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.
A fine old Cornish classic, a cast composed entirely of Apatite crystals have formed casts after Anhydites. The specimen is crystallized on all sides with just a few spots of contact. Lustrous and sparkling and very three dimensional, the shapes of the Anhydrite crystals are sharply preserved. The Apatite crystals are very sharp, glassy, translucent brown color in hexagons with flat pinacoids. Choice, Ex KP hammond collection, these were at one time called Francolite which is now discredited but is a varietal name still in use.
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.
Pyromorphite
stock #0636-JM-1597
Kransberg, Usinggen, Taunus Mountains
Hesse,
Germany
6.8 x 4.9 x 5 CM (cabinet)
price: $525
Spring update
An old Kransberg German Pyromorphite from the Collection of John Marshall. Johns Pyromorphite suite was an ambitions attempt to gather the best examples possible from every confirmed Pyromorphite location in the world. He obtained many obscure and exotic examples in 60 plus years of effort. This was obtained by him in 1989. The 6.3 x 4.5 CM display surface is covered with mix of Pyro and Quartz with crystals to 5mm., most in good condition. Although no mine was attributed on older labels it looks a good match for the Jennette mine in Kransberg.
HOLD Veszelyite on Hemimorphite
stock #HOLD AX-15-226
Gejiu Ore Field, Gejiou ounty, Honghe Prefecture
Yunnan Province,
China
10.2 x 7 x 5.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $720
Spring update
A large blue Hemimorphite in botryoidal form hosts dozens of brilliant blue Veszelyite crystals. Ex Shileds Flynn collection, a very esthetic presentation for this rare mineral. This comes from an important find in Yunnan province that made big news in 2006. The specimen has been sawn on the back/ underside but the display faces are natural in form. The Hemimorphite has a very three dimensional form, and this also has a range of blue hues that add to the relief.
A killer Vanadinite. This delicate thin sprire of dark matrix has dozens of sharp red crystals in a sparkling confusion. This is from a recent small find produced from single pocket. Small stalactitic based Vanadinites have been seen from time to time over the years but I have never seen any so very long, slender, perfect and esthetic.
The source for these had attributed them only to Mibladen area (but without a mine or area). However, to many collectors it seems far more likely these are from Taouz due to the habit, matrix, form etc. We have visited both mines and I agree that these specimens match more perfectly the style of the best Taouz pieces and differ greatly from Mibladen. For this reason we are posting these as Taouz but I must acknowledge we may be wrong and perhaps a totally different type of Vanadinite was recently found at Mibladden. Our sources from Mibladden agree. No matter which locale, the form, luster and presentation of this piece is exceptional. In clean perfect condition this displays fine on every side. Brilliant.
Dramatic miniature with brilliant deep red gemmy Scaleneohedral Rhodos in perfect condition. An outstanding Uchucchacua piece with top luster and form. No chips, dings or cleaves even under strong magnification, which is very rare. Older specimen that is much better in person, this may remind you of a fine Wessels mine specimen. A very choice, competition grade miniature.
Incredible form on this Indian specimen. A radiating burst of amethysts is the base for perfect scepters that are very slender, twisted and have lepidocrocite needles inside some tips with a red color. In pristine condition, no damage seen even with 10x magnification. from the amazing finds at Karur in Tamil Nadu, this level of perfection and esthetics is very very rare. Better in person this piece was selected from many hundreds of good pieces as on a quality level of its own.
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