A killer thumbnail of classic rich red garnet contrasting with white Calcite. The source is well-known as Eden Mills (Vermont USA), but the true location is Lowell and Eden Mills. This classic locality had some super intense color Garnets which were usually seen on a dark green diopside matrix. However in the mine most fine Garnets were encased in Calcite which was usually removed with acid to expose the Garnets better. This is an unusual example that has not been acid etched and has a sharp gem Grossular peeking out as if in a blanket of snow. Close exam shows a few tiny Diopside crystals poking out as well. In outstanding condition, despite the small size the display impact is exceptional. It would be easy to further expose the Garnet but to my taste it is great as is. This mine has been closed for decades and these fine Grossular are prized worldwide.
Smithsonite
stock #16.1-352
Tsumeb
Otjikoto Region,
Namibia
5 x 4.7 x 4.2 CM (miniature)
price: $440
A fine very deep green Smithsonite from Tsumeb. Tsumeb Smithsonite are found in almost every color and hue, it is not surprising that several collectors have specialized on the amazing array the mine has produced during its lifetime. This dark green is a very uncommon color and the specimen shows both classic botryoidal forms and some crude but still distinct crystals. In excellent condition overall, only edge chipping where this was removed, the main zones are perfect.
A superb minature that displays well 360 degrees. Ex Phil Scalise collection, this is in impeccable, undamaged condition. The tree-like tower of white to colorless Anglesites shows several crystal forms but all are lustrous and sharp. Exceptional quality for this locality and really nice Angesite from anyplace for that matter. This is an older specimen though the exact vintage is uncertain. This sort of cluster is rare and unknown from other localities. A great addition to any Lead secondary collection or for those who appreciate esthetic mineral oddities. A hefty specimen of Lead Sulphate, this miniature weighs 72 grams.
Green gemmy Elbaite Tourmalines in Quartz from the famed Mt Mica (Maine, USA). The Elbaites reach 2.6 CM long and are mostly transparent. From the famed dealer A.E. Foote this label dates to the 1879-1895 era, and is an unusual format for a Foote label. The backside of the label has a handwritten note in French that seems to be giving the value in 1951 as 10.00 USD, a very large sum at that time. This is a classic type of Mt Mica Tourmaline and a good representaive of a classic Northeastern US locale.
Legrandite
stock #14.1-085
Mina Ojuela, Mapimi
Durango,
Mexico
4.7 x 3.5 x 3.2 CM (miniature)
price: $750
Bright yellow sprays of fine Legrandite crystals in a shallow vug. These crystals are gemmy and have a bright glassy luster, reaching to 2.4 CM in length. World-wide Legrandite is very rare and good pieces are prized. From the Robert Ray collection with label dating the piece to 1974, so this piece is part of the early top find at Ojuela. In fine condition and very esthetic, the world’s best Legrandite has come from this locality and from this era. Such nice quality is only available from older collections being dispursed, very little of quality has been found in the past few decades and nothing at all for a few years.
