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116 specimens listed
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Fluorite, Ferberite on Quartz with Muscovite and Arsenopyrite
stock #AX-15-246
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Pref.
Hunan Province, China
6.7 x 5.2 x 4.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $375
Worldwide mix summer

A choice multi-specie specimen from Yaoganxian, ex Shields Flynn collection. The Quartz in person is very clear, has a sharp termination and you can see Ferberite and Muscovite inside. There are unknown white inclusions inside as well. The Ferberite is lustrous, and the Fluorite is transparent as it should be. Not perfect however, when seen under 10x magnification there are rough spots and the smaller Feberite has chipping, but the overall quality is far better than average and this has the sort of esthetics that displays very well. The price reflects the imperfections which for many collectors makes this a very good value.

Sphalerite - gemmy
stock #18.1-221
Rucheng Mine, Caojia, Nuanshui, Chenzhou
Hunan Province, China
7.9 x 6.8 x 2.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $650
Worldwide mix summer

A nearly pure plate of large crystals up to 3CM across that are transparent in many areas and have a rich dark red hue. A single Quartz crystal on one edge is the only non Sphalerite part of this specimen, there is no matrix. In very clean condition, all the crystals on the display side are undamaged, contacted on back only. From the famed finds made in the 2000-2005 era in Hunan province. These localities are all closed now and specimens have become quite rare on the market in this fine quality.

Calcite -Pineapple habit, on Quartz with Fluorite and Dolomite
stock #5.1-074
Shangbao Pyrite Mine, Leiyang
Hunan Province, China
8.3 x 5.3 x 3.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $280


The distinctive "pineapple" style Calcite from Shangbao came out sporadically in the 2000-2008 era, this is a very choice example of the habit. Set on a matrix of sparkling Quartz the addition of a few scattered purple Fluorites adds extra contrast. In fine condition as seen, the terminations of the Calcites are transparent and the body of the prism is more milky, all with the "pineapple color". Top Shangbao Fluorites are now regarded as some of the worlds best (and most expensive). 15 years ago at the mine the Calcites were more expensive from the miners than Fluorites because they were more rare and hard to extract intact. Times change.

Fluorite- water clear green cubes
stock #6.2-767
Xianghuapu Mine, Linwu County, Chenzhou Prefecture
Hunan Province, China
8.4 x 6.3 x 4 CM (cabinet)
price: $775
Spring update

From the finds at Xianghuapu in 2006, a super sharp and fully transparent cluster of Fluorite with bright luster. We obtained this back then at the mine, we selected from thousands of pieces looking for top quality and this was of that calibre. We sold all those specimens long ago but this one is back and it is nothing like the average pieces that flooded out later on. Now that the mining is closed up this sort of specimen is quite treasured. In fine condition, you can read through the Fluorites, which makes them difficult to photograph well enough to be fully appreciated. The main cube is 5.5 CM diagonal and is like green glass.

Realgar with Calcite- gemmy crystals
stock #8.1-185
Shimen (Jiepiayu) Mine, Shimen County, Changde Prefecture
Hunan Province, China
7.2 x 5.2 x 4.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $850
Spring update

A fat, intense red main crystal dominates this Realgar specimen. The Realgar is the less common blocky habit and has top vivid color. Glassy luster, transparent to translucent and a strong display piece. Mined over a decade ago this has been in dark storage ever since so it is pristine and fresh looking. No more is coming out, this is a very choice example. There is damage on the backside where it was removed that is not seen, the front in is fine condition and showy.

Sphalerite with Quartz- huge complex crystal
stock #7.AE-393
Rucheng Mine, Caojia, Nuanshui, Chenzhou
Hunan Province, China
11 x 7.9 x 6.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $875
Spring update

A giant Sphalerite crystal stands on a mix of Quartz crystals and Sphalerite. Bright luster, translucent and in fine condition, a dramatic specimen. The complex faces in some photos can seem like bruises were light reflects off many facets, but this is clearly pristine when seen in person. From finds in 2002-3 at Rucheng Mine, at that time the locality of was given as Shuikoushan which is a Zinc mine nearby, but that was purposely misleading. While some large Sphalerites did come from both localities, this habit is was unique to Rucheng. These places are no longer mined and big crystals like this are long gone. A modern Chinese classic and a really impressive Sphalerite, cleaves on the backside but undamaged front, visually perfect on display.

Realgar crystals on Calcite
stock #6.2-833
Shimen (Jiepiayu) Mine, Shimen County, Changde Prefecture
Hunan Province, China
4.6 x 3.9 x 2.7 CM (miniature)
price: $390
Spring update

Brilliant, transparent red Realgar crystals perched on a translucent single Calcite scalenohedron. Older Shimen mine specimen that has been kept in dark storage so the color is fresh and lustrous. Like many Chinese minerals from this era, these were the best examples of their specie and are no longer being mined. A few crystals have slight edge wear but overall this is in pristine condition. Choice.

Wurtzite with Quartz
stock #AX-15-323-(C093)
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Pref.
Hunan Province, China
8 x 6.7 x 5.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $2600
Spring update

A superb, major specimen of well crystallized Wurtzite perhaps the best example from the great Yaoganxian Mine. By far this is the best and biggest specimen I have seen from this prolific locality, and was on exhibit in the Tucson TGMS special exhibit of Chinese minerals a decade ago. Ex Shields Flynn collection obtained from Bert Ottens who originally discovered Wurtzite at Yaoganxian. Nearly pure Wurtzite, there are hundreds of sharp crystals to 6 MM on all sides with just a few Quartz crystals as contrast. In fine condition and although a "dark ugly" it is oddly attractive. Several have considered this the very best Wurtzite from China, it is obviously important for the locale and the specie.