Rhodochrosite - classic German specimen
stock #23.1-341-(D543)
Wolf Mine, Daaden-Herdorf, Altenkirchen
Rhineland-Palatinate,
Germany
10.4 x 8.3 x 5.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $1350
Spring 23
A big, blocky dark matrix with an open cavity of contrasting bright Rhodochrosite crystals. These Rhodos are all scalenohedral and transparent, with glassy luster. Most crystals are quite perfect and complete but a few do have cleaves though not very easily seen. Classic old material ,this piece from the collection of the Delaware University Mineral Museum. The largest crystals are just under 1 CM in size, the color is an orange-red which stands out from the nearly black matrix. For many years the world's best locality of Rhodochrosite was the Wolf Mine. That is however no longer the case but these are still highly respected, easily the best Rhodos from Europe, and actually quite rare in this quality.
Malachite with Chrysocolla
stock #22.1-323
Planet Mine, Buckskin Mountains, La Paz County
Arizona,
United States
4 x 3.1 x 3.1 CM (miniature)
price: $330
Spring 23
Pretty and very well-formed miniature with distinct balls of Malachite, some with overgrowths of Chrysocolla. From a recent and remarkable find at the Planet Mine (Arizona, USA) these are rather different from any other USA Malachites, and have made big news in collecting circles. In fine condition as seen, this was selected for the color and sharp definition of the balls, well above average quality. This mine is already well-known for its Chalcanthite crystals that form rapidly as post mining deposits. These Malachite/Chrysocolla specimens are found in a different area and have been well-received by collectors. Good value for quality.
Fine old British Fluorite from the Alston Moor area (Brownley Hill Mine). This is both very esthetic in person and unusual for a British Fluorite. The cubes show both zoning and some color difference on different faces. There are some faces that are cloudy and others that are transparent with glassy luster. The interiors seen though the transparent faces show a good yellow-green hue that glows well if backlit. Exceptional condition with very sharp edges and corners, no noticeable damage and well-composed form. There are some small areas of Sphalerite on the underside and Siderite or Ankerite (this mine has both specie and they look similar) on a few crystal faces. We see very few specimens from this early British mine and fewer still are in such fine shape. Several good display angles on this piece, it is a pre 1960 vintage but likely far older. Looks even better in person.
Golden metallic Pyrrhotite crystals in several habits contrast with silver Galena, white Quartz and black Sphalerite. In exceptional condition, there is no visible damage and this has several very different and esthetic display angles. These Pyrrhotites are unusually well-formed, highly reflective and sharp. From the 1980-85 era, these are fantastic for the specie, and much more defined than most of the more recent finds.
Zircon - classic USA specimen
stock #23.FC-013
Zirconia, Henderson County
North Carolina,
United States
3.4 x 2.7 x 2 CM (miniature)
price: $700
Spring 23
A choice, complete textbook-perfect Zircon crystal perched on a Pegmatitic matrix. A very large crystal from this locality (noticeably larger than any Henderson County specimens seen on Mindat). This is an old specimen (pre-war) obtained from a French collection. Zirconia, Henderson County, North Carolina area is the ascribed locality, probably from the Jones Mine which is the most well-documented site. This crystal is distinct, red to brown in color, somewhat lustrous and translucent. Crystal size is 2.1 CM with no damage at all. Vividly fluorescent and quite esthetic, a choice and very large older USA Zircon.
Mimetite with Arsentsumebite
stock #23.1-364
Tsumeb
Otjikoto Region,
Namibia
5.2 x 4.3 x 3.6 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $160
Spring 23
Mimetite crystals ranging from colorless to gem yellow are scattered on all sides of this gossan matrix. There are zones of Arsentsumebite adding some greenish color as well. Some very tiny unknown colorless crystals are also noted as is a blue-green hue on some Arsentsumebite that seems to be another sort of alteration mineral. Most crystals are complete, undamaged though close exam does find some damage but not very noticeable. Nicer in person.
Amethyst - modern classic locale
stock #23.1-363
Goboboseb Mts., Brandberg area,
Erongo Region,
Namibia
7.3 x 5.6 x 5.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $370
Spring 23
A pair of perfect Amethyst crystals on matrix from Goboboseb (Namibia). The crystals are fully transparent with a deep purple core zone and more light-smokey toward the terminations. The matrix has been sawn on the bottom and sides to extract this without damage, there are no repairs. Both tips are perfect, undamaged even viewed at strong magnification. The range and quality of Goboboseb Amethyst is broad and amazing. We are fortunate that this remote location has been one of the world's best sources of fine Quartz and Amethyst at reasonable cost. A good value for a nice specimen in this size and price range.
Siderite and Quartz - French classic
stock #16.1-211
Allevard, Grenoble, Isère
Rhône-Alpes,
France
11.3 x 8.4 x 6.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $1750
Spring 23
Large and fine crystals of translucent greenish-brown Siderite sprinkled with glass clear Quartz crystals. A European classic in excellent condition. This is a super quality older specimen formerly in the collections of Charles Noll, Jimmie DuFoe and the Seaman Museum. It seems to have come from other older collections, it has a painted collection number and an antique museum type drilled mounting hole on the backside. A very choice display grade piece with crystals over 4.4 CM in outstanding condition. Allevard is an ancient mining area (dating back to the 1500's) it was once the greatest source of world-class Siderites and is one of the great French classic locales. This specimen shows that quality well.
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