A cabinet sized cluster of intergrown Bournonite crystals with a scattering of sharp, lustrous Sphalerites. This is not from the famed region of Les Malines in Gard, well-known as a major classic locality for Bournonites, this specimen is from an unusual locality at Saint-Laurent-le-Minier which is also in Gard. Mindat list this as a source of Bournonite but has no examples pictured. These crystals are up to 2.6 CM and are covering almost the entire specimen. These have a dark patina, some edges show classic cogs-wheel form but most are prismatic and well-defined. The Sphalerites are a mixture of lustrous black and red-orange crystals some of which are transparent. The minerals coat the matrix everywhere except for a small spot on the underside. A choice French Bounonite with a little different look than the usual more metallic specimens. Ex John Marshall collection obtained by him in 1969.
Parsonite with minor Torbernite, Dewindtite? etc.
stock #20.1-894-(ZS-PNS4129)
La Faye Mine, Grury Charolles, Saone et Loire
Bourgougne-Franche-Compte,
France
4.1 x 3.6 x 2.6 CM (miniature)
price: $450
new year 2021
Bright yellow crystals of the rare Lead Uranyl Phosphate Parsonite are on several surfaces, some mixed with green Torbernite. Usually Parsonite is a specie for micromounting but this is a colorful and displayable specimen. Strong magnification also shows what appears to be some orange and yellow crystals of Dewindtite, another rare specie associated with Uraninite. This is not confirmed by x-ray, but this mine is one of the best sources of the specie and this appears to match well. The zones of Parsonite are quite large and and seen by naked eye. The tiny crystals with magnification show they are in radiating sprays and clusters of needles. This was previously in the collections of Kay Robertson and Terry Szenics who are both well-known as knowledgeable, selective and tasteful lovers of minerals.
Quartz - classic locale
stock #15.1-732
Vizille, Grenoble, Isere
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes,
France
9.4 x 7.3 x 7.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $230
new year 2021
The Quartz localities clustered near Grenoble in Isere, France were sources of some of the most classic and special Quartz specimens in the world. This piece shows well the forms of the slender clear Quartz prisms perched on an altered Siderite "Limonite" matrix. In exceptional undamaged condition, this is from the Dr. Warren Johansson collection, he purchased this in 1984. A nice sized cabinet specimen that shows well the clarity and luster that these are famed for at a reasonable cost for one of these European classics.
A fine classic French specimen of gemmy Dauphine habit Quartz decorated with Siderites that are partly to fully pseudomorphed. The Siderites retain the flattened rhomb form perfectly and some are actually "skewered" on the slender Quartz. In excellent condition only one Quartz on the edge has any damage and that is not evident on display. Remarkable that this size and delicacy is intact. This was in the collection of William Hladysz for many years, he obtained this from Carter Rich. Carter's label gives some contradictory locality information, he lists La Mure, Bourg de Oisans and Vizille on the label, but these are really separate locales, all in Isere. This is clearly from Isere but almost certainly from Allevard. Siderite of this sort is not typical of Bourg de Oisans although the Quartz is. The Allevard locality in the same region is assured by our French colleagues as accurate, they know the zone well. Overall a very impressive display piece of classic Alpine minerals from this famed zone above Grenoble. Choice specimens like this are almost never seen for sale, especially in the USA.
Malachite psuedo after Cuprite -classic form, locale
stock #AX-18-032
Chessy Copper Mines, Chessy-les Mines, Villefranche-sur-Saone, Rhone
Rhone-Alpes,
France
4 x 3.6 x 3 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $1580
Spring 2019
A fine classic Chessy Malachite replacing Cuprite crystals. The stacked hoppered Octahedral crystals show fine stepped growth, skeletal structure and are quite sharp, fully undamaged on matrix. Attractive on all sides these are compound crystals with the longest crystal edge over 3 CM which is quite huge for this famed location. This type of pseudomorph is on the "short list" of highly desirable classic European minerals and this piece is far better than average. super addition to a suite of pseudomorphs, copper minerals or pseudos.
Malachite Ps after Cuprite -Classic locale and form
stock #19.1-240
Chessy Copper Mines, Chessy-les Mines, Villefranche-sur-Saone, Rhone
Rhone-Alpes,
France
1.7 x 1.5 x 1.5 CM (thumbnail)
price: $450
Spring 2019
A perfect complete octahedron of the classic Chessy, French Cuprite form pseudomorphed into Malachite. This is the most iconic habit of this famed locale, and this specimen has the very distinctive hoppered faces that are so unique on these old specimens. No damage and all sides display well, this is a 360 degree piece. An excellent thumbnail with wonderful form.
Spangolite with Connellite
stock #18.1-508
La Finosa Mine, Fontana Rossa, Ghisoni Corte, Haute Corse
Corsica,
France
6.2 x 4.8 x 1.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $240
A nicely crystallized specimen from this less well known old mine in Corsica. Specimens of this size are very rare and few have crystals that are visible by naked eye. The crystals here are densely packed, cover a sizable area and are brightly colored. The backside is also mineralized but less richly.
Barite -transparent with Phantoms
stock #16.1-083
Susville, La Mure, Isere
Rhone-Alpes,
France
3.9 x 3.5 x .9 CM (miniature)
price: $180
Worldwide mix summer
Transparent blade crystals of Barite with a white fringe and phantoms inside. Sharp and lustrous from a small but remarkable French find 3 years ago. A choice example, very delicate and in eye-perfect condition. With 10 x magnification the main crystals are pristine. At 20 X a tiny chip is found on a tiny side crystal near the base. A choice example.
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