Fluorite on Muscovite and Quartz
stock #4.2-220
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
4.2 x 4.1 x 3.2 CM (miniature)
price: $190
Spring update
Glassy transparent and sharp cubes with areas of deep purple color zoning. The matrix is visible through the Fluorites. No damage. This sort of Fluorite once came out in large amounts from Yaoganxian, though undamaged pieces were much less common. A modern classic location, the supply of nice pieces is drying up but some are still relatively affordable.
A single terminated Elbaite crystal 3.1 CM long is nicely set on Clevelandite blades from the famed Stak Nala pegmatites. A few crystals of the Clevelandite have grown into the Tourmaline but most of it is well exposed and fully visible. In good condition, the three color Elbaites are much less common at Stak Nala. A cute miniature that is quite affordable for one of these.
Pyrargyrite
stock #16.1-530
Taxco de Alercon, Municipio de Taxco
Guerrero,
Mexico
3.6 x 2.8 x 1.4 CM (miniature)
price: $250
Spring update
Dark Silver-Black mass of crystallized Pyrargyrite on a chard of matrix. Strong light shows distinctive Ruby red color on most areas. There are areas of "meltedlook" masses mixed with very sharp small crystals in textbook form. Fascinating under good magnification, the specimen is complex and has several habits present. An older piece from Taxco in great condition. We do not have an exact mine attribution, it is common from this region especially with older pieces that many small mines and prospects send ore and specimens together for processing and sale.
A killer Vanadinite. This delicate thin sprire of dark matrix has dozens of sharp red crystals in a sparkling confusion. This is from a recent small find produced from single pocket. Small stalactitic based Vanadinites have been seen from time to time over the years but I have never seen any so very long, slender, perfect and esthetic.
The source for these had attributed them only to Mibladen area (but without a mine or area). However, to many collectors it seems far more likely these are from Taouz due to the habit, matrix, form etc. We have visited both mines and I agree that these specimens match more perfectly the style of the best Taouz pieces and differ greatly from Mibladen. For this reason we are posting these as Taouz but I must acknowledge we may be wrong and perhaps a totally different type of Vanadinite was recently found at Mibladden. Our sources from Mibladden agree. No matter which locale, the form, luster and presentation of this piece is exceptional. In clean perfect condition this displays fine on every side. Brilliant.
Fluorite with Sphalerite
stock #AX-14B-009
Elmwood Mine, Carthage, Smith County
Tennessee,
United States
10.2 x 8.6 x 3.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $360
Spring update
Classic Elmwood purple Fluorite on Sphalerite in a very three dimensional piece. Most cubes show good zoning as well with color from very deep purple to some pale violet nearing white. Some corner cleaves are here, but most all the cubes are complete and perfect. Due to the cubes being well above the matrix base most also pass light very well which makes a bright presentation. This looks like a much more expensive specimen but the cleaves keep it reasonable. Now that the mine is closed these are the last of Midwestern US Fluorites and are sadly missed in the mineral world.
Dramatic miniature with brilliant deep red gemmy Scaleneohedral Rhodos in perfect condition. An outstanding Uchucchacua piece with top luster and form. No chips, dings or cleaves even under strong magnification, which is very rare. Older specimen that is much better in person, this may remind you of a fine Wessels mine specimen. A very choice, competition grade miniature.
Prehnite crystals -Vintage Swiss
stock #16.1-168
Muotta Naira, Piz Lai BlauNalps Valley, Tujetsch, Vorderrhein
Grischun (Grisons),
Switzerland
11.3 x 6.4 x 2.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $375
Spring update
A matrix plate with clear light green Prehnite crystals to 1.4 CM scattered with smaller Prehnites and some tiny Epidote and Byssolite. Classic specimen, ex Charles Noll collection and a much older label from an unknown collection. In fine condition overall, the main crystals are pristine. Some crystals are also on the underside but the view shown is the logical display face.
Incredible form on this Indian specimen. A radiating burst of amethysts is the base for perfect scepters that are very slender, twisted and have lepidocrocite needles inside some tips with a red color. In pristine condition, no damage seen even with 10x magnification. from the amazing finds at Karur in Tamil Nadu, this level of perfection and esthetics is very very rare. Better in person this piece was selected from many hundreds of good pieces as on a quality level of its own.