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318 specimens listed
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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.

Calcite (pineapple type) on Fluorite
stock #7.AE-426
Shangbao Pyrite Mine, Leiyang
Hunan Province, China
5 x 3.9 x 3.3 CM (miniature)
price: $240
Early summer 2021

The "pineapple" type Calcite from the Shangbao Mine were found in the 2004-7 era but not seen in more recent mining. These were mostly translucent to transparent and the color looks just like pineapple. This piece is a single doubly terminated crystal on etched Fluorite that is both light purple and blue. In good condition overall, there are some very small contact points and rough spots but no chipping or real damage. This is in remarkable shape for one of these as most have considerable damage. An attractive Shangbao specimen and a very good example of this very cool habit.

Rhodochrosite with Fluorite and Quartz
stock #8.1-432
Wutong Mine, Liubao, Cangwu Co. Wuzoh Pref.
Xinjiang Autonomous Region, China
7.8 x 5.1 x 2.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $1250
Early summer 2021

A choice plate of red rhombohedral Rhodochrosite crystals with a purple Fluorite that adds a nice color accent. A very early specimen from the large find at Wutong, these Rhodos are very three dimensional, they stand above the matrix which is mostly Quartz some of which is in needle crystal. The color is a very deep red on many crystals, others are a little more pinkish red. Overall this is as vivid as we have seen from China with a hue comparable to many Sweet Home Mine Rhodos. The entire plate can be backlit to a glowing red, the crystals are mostly not transparent but translucent and cloudy inside. An attractive and colorful specimen and a good value.

Galena on Quartz
stock #AX-15-146-(C100)
Rucheng Mine, Caojia, Nuanshui, Chenzhou
Hunan Province, China
8.6 x 6.4 x 3 CM (cabinet)
price: $360
Early summer 2021

With all the great Lead minerals that are found in China it is surprising how uncommon are good specimens of Galena, the most common lead mineral. This is a nice Galena from anyplace and super fine from China, with two textbook perfect crystals on a bed of milky Quartz. Ex Shields Flynn collection, obtained from Bert Ottens, this is a 2004 vintage specimen with the largest crystal 2.6 CM across. The two crystals are both of different habits, perfect and undamaged. The Rucheng Mine is famed for the fine Sphalerites it produced about 15 years ago. This piece is about as fine as Galena is ever seen in China.

Wulfenite
stock #16.1-063
Jianshan Mine (stone crack), Ruoqiang County, Bayin gholin Prefecture
Xinjiang Autonomous Region, China
9.6 x 7.1 x 3.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $460
Early summer 2021

Bright and sparkling small (7mm) red Wulfenite crystals with glassy luster and epitaxial coatings of whitish Calcites. In excellent condition overall, which is incredible for such delicate thin crystals. The Calcite is selectively deposited in the middle of the Wulfenite blades and the edges are uncovered, showing a sharp beveled termination. A quite good and eye-catching example from this important find in 2016. This locality had provided many fine pieces at all levels and price points, this piece is a very good value for the locale.

Arsenopyrite - iridescent crystals
stock #8.1-238
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Pref.
Hunan Province, China
8.3 x 4.6 x 3.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $360
Early summer 2021

Large and lustrous, the Arsenopyrite crystals here have a golden patina on the broad faces and a bright silvery color on the narrow faces. The golden faces have a color play in the patina and are especially attractive. The facing side of the specimen is in great condition. Part of the sides have contacts and there are saw marks on the back as well. None of those distractions are visible in a normal display. This presents deep striations and classic habit, the bigger crystals are over 4 CM and very clearly defined. Tiny bits of Quartz and Fluorite are also present. An older specimen (2008) from the great Yaogangxian.

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.

Fluorite with Quartz casts after Calcite
stock #6.2-610
Dongpo Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzohou prefecture
Hunan Province, China
8.8 x 5.3 x 5.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $290
Early summer 2021

Very odd yet attractive specimen of two Fluorite crystals that are both pierced by scalenohedral holes in the shape of former Calcite crystals. The cavities are filled with drusy Quartz crystals that sparkle and contrast with the green Fluorite. An unusual Fluorite from the Dongpo Mine, this has 2 larger and 3 smaller casts inside the Fluorite cubes. A nice piece for those who enjoy oddities.