Hydroxylpyromorphite on Cerussite
stock #20-FC-058-(9163)
MFouati Mine, Bouenza Department
Bouenza Department,
Republic of Congo (Brazzaville)
5.9 x 3.1 x 1.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $2250
Spring 2020
A very fine and unusually esthetic specimen of this new and rare mineral. This is a newly recognized specie (2017) and is the Pyromorphite analogue of Hydroxylapatite (Pyromorphite is of course part of the Apatite family). The well formed Cerussite crystal is a super matrix for the white to greenish crusts of micro crystals and masses. This specimen from the Congo is by far the best looking example I have seen. It is uncommon for new or rare minerals to visible to the naked eye and less often colorful or attractive. It remains to be seen if more will be found at MFouati, it is the first find of the specie in Africa. This mineral was previously noted at three localities in Europe and two in the USA as an "unknown, undescribed" specie. In those localities this has been found only in submillimeter crystals and crusts. A superb example with a rich coverage, a superb addition for a Pyromorphite suite.
Andradite (var. polyadelphite)
stock #19.1-516
Franklin/ Sterling Hill
New Jersey,
United States
4.8 x 4.1 x 3.8 CM (miniature)
price: $290
Spring 2020
Sharp Franklin New Jersey Garnets with the Orange-Brown color that was once called Polyadelphite. This is a Mg rich type of Andradite, but it is not recognized as a separate specie and the name is not used as much now. This is an old specimen, there are several collection numbers and one handwritten label attached. The main Garnet is 2.3 cm across, the form is quite good and relatively complete for one of these. Classic Franklin material this looks like others I have seen from the Buckwheat but there is no further information. A choice Franklin crystal.
Scheelite with Quartz and Magnetite
stock #16.1-117
Huanggang Mine, Chifeng Prefecture, Hexigten Banner, Ulanhead League
Inner Mongolia Region,
China
4.8 x 4.3 x 3.6 CM (miniature)
price: $720
Spring 2020
A fine looking, well formed Scheelite crystal in pyramidal form with a flowerlike Quartz cluster on one edge. Very esthetic, the Scheelite has a glassy, translucent, micro pitted and slightly etched surface that makes a nice contrast. In excellent condition, the matrix at the base of the piece is a mass of Magnetite crystals. The Scheelite and Quartz are in excellent undamaged condition. The Scheelite has a few green coatings and inclusions of Hedenbergite which gives it this color. Far better than the typical Scheelites from here and better in person.
Several well formed textbook sharp Kesterites are well displayed on the contrasting Muscovite (which is also well crystallized). For a few years the Mt Xuebaoding area produced the worlds best Kesterites usually coated with green Mushingtonite. The mining sites have closed and shifted and there is no more. The only source now for a good piece is from an old collection. This piece has sharp crystals up to 1.4 CM though most are smaller. Scattered sprays and balls of Malachite are also present, this was a less common accessory mineral at this find. In fine shape this could be trimmed to several thumbnails or miniatures but is also choice just as it is. A good value for a modern classic now getting quite rare.
Covellite - classic USA
stock #16.1-531
Summitville District, Rio Grande County
Colorado,
United States
5.8 x 4.2 x 2 CM (cabinet)
price: $275
Spring 2020
Bladed crystals of Covellite are clustered on edge in the classic form from Summitville, Colorado. On this piece the iridescent patina is similar to good specimens from Butte, but has the Colorado form. Crystals are distinct, well-separated and sharp, this is nearly pure Covellite just a few tiny bits of adhering matrix. Covellite is a somewhat common mineral but almost always massive. Crystallized Covellite is quite rare as there were only three locations that ever were good sources, at those sites it was still rare. Now all those mines are long gone.
Dioptase
stock #15.1-1037
Tsumeb
Otjikoto Region,
Namibia
7.3 x 4.8 x 2.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $1500
Spring 2020
A very fine deep emerald green Dioptase from Tsumeb with the intense color that can not be done justice on a computer. Wet-look luster and sharp transparent crystals densly cover the matrix plate. No damage and far better in person. Tsumeb Dioptase is known as a bit different from that found any place else. When at its best it is the most intense color in the world. This has that color. Ex. Charles M. Noll collection, from the heyday of the mine, mid seventies vintage.
Topaz
stock #16.1-573
Teofilo Otoni, Mucuri Valley
Minas Gerais,
Brazil
6.2 x 3.1 x 2.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $450
Spring 2020
A main crystal that is nearly all gem clear and is over 6 CM tall shows glass clear faces on 3 sides with one face etched, included and with complex modifications. The condition is very good, the upper half is all gem clear and the lower part has additional smaller crystals attached. A very nice Topaz from the prolific region of Teofilo Otoni, this weighs a hefty 91.4 grams.
Fluorite
stock #19.1-502
Elmwood Mine, Carthage, Smith County
Tennessee,
United States
5.2 x 2.2 x 1.7 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $420
Spring 2020
A complete 360 degree "Carthage corner" Fluorite with deep purple color that is fully translucent to transparent. Every face of this piece is perfectly etched with tiny stairstep structures from the complex re-crystallization that forms these unique shapes. It is not completely understood why this form of Fluorite that is very rare worldwide has been found so often at the Elmwood mine. Even at this prolific site good, clean undamaged examples are still uncommon. A choice piece with well saturated color.
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