The Core of Expo Mineral Show (2)

SV2160CMP

Jarosite crystals with very well defined faces and edges, transparent, very lustrous and on matrix. These Spanish Jarosite specimens are among the best in the world, not because of the size, but because of the transparency and sharpness of the crystals.
This specimen comes from the collection of duplicates of Carles Curto, nº 2014.27, whose handwritten label we will send to the buyer.

Socavón Las Palomas (El Arteal Tunnel), Almagrera Range, Cuevas del Almanzora, Comarca Levante Almeriense, Almería, Andalusia Spain (08/1997)

Specimen size: 6.5 x 3.6 x 2.1 cm

Main crystal size: 0.2 x 0.2 cm

Former collection of Carles Curto (duplicates)

SV2160TFX

Aggregate of very sharp Sphalerite crystals (variety marmatite), with very well defined spinel-law twinning, intense black color, very lustrous, and aerial.
Although it might appear that this specimen comes from the Trepča mining complex, its origin is really the José Maestre tunnel in the La Unión-Cartagena mining district, Spain, and it has a high quality compared to the specimens we usually see from there.

José Maestre Tunnel, Sierra Minera de Cartagena-La Unión, Portmán, La Unión, Comarca Campo de Cartagena, Region of Murcia (Murcia) Spain

Specimen size: 5.8 x 5.7 x 1.3 cm

Main crystal size: 1.6 x 1.5 cm

SV2220MTB

Parallel growths, on Calcite matrix, of flattened Baryte crystals (some of them doubly terminated) with a prismatic habit and slight curvatures. They are transparent, very lustrous, and of an intense and uniform sky-blue color.
The specimen is in very good condition, which in these barytes is like a small miracle. It comes from a find in November 2022 at a locality that was believed to no longer yield any more quality specimens.

Jebel Ouichane mines, Beni Bou Ifrour, Nador, Nador Province, Oriental Region Morocco (11/2022)

Specimen size: 8.3 x 4.8 x 4.4 cm

Main crystal size: 4.5 x 1.5 cm

Minor fluorescence short UV

SV2240MJR

Parallel growths of flattened Baryte crystals (some of them doubly terminated) with a prismatic habit and slight curvatures, and on matrix with small crystals of Calcite. They are transparent, very lustrous and of an intense and uniform sky-blue color.
The specimen is in very good condition, which in these barytes is like a small miracle. It comes from a find in November 2022 at a locality that was believed to no longer yield any more quality specimens.

Jebel Ouichane mines, Beni Bou Ifrour, Nador, Nador Province, Oriental Region Morocco (11/2022)

Specimen size: 7.7 x 7.2 x 5.3 cm

Main crystal size: 4.2 x 1.5 cm

Minor fluorescence short UV

SV2210MTX

Parallel growths, on a Goethite matrix, of flattened Baryte crystals (some of them doubly terminated) with a prismatic habit and slight curvatures. They are transparent, very lustrous, and of an intense and uniform light blue color.
The specimen is in very good condition, which in these barytes is like a small miracle. It comes from a November 2022 find in a locality that was believed to no longer yield more quality specimens.

Jebel Ouichane mines, Beni Bou Ifrour, Nador, Nador Province, Oriental Region Morocco (11/2022)

Specimen size: 7.6 x 4.6 x 4.4 cm

Main crystal size: 4.4 x 2 cm

Minor fluorescence short UV

SV290MBR

Parallel growths, on a limonite matrix, of flattened crystals of Baryte (some of them doubly terminated) with a prismatic habit and slight curvatures. They are transparent, very lustrous, and of an intense and uniform light blue color.
The specimen is in very good condition, which in these barytes is like a small miracle. It comes from a November 2022 find in a locality that was believed to no longer yield any quality specimens.

Jebel Ouichane mines, Beni Bou Ifrour, Nador, Nador Province, Oriental Region Morocco (11/2022)

Specimen size: 5.8 x 2.8 x 2.4 cm

Main crystal size: 4.9 x 0.8 cm

Minor fluorescence short UV

SV2120MJR

Parallel growths, on a limonite matrix, of flattened crystals of Baryte (some of them doubly terminated) with a prismatic habit and slight curvatures. They are transparent, very lustrous, and of an intense and uniform light blue color.
The specimen is in very good condition, which in these barytes is like a small miracle. It comes from a November 2022 find in a locality that was believed to no longer yield any quality specimens.

Jebel Ouichane mines, Beni Bou Ifrour, Nador, Nador Province, Oriental Region Morocco (11/2022)

Specimen size: 5.3 x 3.4 x 1.6 cm

Main crystal size: 2.6 x 1 cm

Minor fluorescence short UV

SV290TGR

Botryoidal growths of small Karibibite crystals, very intensely colored between orange and yellow. A rare iron arsenate, not easy to obtain.
This piece belonged to Carles Manresa.

