Small but pretty miniature from Tsumeb of course. The Smithsonite is well-crystalized with gemmy dark pink color that is almost purple. Scattered in this are gemmy butterscotch yellow-orange Wulfenites that are also gemmy. The matrix is a nice contrast and the whole is in excellent condition. Many pink Smithsonites are mistakenly called Cobaltoan when often the color is actually from Manganese, Iron or another source. We are fairly sure this is indeed Cobaltoan Smithsonite based on the paragenesis and match to another well-tested sample. No matter the chromophore here the specimen is richly colorful, attractive and a very nice association that is not crazy expensive for one of these.
Chrysocolla - stalactitic
stock #21.1-218
Ball Park Bench, Ray Mine, Scott Mountain, Pinal County
Arizona,
United States
4 x 1 x .6 CM (small miniature)
price: $340
Early summer 2021
Fine form and color in this twisted stalactitic finger of Chrysocolla. From a recently rediscovered old stock of the 1978 find at the Ray Mine, this is a choice example of a quality rarely available. A classic for Arizona and the USA this piece comes from the Ball Park Bench find. There is just a little Quartz on this piece; it is mostly Chrysocolla with a very bright blue tip.
Scheelite on Quartz
stock #21.1-241
Tae wha Mine, Neungam-ri, Angseong-myeon, Chungju
Chungcheongbukdo,
South Korea
3.8 x 3.2 x 2.2 CM (small miniature)
price: $80
Early summer 2021
A Scheelite octahedral crystal perched on some clear Quartz crystals from the famed Tae Wha Mine in Korea. There are some chips on the Quartz but the Scheelite is in good condition. In strong light the Scheelite is translucent to transparent.
HOLD Celestite on Calcite
stock #HOLD AX-7-024-(294)
Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County
Illinois,
United States
3.9 x 2.6 x 2.3 CM (small miniature)
price: $180
new year 2021
A small but very esthetic specimen from the prolific Fluorospar region of Southern Illinois. Ex. Larry White collection, the Celestite (or Celestine for many) is a terminated flat prism set on light yellow Calcites. Unusual in its composition, this piece has considerable display impact despite the small size and is in excellent condition. This zone produced many thousands of great Fluorite specimens but very few good Celestites were saved.
Cobaltoan Calcite with Malachite
stock #20.1-269
Kolwezi, Katanga Copper Crescent
Lualaba Province,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
4 x 3.7 x 3.5 CM (small miniature)
price: $90
A small, colorful and cute specimen from the Katanga Crescent (not the more common Moroccan type). There are two separate vugs on this piece with brightly sparkling purple-pink crystals and a few sprays of green Malachite adding contrast. Some bruising on edges is noted but still a pretty and affordable small piece.
Calcite -complex twinned
stock #AX-10-851
Gralex Quarry, Mont-sur-Marchienne, Charleroi
Hainaut,
Belgium
3.4 x 3.4 x 2.3 CM (small miniature)
price: $75
Spring update
A choice small specimen from this noted locale. The Calcite is undamaged, mostly transparent and shows complex twinning. This locale produced many habits and some top pieces over the years, but it is now finished. This is a small, cute, affordable piece from this important locality with a nice arrangement.
Elbaite/ Schorl with Fluorite, Quartz etc
stock #18.1-189
Stak Nala, Haramoush Mountains
Skardu District, Baltistan,
Pakistan
3.8 x 2.8 1.8 CM (small miniature)
price: $330
Spring update
Dark Tourmalines (deep green- brown to black) that are translucent and very lustrous with a green Fluorite crystal. Small Quartz crystals and Albite are also present. In excellent condition as seen the terminations are sharp and complete. It is likly that this Tourmaline is a mixture of both Elbaite and Schorl in zoned growth. The Fluorite is a modified octahedron and the combination is very attractive. A choice small miniature from the amazing pegmatites of Stak Nala.
Grossular - gem clear, with Clinoclore
stock #17.1-498
Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos (now Val-des-Sources, Estrie,
Quebec,
Canada
3.8 x 3.6 x 1 CM (small miniature)
price: $825
pre Tucson 2015 update
A very bright, clear and perfect little gem from the great Jeffrey Mine. A fine small miniature / toenail, this could also be trimmed to make a competition thumbnail. The matrix is a mix of Clinochlore crystals and small clear Grossular that are pale pink or colorless. The main Garnet is cinnamon orange-red, well-positioned on the plate and is complete all around. You can see through it perfectly.
Even before this legendary locale closed for good the Garnets had become scarce and very expensive when of top quality.This is far better in person and a real bargain for the quality and esthetics.
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