Fluorite with epitaxial Calcite
stock #AX-15-270
Dongpo Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzohou prefecture
Hunan Province,
China
10.5 x 7.8 x 5 CM (cabinet)
price: $670
Spring 2017
Like snow on mountains, Fluorite crystals with sharp phantoms are selectively coated with Calcite rhombs. Ex. Shields Flynn collection, a choice display piece from the little known Dongpo Mine. In excellent condition overall, the only damage is unseen at the bottom outer edges where this was attached, the Fluorites and Calcite are pristine. Some cubes show complex corner modifications that are distinctive for this mine. Not the usual Chinese Fluorite!
Sheelite with Fluorapatite on Muscovite.
stock #AX-15-167
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
8.3 x 5 x 3.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $720
Spring 2017
A really nice combination specimen, with typical Xuebaoding matrix of Muscovite that hosts several yellow-orange Scheelite crystals and a single pink Fluorapatite. The apatite is well-exposed and mostly transparent. The matrix was sawn on the back to remove it from the cleft. In good condition, there are very small chips on some Scheelites and the Apatite has a contact on the backside. Fine luster and better in person. Formerly in the Shields Flynn collection of Chinese minerals, vintage 2004 and obtained from Bert Ottens, this type of combo is no longer found. A modern classic.
Fluorite on Quartz and Muscovite
stock #6.2-849
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
3.9 x 2.7 x 2.3 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $210
Spring 2017
A small bit of perfection, this is a transparent pale-blue cube with purple core phantom perched on a small matrix of Quartz. Classic Yaogangxian Fluorite from finds of 2003 vintage. The condition is flawless. The Fluorite is sharp and more transparent than the photos show. This could be trimmed to thumbnail size for competition but we like it as is. Choice.
An oddity from the great Yaogangxian Mine, sharp rosettes of Pyrrhotite (rare at this locale) that are coated by secondary Sulphides and associated with Chalcopyrite and Pyrite. The Pyrrhotite has been partly or entirely replaced by what is likely pyrite but could also be Chalcopyrite. Both species are on the specimen's matrix. Delicate and well-formed this was part of a small find we obtained at the mine in 2003. I have not seen these since then. Uncommon and a nice example for any good Yaogangxian suite.
Sheelite on Muscovite - fine orange color
stock #AX-16-175
Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang Pref.
Sichuan Province,
China
7 x 4 x 3.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $530
Spring 2017
An older, choice (vintage 2002) Scheelite from early finds on Mt. Xuebaoding. The glassy luster and deep orange color makes this a strong small cabinet specimen, although it could be trimmed to miniature size without problems. These Scheelites rocked the mineral world when they were first found, they were the best ever seen. Now the original locale is closed down, nearby mining still produces some Scheelite but not with this color or style. A modern classic, there is chipping at the outer edge and contacting of the main Scheelite, not very distracting but it is there. So this is not right for perfectionists but if perfect it would be many times the price. Displays well and is a lot more affordable as a result of these issues.
Cassiterite on Quartz w. Chlorite
stock #8.1-086
Gaoligong Shan, Baoshan Prefecture
Yunnan Province,
China
4.7 x 4.5 x 3.5 CM (miniature)
price: $280
Spring 2017
A nice Cassiterite is perched atop a Quartz crystal matrix. Dark opaque black with good luster the condition is very good but there is some chipping on the front and contacts on the backside (not seen on display) From the unusual locale at Gaoligong Shan, a well-developed Cassiterite.
Mimetite - gemmy acicular crystals
stock #7.AE-334
Pingtouling Mine, Liannan, Sanjiang
Guangdong Province,
China
6.5 x 4.4 x 2.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $460
Winter 2016-17
From the now classic finds over a decade ago, this is a bright yellow mass of Mimetite crystals on a solid Gossan matrix. An early piece(vintage 2002)that is not like most of the Pingtouling Mimetites, the crystals are more elongated and some are tapered. In fine condition there are crystals on all sides of the matrix but the side shown is by far the best display face. A choice piece from a closed locale, no longer available.
Pyromorphite
stock #16.1-170
Daoping Mine, Gongcheng County, Guilin Prefecture
Guangxi Province,
China
7.4 x 3.9 x 3.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $1475
Winter 2016-17
An strong impact display specimen undamaged and bright Pyromorphite from the earlier Daoping finds. This is the intense green Pyromorphite that looks like it is fluorescent. Only a few places ever produced fine crystallized Pyros with such strong color. Daoping had world class finds in 2000, 2002 and 2007. This piece is of that type, far better than average, it has dozens of lustrous sharp hoppered crystals that are undamaged.
.jpg)
