Peridot (Forsterite) - gemmy crystals
stock #23.1-592-(DN)
Sapat Gall, Naran, Kaghan Valley, Mansehra District
Kyber Pakhtunkhwa,
Pakistan
4.3 x 2.7 x 2.4 CM (miniature)
price: $380
A very nice pair of gem green Peridot crystals on a typical Amphibole matrix from the great discoveries at Sapat Gali (Pakistan). The largest crystal is just over 2 CM, these are well-terminated and show the classic form of etched or so called wrinkled faces. There is considerable good facet grade rough in these crystals but for us it makes a nice specimen as is. Very nice color.
A choice Aquamarine specimen in excellent undamaged condition having super glassy luster and some excellent zoning with gem clear sections. The main crystal is doubly terminated and a full 6.7 CM long. There are two other smaller gem crystals as well and the specimen is fringed with Muscovite. From the amazing pegmatites of the Shigar Valley (Pakistan) which is the source of most of the world's greatest Aquamarines. Before the discovery of this rugged area such specimens were incredibly rare and very costly. Due to the size and quality of the discoveries here, the prices of such choice pieces is now far more accessible for collectors. Of course, no source in the mineral world lasts forever and these will always be desirable. An excellent value.
Hemimorphite - Mexican classic
stock #17.1-589
Mina Ojuela, Level 6, Municipio de Mapimi
Durango,
Mexico
6.4 x 4.9 x 4.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $850
Sprays and individual crystals to 1.8 CM are freestanding on the Gossan matrix. In excellent condition, most of these translucent white crystals are arranged in radiating sprays with the flat edges always parallel to each other. The famed Mina Ojuela at one time produced a lot of Hemimorphite, much was well-crystalized. However, even in the golden years at the mine this would be a fine specimen, far above average esthetically. There are no new finds of this quality for the past few years, this specimen is almost 50 years old. Ex Les Hitchings Collection, his ledger notes he obtained it at Ojuela in 1964, this was the very early period of fine Mexican minerals being sought by US collectors. Far better in person.
An unusually distinct and sharp Ferberite that has completely replaced the original Scheelite crystal, retaining the original shape perfectly. From the classic locality at Trumbull, Connecticut that was worked at various time going back to the early 1800's. The entire area is now a park and collecting is not permitted. The locality was the first to be operated for Tungsten in North America and it seems was the first site where Tungsten ore was found in the Americas. The Ferberite here is all tested as nearly pure Fe type (Ferberite). This crystal is unusually sharp and has a tiny bit of adhering mica. A choice old classic USA pseudomorph.
A rich cabinet-sized specimen well covered with radiating bursts of acicular Pyromorphite crystals. The specimen has Pyros on both sides but the better view is the side illustrated here. Despite the delicate nature of the crystals and the fragile matrix this is in incredible condition and is a great example of this very distinctive type of Pyromorphite. From the important finds in the 1980 era, this has very good light-green color with very well-defined balls. This can be shipped ok with some care but we prefer to hand deliver to a mineral show. With delicate specimens there is always some risk and we will only ship if this is insured. If you need shipping please ask about the options to do this safely.
A serious specimen of Carminite from Tsumeb. This has a super rich zone of free standing Carminite crystals easily seen by naked eye. These show the bright scarlet color that is so distinctive and contrast well. The Carminites are mixed with lustrous Beudantite crystals that look almost black by naked eye but with strong lighting or good magnification they show very well their color. There are three older labels in addition to ours with this specimen; only one (Pequa rare minerals) indicates the source. This is an old piece from prior to 1965 but it is not clear how much older this is. Though the Carminites here are quite visible by naked eye (which is not common) they are amazing under a microscope.
Turquoise - crystalized classic USA
stock #20.1-377
Bishop Copper Prospect, Lynch Station
Virginia,
United States
5.1 x 3.3 x 2.7 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $250
Crystalized Turquoise is quite rare world-wide, the finds of crystal masses at Lynch Station (Virginia, USA) are now classics and found in many collections. This specimen is quite rich, it has two sides of the matrix coated with sparkling green crystals. The size of the crystalized areas and the color are far richer than the average specimens from here. This locality was quite actively collected in the 1960 era but it seems there has not been much or any activity for decades. Well above average and a choice Copper secondary.
A salmon pink to orange crystal of Serandite which is complete and doubly terminated. Choice single crystal with fine provenance. This also has a druse of tiny clear Behoite crystals on some faces. Good luster, form and color. From the noted collections of Elmer B. Rowley, William Hladysz and the New York Sate Museum mineral collection with number NYSM 10633. That label is included, the specimen was collected over 60 years ago.
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