A fine, bright and glassy Apatite CaF sits esthetically in a nest of Muscovite. From the high elevation locality of Xuebaoding best known for great Scheelites, these are now very hard to find in such good condition. The main crystal is over 2 CM across (this is large for the locality) and has excellent pink-violet color. Strongly fluorescent and gemmy, a very attractive example.
Adamite and Calcite
stock #8.AE-631
Mina Ojuela, Mapimi
Durango,
Mexico
9.4 x 4.4 (cabinet)
price: $250
Unusual and attractive esthetics! A well-crystallized Adamite cluster rises from a matrix of gossan that holds a sparkling Calcite vug. Good contrast and overall appeal, the color of the Adamite is a rich lemon-green. Some unidentified micro crystals are on the reverse side as a bonus.
Spinel (large twinned crystal)
stock #8 DK-155
Luc Yen
Yen Bai Province,
Vietnam
5.1 x 4.2 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $680
Sharp. lustrous and with deep purple-red color, this is a fine Spinel with strong form. Gemmy with glass-like surfaces, the transparency is above average for such a large crystal. The faces alternate from a melted or rounded form to sharp prismatic. The crystal shows well "spinel twinning" and is exceptionally sharp for its size. No damage, displays well.
Brilliant, deep emerald green Dioptase sparkles on a contrasting multicolored matrix. There are several different micro crystals covering the specimen. A very pretty yet affordable miniature from this classic locale. No damage, fantastic color.
Vesuvianite and Mangoan-Vesuvianite
stock #9.1-160
Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos (now Val-des-Sources, Estrie,
Quebec,
Canada
5.7 x 5.3 CM (small cabinet/large miniature)
price: $320
Outstanding example of the species and this closed locality. A brilliant, sparkling cluster of jewel like crystals that range from a few millimeteres up to 1.8 CM. The luster is excellent and crystals are gemmy. Esthetic and eyecatching, this is far better than average for this classic find. Very clean of damage and displays well from many angles. The color is more vivid and rich in person.
Calcite (frosted) on Quartz
stock #9.1-258
Rossie Lead Mine, St. Lawrence Co.
New York,
United States
4.8 x 4 CM (miniature)
price: $250
From the classic old locality of Rossie that was active from 1830 to 1860. A nicely frosted main crystal with a few smaller on the sides sits on a Quartz matrix. No damage, good clarity and some internal rainbows . This seems to be an untwinned crystal that was less common at Rossie. Calcites from here were used in many crystallographic illustrations and studies in the classic literature. These are rarely available now.
A single modified octahedron (3 CM) of Fluorite set esthetically in a nest of Muscovite blades. The Fluorite has a slight frosting but is very clear internally and the color is especially unusual, being pinkish with an orange hue. At quick glance this can even look like a Scheelite. Overall in good condition, there are some rough areas from muscovite contacts as seen in the photos, they are not distracting. For any Fluorite or Pakistani suite, this is a very desirable addition.
Sphalerite
stock #AC-017
Joplin Field, Tri State District, Jasper County
Missouri,
United States
8.6 x 5.4 x 3.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $325
A brilliant and pristine red Sphalerite from the classic Tri State district. Even though this was once easilly available it was not usually as attractive as this piece. The mines have been closed for decades now and is now quite uncommon to find any good USA "ruby jack". A sizable vug of 7.5 Cm across is packed with lusterous sparkling Ruby color crystals that reach 1.1 CM however most are smaller. No damage, great esthetics and all crystals are translucent. There are some saddle shape Dolomites and a sprinkling of Chalcopyrite as well for a nice contrast. The back of the matrix block has a nice display of Sphalerite as well (6 CM across), and would be an excellent piece on its own. Very classy color and great eye appeal as well as being an affordable classic US piece!
