Chalcocite - classic habit crystals from new find
stock #23.1-657
M Passa Mine, Mindouli District
Pool Department,
Republic of Congo (Brazzaville)
7.3 x 6.4 x 2.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $650
Pre Tucson
This specimen is almost all Chalcocite, well-crystalized and with just a little green Copper oxidation giving a nice contrast. The Chalcocite look just like the old classics of Cornwall or Bristol but are from a new find made about 2 years ago in the Congo. All the crystals are in parallel alignment and the condition is excellent as seen. A very choice example from this remarkable discovery.
Pseudomalachite (classic Ehlite)
stock #23.1-712
Lubietova, Slovenske Rudohorie Mts,
Banska Bystrica Region,
Slovakia
7.7 x 5.7 x 4.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $320
Pre Tucson
Rich and fine vintage specimen (with antique labels) of Pseudomalachite from the era when it was called Ehlite. This and several others were thought to be all different species, but all are classified to be Pseudomalachite now. This piece is from the original mine at Lubetova (Slovakia) the Quartz matrix is almost complete covered on all sides with botryoidal green masses. Pseudomalachite is Phosphate Copper Carbonate, and quite uncommon in comparison to simple Copper Carbonate (Malachite). Specimens from this locality were the first described as a discrete specie in 1812, though an earlier analysis without description of specimens from Germany cause that location to be listed as the type locale. Rich color and coverage, the luster looks polished in a few spots but is fully natural.
A host of rare Antimony species on Stibnite. From the collection of Ruth and Andy Palmer (species collectors working with the late Dr. Joe Mandarino) there are likely several other species present that were not identified yet when this specimen was catalogued. The Peretite are white flattened habit crystals, from the type locality associated with Klebelsbergite on Stibnite. Areas of reddish Kermesite crystals are in several vugs and a few isolated Sulfur crystals are noted as well. Though not identified on the collection ledger or labels it seems there is both Metastibnite and Stibiconite as well. A nice suite of rare minerals in these micro crystals from an important mineralogical locality.
Pyromorphite - unusual German locality
stock #0177-JM-3326
Krandorf, Schwarzenfeld, Schwandorf
Bavaria,
Germany
9.2 x 5 x 5 CM (cabinet)
price: $520
Pre Tucson
A large and very rich Pyromorphite ex John H. Marshall collection. There are two generations of Pyromorphite, the older is a lighter green, the more recent is noticeably darker with somewhat smaller crystals. Bright and striking overall, a choice Bavarian specimen from a locality we almost never see in the USA. There are several small vugs on the edges that also hold crystals that are a bit larger than those on the top areas. Some bruising is here but not really noticeable by naked eye. John was a serious Pyromorphite collector who worked for overt 60 years to get the best possible specimen from every significant Pyro locality. This was his best Krandorf.
Bright pink Smithsonite crystals are nicely protected in a vug on the matrix. From Tsumeb, this intense color had always been labeled as Cobaltoan Smithsonite but recent studies show that not all pink from Tsumeb has Cobalt, so without an analysis we simply call this pink. In excellent condition inside the vug, the only minor bruises are at the outer edges. For a Smithsonite color suite this is a nice addition with rich deep color that is not the typical pale pink of Tsumeb.
Apatite (Fluorapatite)
stock #20.1-759
Dolny Bori, Bory, Zaar nad Sazavou District
Vysocina Region,
Czech Republic
5.1 x 3.6 x 2.5 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $130
Pre Tucson
Apatite crystals in a Feldspar block from the Phosphate Pegmatite of Dolny Bory (Czech Republic). There are 4 Apatites on the specimen, 3 very tiny but the largest crystal is 7 MM across and 8mm tall. Much of that crystal is embedded in the Feldspar, yet complete and undamaged. The mint green color is unusually vibrant compared to other pieces I have seen. This is from an important Moravian Pegmatite region where all mining has been shut down since the 1970's and mostly reclaimed. We rarely see any specimens from here in the USA.
Bustamite - bladed and hairy type crystals
stock #8.AE-1051
Level 25, North Mine, Broken Hill, Yancowinna County
New South Wales,
Australia
5.4 x 4.8 x 2.9 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $950
Pre Tucson
A quite old, rare and choice specimen of so called "hairy" Bustamite and bladed habit Bustamite crystals together on a Sphalerite and Hedenbergite matrix. The hair type crystals are very slender, elongated, mostly colorless and transparent. The tapering form ends at a pointed termination, but by naked eye they do look like hairs. The bladed crystals range from colorless to pink and reddish. The bottom as seen is a 2 plus CM crystal of Sphalerite which is not often common as an association with Bustamite. In remarkable condition for such an old delicate piece, the only damage is very minor and not evident by naked eye. An attractive classic piece of unusual habit from a classic locality!
Rhodochrosite
stock #10.1-208
Uchucchacua Mine, Oyon Province
Lima Department,
Peru
6.7 x 4.9 x 2.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $440
Pre Tucson
A nice bright rosy-pink to red Rhodo specimen of stacked and complex clusters of rhomb form crystals. The matrix is the classic dark Sulfide ore and the contrast is excellent. Overall in excellent condition no damage is seen by naked eye (mine) and at 10x magnification there is very little to find. A few crystals reach 6-7 MM in size and most have a stepped or twisted habit on close exam. A colorful and still affordable Rhodo.
