Rhodochrosite -Scalenohedral crystals
stock #12.1-273
Uchucchacua Mine, Oyon Province
Lima Department,
Peru
4.2 x 4.1 x 2.8 CM (miniature)
price: $650
Spring 2019
Sizable doubly terminated Rhodochrosite crystals sitting on contrasting matrix. These are the "fat Scalenohedral" habit from Uchucchacua and are translucent to transparent with the largest crystal 2.1 CM. The presenting face of the specimen looks in very good undamaged condition but the crystals do have contacts and chipping on the backs and sides so this is not for perfectionists. Depending on the display angle this can look quite perfect however. The crystals have some faces showing complex striations but others are smooth and lustrous. A great value for the size, color and form.
Amethyst on Quartz -unusual scepters
stock #19.1-294
Karur
Tamil Nadu,
India
3.3 x 3.2 x 1.6 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $280
Spring 2019
Two generations of Quartz with the later growth of Amethyst being unusual bent scepters. Excellent color and in fine condition the contrast with the white Quartz is excellent and the purple is nicely zoned, intense and lustrous. From the remarkable Amethyst discoveries in Karur, this has an especially delicate and eyecatching appeal but the real uniqueness is the unusual scepter form.
Torbernite
stock #17.1-143
Musonoi Mine, Kolwezi
Katanga (Shaba),
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
8 x 4.3 x 2.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $1650
Spring 2019
A big well crystallized plate of deep green Torbernite from the old finds at Musonoi. In fine condition, with individual crystals averaging over a Centimeter (up to 1.5CM). These top Congo specimens are from finds decades ago, these are already considered to be classics for the specie. Most of the crystals here are standing on edge with termination faces showing but a few are laying flat. The flat faces have a lighter green color and are a nice contrast to those showing darker edges.
Chain-like stack of arborescent and spinel twin crystals from New Mexico. Ex collections of Buck Keller and William Hladysz, this has just a hint of matrix adhering, but is mostly a sculptural tower of Copper. No damage and with a nice patina, this is an older piece that predates the Chino mine find that became famous in 2001. This piece almost certainly came from the Chino mine zone too, but that is not recorded on the previous label and we do not like to attribute without certainty. The Chino is a huge pit that has now encompassed other smaller mines, so many details of locality have gotten lost over time. A very nice copper from anyplace.
Serandite w. Aegerine etc
stock #19.1-293
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Monteregie
Quebec,
Canada
3.6 x 1 x .8 CM (miniature)
price: $330
Spring 2019
A fine single prism of orange- pink Serandite crystal that presents an elongated blocky prismatic form. In exceptional undamaged condition this was collected more than 35 years ago. Recently it has been determined that some of the Serandites from St Hillaire are in fact Schizolite a misidentification that applies to many recent pieces. This piece is not one of those but is a real Serandite.
Quartz -Faden
stock #AX-25-029
Waziristan Ophiolite, North Waziristan
FATA Federally Administered Tribal Areas,
Pakistan
6 x 3.8 x 2.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $350
Spring 2019
Sharp, gem clear and in perfect condition, a fine distorted Quartz cluster showing a distinct faden line or string inclusion. This is a cluster of three main Quartz prisms, each of which has a different habit, yet all have faden strings. The main prism is nicely perched and is the focal point, displays well from any angle and has an unusual tabular form. In excellent condition there are no chips or bruises visible by naked eye, 20X magnification inspection finds only incredibly small rough spots, this is essentially perfect. This find in Waziristan was big news in the mineral world, superb, world class and prolific. The large quantities found have kept the cost of a fine piece very reasonable. This specimen is far better than average, better in person.
Quartz (var. Prase) with Hematite
stock #19.1-085
Serifos Island, Cyclade Islands
South Aegean,
Greece
5.6 x 3.9 x 3.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $110
Spring 2019
The Prase type Quartz from Serifos can be especially attractive and is a modern classic. This is a choice small cabinet specimen with good color, form and is in good condition, some chipping is seen on close inspection not visible at several angles but this keeps this price low. A ball of Hematite blades is a nice and rather uncommon addition. The locality still continues to produce some Quartz every few years but these have become quite hard to find at reasonable prices or in anything close to good condition.
Lazurite - crystals in Calcite
stock #19.1-079
Khash and Kuran Wa Munjan District
Badakshan,
Afghanistan
4.3 x 2.1 x 2 CM (miniature)
price: $360
Spring 2019
Top grade, intense blue color of well formed Lazurite crystals that are nicely exposed from the contrasting matrix. A super attractive miniature specimen that has the main crystal perched perfectly on top. No damage though there is contacting on the back that is not visible on any normal display angle. This is far better than typical for the excellent color and form, as a display specimen this has a lot of impact for the size.
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