Oumlil Mine, Oumlil, Bou Azzer mining district, Zagora Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region Morocco

Specimen size: 5.2 x 2.9 x 3.4 cm

Ex Carles Manresa

SV2110TFF

Botryoidal growths of small Karibibite crystals with an intense color between orange and yellow, on matrix, with small dark Schneiderhöhnite crystals. An interesting combination of these two species, two rare iron arsenates, not easy to obtain.
This specimen belonged to Carles Manresa.

Oumlil Mine, Oumlil, Bou Azzer mining district, Zagora Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region Morocco

Specimen size: 3.7 x 3 x 2.5 cm

Ex Carles Manresa

SV2280MBR

Obtained at the 2022 Munich Show.
Very aerial crystal of Elbaite-Schorl (Series) with quadratic morphology, with good luster, defined faces and edges and excellent terminations, between transparent and translucent, and color zoning ranging from dark brown at the base to reddish-orange in the middle and ending with dark green at the top. It is on matrix, with Microcline, Albite and Quartz.
The specimen has been analyzed and we will send a copy of the analysis of the Elbaite-Schorl and the Albite to the buyer.

Beni Bouzra (Bni Bouzra), Chefchaouen Province, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Region Morocco (01-05/2022)

Specimen size: 4 x 2.3 x 2 cm

Main crystal size: 2.6 x 0.8 cm

With analysis copy

SV2280TJR

Aggregate of very sharp crystals of Sphalerite (marmatite variety), with very well defined spinel-law twinning, of an intense black color, very lustrous and aerial, implanted in a matrix formed of lamellar Pyrrhotite crystals that have been partially pseudomorphed by Pyrite. Small Calcite and Quartz crystals adorn the piece with a white color contrast against the sulphides.
The Trepča mining complex is one of the largest polymetallic deposits in the world and for many years has provided collectors with exceptional specimens of Sphalerite, as well as various combinations of sulfides and carbonates as shown in this specimen, from the ex-Ferat Voca collection.

Stan Trg (Stari Trg) Mine, Trepča Complex, Trepča Valley, Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovska Mitrovica District Kosovo (2000-2021)

Specimen size: 10.7 x 7.2 x 5.8 cm

Main crystal size: 2.1 x 2 cm

Former collection of Ferat Voca

SV2280TXA

Group of Calcite crystals grouped in rosettes with globular growths clearly showing a part of the dark crystals due to inclusions -probably Boulangerite- that affects most of the crystals. Several nodules formed by Pyrite crystals provide a beautiful color contrast to the specimen.
The Trepča mining complex is one of the largest polymetallic deposits in the world and for many years has yielded exceptional pieces of Sphalerite, as well as varied combinations of sulfides and carbonates as shown in this specimen, from the ex-Ferat Voca collection.

Stan Trg (Stari Trg) Mine, Trepča Complex, Trepča Valley, Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovska Mitrovica District Kosovo (2000-2021)

Specimen size: 10.5 x 6.6 x 4.4 cm

Former collection of Ferat Voca

SV2170TMB

Group of very shiny cubic Pyrite crystals with deep golden reflections, with striations on the faces and intergrown in a matrix formed by a crystalline mass of Sphalerite that shows well-developed and twinned crystals, very lustrous, on the front face of the specimen. It is adorned by flattened lenticular crystals of Calcite, mainly as ridges at the top of the piece.
The Trepča mining complex is one of the largest polymetallic deposits in the world and for many years has yielded exceptional pieces of Sphalerite, as well as varied combinations of sulfides and carbonates as shown in this specimen, from the ex-Ferat Voca collection.

Stan Trg (Stari Trg) Mine, Trepča Complex, Trepča Valley, Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovska Mitrovica District Kosovo (2000-2021)

Specimen size: 10.4 x 7.1 x 4.3 cm

Main crystal size: 1.4 x 1.2 cm

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV

Former collection of Ferat Voca

SV2160TTX

Group of cubic crystals of Pyrite, very shiny, with deep golden reflections, with marked striations on the faces and intergrown in a matrix formed by a crystalline mass of Sphalerite that forms crystals at the ends of the specimen. Adorned with flattened lenticular crystals of Calcite and water-clear crystals of Quartz at the base, providing a beautiful color contrast.
The Trepča mining complex is one of the largest polymetallic deposits in the world and for many years has provided collectors with exceptional pieces of Sphalerite, as well as various combinations of sulfides and carbonates as shown in this specimen, from the ex-Ferat Voca collection.

