Hopeite - modern classic
stock #23.FC-06
Broken Hill (Kabwe Mine) Kabwe District
Central Province,
Zambia
9.6 x 5.4 x 5.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $790
Spring 23
A very large, well-crystalized specimen of this rare hydrous Zinc Phosphate. All sides of this specimen are encrusted with rust-red color orthorhombic crystals, most of which have distinct form and are coated with a sparkling druse of tiny crystals that seem to be a second generation of transparent colorless Hopeite. This locality had produced the very best of this specie most of which were found when Zambia was still called Rhodesia. No new finds are reported, these classic specimens are only available from older collections.
Outstanding color and luster, a super example of this famed find made about 13 years ago. We are told the locality flooded shortly after and no further work was possible. The top surface is densely covered with sharp Pyromorphites on a vivid green carpet of Malachite. Most pieces from this locale are quite flat, but this has a fine three dimensional presentation and is in perfect, undamaged condition. A modern classic locality, for several decades the Rum Jungle area had produced some fine Lead and Copper specimens. However this particular find is considered the best ever, and sadly was the last.
Vanadinite crystals on Pholadaomia (Clam) fossil
stock #23.FC-021
Mibladen Mine, Upper Moulouya lead district, Midelt, Khenifra Province
Draa-Tafilalet Region,
Morocco
6 x 4.4 x 4.3 CM (cabinet)
price: $950
Spring 23
An incredible Vanadinite. This remarkable specimen from a very small find in 2022, the matrix is a complete Clam fossil with clusters of bright red Vanadinite crystals. The amazing mines at Mibladen are certainly the world’s best localities for this specie, and the quantity of production is amazing. Among tens of thousands of pieces extracted over the past decades no fossils hosting good Vanadinites like this have ever been seen. We are only aware of a few pieces found two years ago with tiny druses on some marine fossils but those were micro-sized crystals. In excellent condition and complete on all sides.
A remarkable and pristine example of this rare Phosphate from what is unquestionably the best locality for the specie (Reaphook Hill, Australia). This has the very best esthetics and coverage of perfect slender crystals we have seen, including top collections and museums. It certainly is among the very top specimens of the specie. These crystals average 1 CM and the radiating structures are up to 3.3 CM in diameter. These were found in the 1960-70 era, nothing since has been seen. Pieces of this quality are only available from old collections.
Axinite - gemmy crystals
stock #10.1-298
Puiva Mount, Saranpaul, Khanty-Mansi Okrug, Tyumenskaya Oblast
Pre Polar Ural region,
Russia
5.5 x 3. x 2.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $650
Spring 23
Very sharp, complete and glassy, this is a flawless Axinite with many transparent sections. From the now famed discoveries in the Polar Urals, this is far more striking in person. Very few localities in the world ever produced Axinites of this calibre, the edges on this are razor sharp, it could easily cut skin or be cut as faceted gems. Usually crystals of this size have jagged edges or tiny chips, this one does not. The main crystal is 5.5 CM across. Backlighting adds a fine glow as well, but these photos are not backlit, this gives a true presentation of the specimen in a "normal" display. These have become quite uncommon over the past two decades and are now usually quite expensive. A very good value for quality in this size.
Rose Quartz
stock #17.1-643
Alto da Pitorra, Laranjeiras, Galleia, Doce Valley
Minas Gerais,
Brazil
6.3 x 3.9 x 2.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $1200
Spring 23
Cluster of terminated rose Quartz crystals with very good color and transparency. An older piece from the Alto da Pitorra (Brazil) with most crystals having a slight divergence though mostly in parallel growth. In very good condition, the main terminations are sharp and undamaged, there is a contacted area on the back but not seen on display. Rose Quartz crystals are not known from very many localities and large, fine crystals like this are very rare indeed. Choice.
Outstanding large Cabinet specimen with fine green color, luster and rich composition. One of the very best examples we have seen from this closed locality, it has a great provenance, collected in 1980 by Richard Barstow during the very breif period when fine specimens could be collected. Later in the collections of Nick Carruth (Cornwall, UK) and Charles Noll (USA). The specimen has good exposures of Cerussite on all sides, the most attractive of which contrast with the vivid green Malachite. It seems this locality was "discovered" late in its life by collectors. Some specimens of this quality were found early on, but the mine soon closed and since then nothing much other than micromounts were seen. The locality is known for some excellent small rarities but large specimens are only seen ion early collections. This would be an attractive, colorful specimen from anyplace but is especially choice being green and from Ireland.
Ajoite in Quartz - modern classic
stock #23.1-164
Messina Mine, Messina District
Limpopo Province,
South Africa
5.3 x 5.2 x 3.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $920
Spring 23
Two joined Quartz crystals with very distinct and vibrant inclusions of blue-green Ajoite. These are fully natural crystals which is quite rare (very often faces were polished or ground down to show the inclusions better). This has no such alterations, polishing or repairs of any sort and the crystal tips are sharp and complete. A custom made Acrylic display base is included as well. There have been no new finds of Ajoite like this for more than 15 years, these have become highly prized and usually very expensive. An excellent value for a modern classic.
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