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19 specimens listed
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Breunnerite - (Fe bearing Magnesite)
stock #AX-35-102
Muhlebach, Ernen, Goms
Wallis, Switzerland
4.3 x 3 x 2.1 CM (miniature)
price: $220
Pre Tucson

Something quite unusual. Breunnerite is a variety of Magnesite that was for almost 2 centuries considered to be an accepted mineral specie. This is now classified as a Magnesite variety but with a high Iron ratio and Mg dominant. No matter the classification, these are huge crystals for this variety, up to 2.8 CM and these contrast well with the greenish Talc matrix. The best of this material is found in European Alpine regions, as was this specimen. The crystals also show zoning and look much more like Siderite than Magnesite, and are partially translucent. Not often seen at all in the mineral market here, this is an especially well-crystallized specimen.

SOLD Calcite var. Papierspath - Alpine classic with Chlorite
stock #SOLD 20.1-694
Goscheneralp, Goschenen Valey
Uri, Switzerland
7.8 x 5.3 x 4.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $0
Pre Tucson

An old and remarkable specimen of paper thin Calcite crystals held on a slender Chlorite matrix. The crystals are super delicate, translucent to transparent, inter-grown and have fine distinctive striations. Crystals of 4 plus CM are all on edge standing on a thin 2-3 mm thick matrix of Chlorite crystals. The name Papierspath was in use in the early 1800 era and is more or less an obsolete name today except when on classic old pieces like this. This is a Swiss specimen, the name is more often seen on old French Calcites, it is very rare to see on the market from any locality but especially from Gosheneralp. Some edges are chipped as can be expected, but there are some intact edges too. The old label included uses the term "Wiggen" which seems to mean wedge or shim in older Swiss German. Rare and impressive

SOLD Rutile var. Sagenite with Rutilated Quartz
stock #SOLD 18.1-646
Val Medel (Medel Valley)
Grisons, Switzerland
7.8 x 4.6 x 2.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $0
Pre Tucson

A fine Alpine classic that is also an antique specimen and quite fine for the locality as well. Older labels are included and the specimen is in very good condition, the Rutile is in crossed clusters of thin crystals in the Sagenite habit. A few small red prisms are also present that are not part of the clusters. The matrix also holds many small Quartz crystals most of which contain lots of Rutile crystals as well. A small affixed label on the backside is the style and type we see in early 19th and later 18th century specimens. We do not know the history of this piece but it is clearly very old and likely dates back over 150 to 200 years. For the Medel Valley this is an unusually fine specimen with individual crystals to 1.3 CM. A great addition for an Alpine or Swiss suite.

Adularia with Apatite, Chlorite etc
stock #21.1-261
Mutt Glacier, Gletsch, Oberwald, Obergoms, Goms
Valais, Switzerland
11.3 x 5.6 x 5.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $880
Spring 23

Textbook perfect Adularia crystal dominates a matrix plate of smaller Adularia crystals and tiny Apatites. Most of the smallest crystals are also gemmy. The Adularia crystals are either included by or coated with Chlorite, and have a nice green color. The large crystal is an impressive 6.3 CM and shows the form perfectly. Crystals range from transparent to translucent and these are all in undamaged condition, well-formed and complete. From the Swiss Alps, a classic combination and unusually well presented.

Clinochlore and Adularia, Xenotime -Y, Rutile etc.
stock #20-FC-006-(9885)
Fieud Alp, Fontana, Central St Gotthard Massif, Leventina
Ticino, Switzerland
9.3 x 6.3 x 6.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $1450
New Year 22

Clinochlore is not often seen as a display quality specie, it is usually a minor associate or coating of other minerals. Here the Clinochlore crystals are sizable, well-defined and lustrous. The prismatic and sheaf-like crystals are unlike the more normal flat micaceous forms. The dark green crystals contrast well with the transparent to translucent white Adularia. Some micro species are noted in spaces between large crystals, most noticeable are gemmy Xenotime-Y with a yellow to orange color. A few spots of bright red Rutile crystals are also seen with magnification. Ex. Eric Asselborn collection, (France), this is a superb older Alpine specimen and exceptional for the specie, locality and habit.

Fluorite with Calcite
stock #20.1-133
Orismuhle Quarry, Seltisberg, Liestal
Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland
7.3 x 3.8 x 3 CM (cabinet)
price: $320
new year 2021

Not often available for sale, especially outside of Europe, this is a choice specimen from the Orismuhle Quarry in Liestal, Switzerland. The Fluorites are sharp honey-yellow to orange cubes. The Fluorites are set among sharp scalenohedral Calcite crystals that add a good contrast. In good condition overall the largest cube is 1.3 CM across diagonally. The specimen is well trimmed section of a vug that has preserved most of crystals inside well. Excellent addition to a serious world Fluorite suite and certainly unlike most well-known Swiss Fluorites.

Pericline (Albite), Calcite and Rutile - classic locale
stock #20.1-298
Simplon Railway Tunnel, Termen, Brig
Valais, Switzerland
6.4 x 3.8 x 2.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $330
new year 2021

A classic old Simplon Tunnel specimen from Valais (Swiss ) that is very well-crystallized. This piece dates to the period of 1898-1921, and these old pieces are very rare in any quality. The areas between the white Pericline crystals are lined with Rutile in reticulated masses. The Calcite crystals are sharp transparent scalenohedra which are also fluorescent orange in long-wave. One old label is included. In excellent condition with no visible damage, the Pericline has textbook perfect form.

Pink Fluorite, Epidote, Adularia, Chlorite, Quartz etc.
stock #AX-10-864
Val Cristallina (Cristallina Valley)
Grischun (Grisons), Switzerland
15.7 x 9.3 x 4.9 CM (cabinet /museum)
price: $520


A large, colorful Swiss alpine specimen featuring several well-crystallized species in scattered clusters. The centerpiece is the pink octahedral Fluorites many of which are gem clear. In addition, there are a few small colorless Fluorites and a few areas of dark nearly black Fluorite which is coated by and included with Chlorite. The specimen is also multi-colored fluorescent and amazing when examined under good magnification. Gem clear Quartz crystals show typical alpine habits and sharp transparent Epidote and Adularia crystals add contrast. Very pretty in person this looks even better as you look closer.