Orpiment on Calcite crystal
stock #18.1-743
Shimen (Jiepiayu) Mine, Shimen County, Changde Prefecture
Hunan Province,
China
3.1 x 2..1 x 1.9 CM (thumbnail)
price: $350
Dec 2018
From the Chinese finds made more than 15 years ago at Shimen. This is a fine thumbnail sized Gemmy Calcite crystal coated on several sides with slender crystals of Orpiment in orange and yellow colors. These were big news when first discovered and the supply dried up very quickly. There were very few good thumbnails since most of the Calcites were much larger. In fine condition the specimen is better in person and now a modern classic. We obtained this piece in China at that time and sold it shortly after. Glad to see it back and have one to offer today.
Orpiment on Calcite
stock #4.2-311.1
Shimen (Jiepiayu) Mine, Shimen County, Changde Prefecture
Hunan Province,
China
6.4 x 5.3 x 4.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $230
Worldwide mix summer
Orange to yellow Orpiment crystals reaching 3.3 CM on a matrix of Calcite and Orpiment. Vintage 2004, from the once prolific finds at the Shimen mine, these have now disappeared from the market. This matrix has a crack that seems to be stable but is noted as these are very delicate specimens. The Orpiment crystals tend to be a darker red-orange close to the terminations, and are translucent in strong light. Now that the mine is closed these are recognized as modern classics.
Orpiment and Calcite
stock #Alec-15-207
Shimen (Jiepiayu) Mine, Shimen County, Changde Prefecture
Hunan Province,
China
8 x 6.8 x 7.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $380
pre Tucson 2015 update
Sharp white Calcite scalenohedrons make a wonderful contrast to the orange red crystals of Orpiment. The Orpiment is sharp and well terminated with translucent to gemmy area. In excellent condition for such a delicate mineral, this displays well from all sides. These came on the market 8-9 years ago but have been getting scarce now, especially in this higher quality specimen. From the Shields Flynn/ Frances Trafford collection.
