A perfect radiating disk form of Lepidolite with many small terminations on the outer edge. The color grades from silver in the center to purple at the outer sides. The disk is nestled in a mass of small Quartz crystals and blades of Cleavelandite. An unusual and attractive habit for this Lithium rich Mica, this can certainly be trimmed if desired but this matrix is so nicely crystallized it seems a shame to do so.
Lustrous and gemmy red-brown crystals of Uvite cover a thin matrix. From the famed finds at Brumado, these were and are considered to be some of the best Uvites in the world. Found in the late 1980 era, this piece was from the late Dr. Luis Menezes, a prolific dealer and dedicated mineralogist. These were called simply Uvites when first found but later work showed that few were true pure Uvite, most are partly to fully Fluor-Uvite. No matter which name is used these are quite attractive and with magnification the smaller crystals are more evident and add a lot of flash. The largest crystals on the plate are about 1.2 CM across. A very good example from this modern classic locale.
Leonite - Vintage German
stock #20.1-740
Neuhof-Ellers, Neuhof, Fuida, Kassel Region
Hesse,
Germany
2.7 x 1.9 x 1.6 CM (thumbnail)
price: $160
A classic old style thumbnail that comes with vintage label and the glass tube type thumbnail container in common use over 100 years ago. Leonite is a fairly rare Hydrated Potassium Magnesium Sulfate first described in 1896. Crystals on this small piece are up to 1.3 CM and are a good example of the specie. These may be pseudomorphs after Picromerite since many specimens from German localities are. Nice vintage specimen of a specie not often seen on the market.
Quartz - Rutilated with Siderite
stock #23.1-094
Hashupa, Shigar Valley, Shigar District
Gilgit-Baltistan,
Pakistan
7 x 5.4 x 4.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $1800
A very fine richly rutilated Quartz crystal 6 CM tall with bright copper-red color needles inside just below the surface in very clear outer zone so the rutile is sharp and distinct. Several rhombohedral Siderite crystals are on some faces and the condition of the whole piece is excellent, undamaged. Some sections show Sagenitic structure well and the Quartz is transparent despite the denser inclusions deeper inside. A few Rutile are noted on the surface but most are fully inside the Quartz. This is from a small fairly new find and is one of the best from the pocket. Although rutilated Quartz is known from many places in the world, this quality, density and distinct form of brilliant metallic needles is very rare.
Quartz (phantom) with Epidote - California, USA
stock #23.1-003
Calaveras River Canyon, Valley Springs area, Calaveras County
California,
United States
8.8 x 5.1 x 3.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $950
A really choice and sharp Calaveras County Quartz with Epidote. One of the best phantom inclusions we have seen from anyplace in the USA, the main Quartz is very clear, unpolished and in very fine condition with no visible tip dings. The smaller Quartz are contacted and not complete but not damaged. The small light-green Epidote crystals are distinct, some are terminated and all have good striations. The phantom is a good green color and from some angles the refraction of the clear quartz makes it seem that there are many phantoms in a chevron stack. The Calaveras Canyon Quartz finds were some of the best phantom Quartz found in the USA and the addition of the Epidote adds a lot of nice character on this piece.
Amethyst - unusual forms
stock #12.1-106
Karur
Tamil Nadu,
India
7.8 x 5.7 x 2.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $190
A cluster of Amethyst crystals on matrix with a mix of habits and forms. In excellent condition and with good color, luster and sharp forms. There are several doubly-terminated crystals and reversed scepters as well as a few other habits. The Karur area has a reputation for odd Amethysts and this shows some of that. With magnification it is possible to see many inclusions especially needles and hairs of red and yellow color.
SOLD Sphalerite - gem crystal on Quartz
stock #SOLD 24.1-158
Empire State #4 Mine, 3900 foot level, Balmat, St. Lawrence County
New York,
United States
3.5 x 2.7x 2.2 CM (thumbnail)
price: $0
A killer thumbnail with a flawless gem clear Sphalerite twin perched on contrasting Quartz crystals. From the incredible new find of these Sphalerites at Balmat, New York in the #4 Mine at 3900 feet down. There were quite a number of nice thumbnails in the find, but just a few of this quality and esthetics, most were very quickly snapped up. Certainly destined to be classics, the better specimens from this locality are modern mineral treasures. Bright glassy luster, yellow-orange color and perfect clarity.
A classic old Sardinian specimen and highly sought after bright green Anglesites on typical matrix. There are several green crystals of Anglesite on this specimen, largest 1.7 CM, but sadly most have noticeable damage, only some small ones in vugs are in good shape. Despite the damage the color is good, it is very hard to find any such specimens. The Anglesites are fluorescent yellow and the matrix exterior is a botryoidal Gossan with a core of altered Galena hosting the Anglesites. Montevechio is an ancient mine worked even before the middle ages. Green Anglesites were found long ago and are something of a holy grail for many. The damage here is heart breaking but makes this a very affordable example of this rare Lead secondary. With more perfect crystals this would easily be a mid 4 figures specimen.
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