Dioptase on Calcite
stock #19.1-900
Tsumeb
Otjikoto Region,
Namibia
4.7 x 2 x 1.7 CM (miniature)
price: $460
Early summer 2023
Sharp gem clear crystals of bright Green Dioptase on contrasting Calcite. A Tsumeb classic, in fine undamaged condition and with well-isolated crystals. Tsumeb produced many great Dioptase but the most desired are those on the white Calcite like this. The vivid green with glassy luster stand out well. Small but impressive and relatively affordable. This is far more pretty in person.
Native Mercury - German classic
stock #23.FC-058
Moschellandsberg, Nordpfalzer, Donnersberg District
Rhineland-Palatinate,
Germany
2.7 x 1.7 x 1.2 CM (thumbnail)
price: $1450
Early summer 2023
A super rich specimen of Mercury in a cluster of globules on matrix. The Mercury is trapped in vugs and held by surface tension. The size of the Mercury is remarkable, unlike the tiny balls usually seen this can be seen by naked eye even quite far away. From the very ancient mines of Landsberg (Bavaria, Germany) that began in 1440 and worked until 1942, This is the most Mercury I have seen on a single specimen. The matrix seems to be a mixture of massive Cinnabar and or Metacinnabar. Very tiny micro-crystals of Calomel are noted and in a very tiny vug what seems to be Moschellandsbergite. The main attraction though is a series of globs of silvery Mercury. A fine vintage specimen and a excellent native metal piece.
Amethyst - modern classic
stock #15.1-821
Municipio Las Vigas de Ramirez
Veracruz,
Mexico
7.5 x 3.7 x 3 CM (cabinet)
price: $490
Early summer 2023
Two fine, gem clear and perfect Amethyst crystals stand on a thin matrix. Ex Doug Ervin collection, this is an older specimen from some of the first modern finds some decades ago. Las Vigas has become very well-known in the mineral world, there have been several outstanding finds from time to time, most being a little different from previous discoveries. Amethysts from Vera Cruz are among the very best of the world. This is a choice piece with especially vivid color and clarity.
Sphalerite on Siderite - German classic
stock #22.FC-020
Neudorf, Harzgerode, Harz
Saxony- Anhalt,
Germany
4 x 2.7 x 1.7 CM (miniature)
price: $1660
Early summer 2023
Choice, lustrous and quite rare, fine Sphalerite from the famed Neudorf Mines. This locale was worked for Silver and Lead mostly in the 18th century and closed in 1903. The mine is renowned for some of the world's best Galenas and Bournonites from that era which are among the world's great mineral treasures. Sphalerite however is far more rare from this locality, and good examples are almost never seen. This piece has a main crystal just under 2 CM in size, the Siderite is crystalized as yellow to brown rhombs and makes a nice contrast. The Sphalerites are mostly a lustrous black but at the right angles there are bright flashes of red color. A fine and very old miniature of this classic locale.
Fluorite - spherical crystals on Quartz
stock #22.1-257
Namakwa
Northern Cape Province,
South Africa
4.4 x 2.6 x 1.6 CM (miniature)
price: $290
Early summer 2023
Fluorite balls on contrasting matrix with smaller gemmy cubes as well. The Fluorites are a deep purple, translucent, and the spheres show well-defined stepping modifications and crystalline structures under magnification. Fluorite balls are known from several localities but it is rare to see the crystal structure that created them, these spheres show very well the modifications that caused these to be round. In excellent condition.
Silver wires on Barite - classic Colorado
stock #19.1-895
White Raven Mine, Ward Mining District, Boulder County
Colorado,
United States
5.7 x 3 x 1.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $650
Early summer 2023
Vintage specimen (1920-30 era) of fine twisted and tangled native Silver wires filling spaces between Barite crystals. From the White Raven Mine, (Boulder Colorado area) Ex Wards with George M English type label. In fine condition, and spectacular under magnification this is a classic combo for this locale. Close exam finds a few Acanthite crystals and rhombs of Siderite, the Silver has a dark patina overall. Rarely available antique and very uncommon in this quality.
Vanadinite, Mimetite and Mottramite
stock #19.1-891
Tiger, Mammoth St Anthony District, Pinal County
Arizona,
United States
4.3 x 3.6 x 2.5 CM (miniature)
price: $200
Early summer 2023
Bright, colorful and sparkling multi-specie specimen from the great Tiger (Mammoth-St.Anthony) of Arizona. Vivid red Vanadinites, sharp dark green to yellow-brown Mottramite and yellow Mimetite are the main components. Tiger Minerals are more or less legendary, the locality is unique in its complex mineralogy and beloved by many. This specimen looks nice on display but under magnification it is truly incredible.
Cubanite - very large crystals
stock #8.AE-702
Henderson Number 2, Chibougamau
Québec,
Canada
5.3 x 4.3 x 1.6 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $2900
Early summer 2023
Large twinned crystals in a cluster with minimal matrix. The 2 largest crystals are 3.7 and 2.9 CM across which is huge for the specie. None of the 5 main crystals are perfect, all are either contacted or have some edge chipping. The right side crystal that looks broken in photos is mostly only contacted and has a stepped crystal growth on the edge. All crystals are a bright golden metallic and most show the classic twinning that is famed at this locale. While not for perfectionists this is still a substantial specimen and not 5 or 6 figures in price.
The Henderson Mine at Chibougamau closed forever in 1986. For a very short time the best Cubanites ever seen were produced, though great ones were still very rare. Today these are prized as modern classics and when perfect command very high prices. While this is not perfect it is still attractive and the crystals are exceptionally large.
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