A classic old Sardinian specimen and highly sought after bright green Anglesites on typical matrix. There are several green crystals of Anglesite on this specimen, largest 1.7 CM, but sadly most have noticeable damage, only some small ones in vugs are in good shape. Despite the damage the color is good, it is very hard to find any such specimens. The Anglesites are fluorescent yellow and the matrix exterior is a botryoidal Gossan with a core of altered Galena hosting the Anglesites. Montevechio is an ancient mine worked even before the middle ages. Green Anglesites were found long ago and are something of a holy grail for many. The damage here is heart breaking but makes this a very affordable example of this rare Lead secondary. With more perfect crystals this would easily be a mid 4 figures specimen.
Phosgenite - classic Sardinian
stock #23.1-352
Monteponi Mine, Iglesias, Carbonia
Sardinia,
Italy
2.3 x 2.1 x 1 CM (thumbnail)
price: $490
Spring 23
A single crystal of Phosgenite from the classic Monteponi Mine, ex Delaware University museum and attributed to the George Kunz collection (No Kunz label but a faded number on the specimen). Most of the Phosgenites from this locale have some type of damage, this one has some edge wear but is mostly complete on all sides, there is a chip on the backside and an old repair to note but still shows the form very well. This has classic flat basal terminations and stepped outer edges on the prism faces. Gemmy areas as well as vivid fluorescence add interest and character. For many years the Monteponi Mines were the world's best source of crystalized Lead secondary minerals like this; they are still prized and respected today.
Pyromorphite- Mimetite series, Classic locale
stock #18.1-220
Donori, Calagari Province,
Sardinia,
Italy
5.9 x 4.7 x 3.2 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $280
Worldwide mix summer
Choice, quite lustrous green Pyromorphite (originally labeled as Mimetite) from the old locality at Donori, Sardinia. Very good coverage and deep apple green color, a few small crude crystals are seen with strong magnification, but overall this is a botryoidal specimen. Quite three dimensional and in fine condition, this is much richer than most I have seen from the locality. These are now often labelled as being Pyromorphite- Mimetites as it seems there are both species in the deposit and may be zoned.
Calcite & Quartz (Cumberland habit)
stock #AX-20-155
Sa Duchessa Mine, Oridda Valley, Domusnovas, South Sardinia Province
Sardinia,
Italy
5 x 3.7 x 3 CM (miniature)
price: $200
pre Tucson 2015 update
An odd yet attractive very old Sardinian Calcite specimen with a second generation of Quartz in "Cumberland habit". The Quartz also has numerous inclusions and some is in stacked groupings. There is considerable Hematite on and in many crystals here, adding nice color contrast. In good condition and attractive, most everything is doubly terminated.
Barite (gem clear w. phantoms)
stock #AX-19-230
Sulcis
Sardinia,
Italy
5.5 x 3.5 x 2.8 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $245
An older, well-formed amber colored Barite from the Sulcis area of Caligari in Sardinia. Ex. Mineral Gallery (K. Ward) This shows several good phantoms with backlighting, and has a second generation overgrowth in some areas. Over all in fairly good condition there is contacting on one side and at the rear, small edge chipping is present but not easily seen from the logical display angle. A nice, good color piece from a classic local with the main crystal reaching 4.8 CM.
Phosgenite (exceptional)
stock #AX-16-196
Monteponi Mine, Iglesias, Carbonia
Sardinia,
Italy
4.4 x 2.8 CM (miniature)
price: $3500
A real prize winning miniature! (First Prize miniature category at MTL Mineral EXPO). It is impressive, esthetic gemmy and has classic form, from the most classic locality, Monteponi. An older specimen from this long closed mine, it is composed of 3 main intersecting crystals. Close exam finds very minor chipping mostly just on the base and backside, it can be displayed "eye clean". For this delicate mineral it is "virtually perfect". From an older collection, this quality is simply not for sale today. An older collection number is on the reverse side, it can be removed if that side is to be displayed. Choice!
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