berg Aukus. This is the first specimen I have ever seen available from this locality and it is in excellent condition with a good luster. This piece is mounted on a wooden checker (game piece) with a black putty. It can be removed but this is a great old mounting job and a nice historic touch. The crystals look fine from every angle, and are in a nice arrangement much like a castle on a mountain.
Pyromorphite
stock #8.AE-894
Daoping Mine, Gongcheng County, Guilin Prefecture
Guangxi Province,
China
7.8 x 6.7 x 5.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $390
Late Summer 2021
A sizable specimen of nearly pure Pyromorphite with most of the "matrix" being pyro as well. From the spectacular finds at Daoping in the early 2000 era, this is a nice three dimensional specimen. The crystals are small, tightly packed and most are slender but some other habits are present, the color and luster are good, this is overall in fine condition. Specimens with larger crystals from this zone are some of the best of the specie and can command very high prices. This piece with relatively small crystals is just as colorful but far less costly.
Stannite with Zinkenite on Pyrite
stock #7.AE-195
San Jose Mine, Oruro
Oruro Department,
Bolivia
6.4 x 4.6 x 3.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $650
Late Summer 2021
Stannite is somewhat rare Sulfide that is not usually attractive unless it has some contrast with its matrix or a very good form. This specimen has a bright sparkling Pyrite matrix with excellent luster that hosts some Stannites in well-formed, complex twinned crystals. The largest Stannite is 1.3 CM across. There is a little Zinkenite in the mix as small but fat needle-like crystals that need a close examination to find. This is from the San Jose Mine which has produced many incredible rare Sulfides and Sulfosalt specimens over the years. This piece is roughly 20 years old from the golden age of this important locale. There is no sign of degradation to the Pyrite and the Stannite is undamaged. A really attractive setting for the dark sulfides nestled in a golden matrix.
Peridot (Forsterite)
stock #8.AE-845
Sapat Gall, Naran KaghanValley, Mansehra District
North West Frontier Province,
Pakistan
2.8 x 2.4 x 1.7 CM (thumbnail)
price: $160
Late Summer 2021
Thumbnail of Peridot crystals in a cluster from the great deposits of Pakistan. The crystals are typically etched on some faces and have good translucently. The whole piece is almost all Peridot with no matrix and looks good from several angles.
Fluorite - multi-colored cuboctahedron
stock #21.1-287
Madoc, Centre Hastings, Hastings County
Ontario,
Canada
3.7 x 2.7 x 2.3 CM (miniature)
price: $450
Late Summer 2021
The Madoc area of Ontario, Canada is well-known for unusual Fluorites, some of the best in all of Canada. This specimen has an unusual mix of colors which also vary depending on the light source from a yellowish to green and orange to an unusual pinkish hue. It seems there are inclusions on some internal planes that add color and help to refract light. Some faces are slightly frosted but others are very lustrous, the edges are very sharp and the whole is transparent to translucent. The bottom is contacted but the crystal above that zone has very nice form. These better Canadian Fluorites are not available for sale very often, this was collected more than 20 years ago. It is still possible to find Fluorite in this area but good pieces are very rare.
Cavansite on Stilbite
stock #21.1-283
Wagholi Quarries, Wagholi, Pune District
Maharashtra,
India
4.4 x 3.9 x2.2 CM (miniature)
price: $380
Late Summer 2021
Esthetic clusters of bright blue spheres of Cavansite crystals on contrasting creamy white stilbite. Cavansites from Wagholi are fairly common on the mineral market but very clean, brilliant and esthetic pieces are less common. As the quarries are shut down they have been getting much less available. Cavansite has the most vivid color of all the Traprock minerals, a bright Cavansite is a nice addition to any collection. This piece has individual balls to 1.8 CM, but most are clustered together forming a chain of spheres. The blue is in two different tones and one sphere is broken open so the radial structure is easily seen. This offers several good display angles. In fine condition with great luster, sparkle and color.
Crystallized Azurite rosettes replaced by Malachite which is partly to fully replaced by Chrysocolla. A modern classic find from Whim Creek, this is an especially choice specimen with a stout stalactitic Goethite matrix. A few small Wulfenite crystals are also noted on the matrix as are more recent tiny balls of Malachite. In fine condition. The rosettes vary in color from blue-green to green and are in both clusters and isolated balls. All the rosettes display very good crystal forms that faithfully show the original Azurite structures. These were found over 30 years ago and often in cabinet sized specimens. A modern classic.
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