A fine, sharp and partly gemmy crystal of Scheelite perched and well-exposed on matrix. Bright luster and fine undamaged condition. The crystal is 3 CM across and the color ranges from orange to a straw yellow. From early finds on Mt Xuebaoding, a fine display quality specimen that is of a quality and style not seen in more recent finds.
Scheelite on Muscovite
stock #AX-5-066
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
7.6 x 5.8 x 3.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $1450
Fall 22
Fine deep orange-red Scheelite crystal on Muscovite matrix. This is an early specimen, ex Shields Flynn collection, that is the most rare and desirable color for Chinese Scheelite. The crystal is 3.2 CM across and lustrous, translucent to transparent. One lower corner has contacts where Muscovite blades grew into the Scheelite, the rest is in excellent condition, sharp and undamaged. As far as I know all Scheelites worldwide are fluorescent, usually a whitish blue. This one is more a yellow to orange color and is quite unusual. Overall a bright and attractive specimen with exceptional color.
A classic combination of species from the famed Mt Xuebaoding (Sichuan, China). Two small but gem-clear Beryl crystals show the classic flat/ tabular form of hexagonal prisms. The Scheelite is an incomplete crystal with excellent orange color and bright luster that is contacted on the back. The matrix is a mat of Muscovite crystals having a rusty color that sits on a massive chunk of country rock that has been sawn on the back, base and sides. These combination specimens have become less common lately and many have become quite expensive, this is a nice example at a relatively low price.
Scheelite with Apatite on Muscovite
stock #AX-15-162-(C76)
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
9.3 x 7.2 x 5.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $1450
New Year 22
A fine early Xuebaoding piece ex Bert Ottens and Shields Flynn. A prominent well-formed orange octahedron of Scheelite is surrounded by a scattering of gemmy Apatite crystals, all set on Muscovite blades with a little Calcite as well. The Apatites are transparent and glassy with a pale color, in some light sources they look slightly pink or violet and in other light they are almost colorless. The Scheelite, Apatite and Calcites are all vividly fluorescent and the combination of yellow, pink and bright red is especially vibrant. The Scheelite has sharp, gemmy corners and excellent luster throughout, most faces show well-defined geometric growth structures as well. No damage, a fine Chinese classic.
Beryl var. Aquamarine with Albite, Muscovite
stock #6.2-639
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
5.6 x 4.2 x 3.3 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $320
Late Summer 2021
A modern classic, an early Xuebaoding type Beryl from Pingwu vintage 2004 season. The Beryl is very glassy the broad faces of the tabular crystal have complex geometric facets from both etching and multiple recrystallizations. The outer narrow faces are sharp and glass-like. Just one narrow edge has some damage not visible from most logical viewing angles but overall the condition is outstanding. The most prominent Albite crystal is a blocky type with pearly luster making a nice contrast. This form of tabular Aquamarine Beryl is rare worldwide but this high elevation locale has almost all of its Beryl in this form.
Scheelite on Muscovite
stock #6.2-899
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
4.3 x 3.4 x 3 CM (miniature)
price: $880
Late Summer 2021
Outstanding miniature with a sharp and glassy Scheelite crystal nestled in Muscovite blades. The Scheelite is translucent to transparent and has the sought-after orange color. There is no damage or chipping but there is some cracking to note near the base which have been stabilized. This is not distracting or easy to find without some magnification. The price has taken this into account. Good Scheelites with fine color have become costly, larger specimens of this quality are often well into the 5 figures. This piece was collected in 2005 while the small mines on the higher reaches of Mt. Xuebaoding were active. More recent finds from Pingwu are found at lower elevation and mostly are a light yellow to brownish. A pretty modern classic.
Epidote (flower form) on phantom Quartz
stock #8.AE-892
Hongquizhen Quarry, Meigu County, Liangshan Yi Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
8.3 x 5.4 x 2 CM (cabinet)
price: $100
Early summer 2021
A small but perfect and well-perched flower-like cluster of dark green Epidote rests on a plate of included Quartz. The Quartz crystals have distinct phantoms and zoned inclusions of reddish Hematite which contrasts well with the Epidote. A specimen from the Hongquizhen Quarry found about 15 years ago; we do not see this material now from China, this is in very good condition, and quite lustrous in person.
Barite (Baryte) on Quartz
stock #6.2-178
Jinkouhe District, Leshan Prefecture
Sichuan Province,
China
8.1 x 5.8 x 5.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $440
Early summer 2021
Blue blocky habit Barite crystals on snow white Quartz from older finds at Jinkouhe in Sichuan Province, China. The main crystal is fully transparent, sharp, and has faint phantoms. This is a hefty 2 CM thick and the wide faces are glassy with bright luster while the edge faces are slightly frosted. Nice contrast with the matrix and prettier in person. In very good condition there are only small minor contacts on the main crystal, the quartz is in fine condition and the smaller Barite crystal has a contact area not seen on display as well as a recrystallized edge. This is about as perfect as we can hope for and the piece displays well from most any side. These were common about 15 years ago but are now very uncommon, it seems this is no longer a producing area.
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