Stan Trg (Stari Trg) Mine, Trepča Complex, Trepča Valley, Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovska Mitrovica District Kosovo (2000-2021)

Specimen size: 9 x 7.4 x 3.4 cm

Main crystal size: 2 x 1.6 cm

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV

Former collection of Ferat Voca

SV2220TBC

Group of Calcite crystals in two generations: The first formed by interpenetrating rhombic crystals, cream-colored polycrystalline faces with a curious velvety luster. On the back of the piece is a second generation of whitish lenticular crystals that partially cover the crystals of the first generation of Calcite, offering a beautiful color contrast.
The Trepča mining complex is one of the largest polymetallic deposits in the world and for many years has provided collectors with exceptional pieces of Sphalerite, as well as varied combinations of sulfides and carbonates as shown in this specimen, from the ex-Ferat Voca collection.

Stan Trg (Stari Trg) Mine, Trepča Complex, Trepča Valley, Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovska Mitrovica District Kosovo (2000-2021)

Specimen size: 8.3 x 5.2 x 4.7 cm

Main crystal size: 2.1 x 1 cm

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV

Former collection of Ferat Voca

SV2150TAM

Pineapple-shaped aggregate formed by cubic crystals of Pyrite, with a strong luster and golden reflections, with well-defined faces and edges of the crystals, arranged on a matrix formed by carbonates, mainly Calcite with slightly scalenohedral grey crystals, and partially covered by crystals of pale cream-colored Dolomite.
The Trepča mining complex is one of the largest polymetallic deposits in the world, which for many years yielded and still yields, exceptional pieces of Sphalerite, as well as varied combinations of sulfides and carbonates as shown in this specimen, from the ex-Ferat Voca collection.

Stan Trg (Stari Trg) Mine, Trepča Complex, Trepča Valley, Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovska Mitrovica District Kosovo (2000-2021)

Specimen size: 6.4 x 5.5 x 5 cm

Main crystal size: 1.9 x 1.5 cm

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV

Former collection of Ferat Voca

SV2220TFB

Aggregate of complex twinned crystals of Sphalerite of deep black color, great luster, and with perfectly defined faces and edges with marked striations on some of the crystal faces and some dissolution figures, and partially coated by a multitude of whitish Calcite crystals in aggregates forming rosettes in strong color contrast.
The Trepča mining complex is one of the largest polymetallic deposits in the world and for many years has yielded exceptional pieces of Sphalerite, as well as various combinations of sulfides and carbonates as shown in this specimen, from the ex-Ferat Voca collection.

Stan Trg (Stari Trg) Mine, Trepča Complex, Trepča Valley, Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovska Mitrovica District Kosovo (2000-2021)

Specimen size: 5.8 x 5.4 x 2.4 cm

Main crystal size: 4.5 x 3.1 cm

Former collection of Ferat Voca

SV2150MCX

Group of sharp cubic Fluorite crystals, translucent, with good luster and yellow color, with more intense tones towards the interior of the crystals. The specimen shows areas on the edges that are more transparent than the central areas of the faces, and is very representative of this classic Catalan locality.

Matagalls Mine (Sant Marçal Mines), Sant Marçal, Viladrau, Comarca Osona, Gerona / Girona, Catalonia / Catalunya Spain (08/1979)

Specimen size: 9.2 x 5.8 x 5.4 cm

Main crystal size: 3.6 x 2 cm

Fluorescent long & short UV

SV2540TFX

Group of very sharp Fluorite crystals, with very well defined polycrystalline growths on the faces of the cube, between translucent and transparent, lustrous and with very marked geometric color zoning in different shades of violet, encompassed in a rock matrix that displays very marked cavities and which has been carpeted by a multitude of small brilliant water-clear Quartz crystals that provide a beautiful color contrast to the specimen. The piece has been partially sawn on the back to give more balance to the whole.

Berbes mining area, Berbes, Ribadesella, Comarca Oriente, Principality of Asturias (Asturias) Spain

Specimen size: 12.8 x 10.8 x 7.6 cm

Main crystal size: 1.5 x 1.4 cm

SV2380TMA

Group of transparent and lustrous Fluorite crystals, of deep and uniform lilac color, on a matrix of very clean white lenticular Baryte crystals which are larger and better developed than those usually found there.

Berbes mining area, Berbes, Ribadesella, Comarca Oriente, Principality of Asturias (Asturias) Spain

Specimen size: 10.5 x 8.6 x 5.1 cm

Main crystal size: 1.6 x 1.2 cm

Baryte fluorescent long & short UV

SV2260TDB

Group of cubic Fluorite crystals, with faces and edges well defined, some beveled by dodecahedron faces, of an intense and uniform lilac color with geometric color zoning and with leafy white Baryte crystals.

Berbes mining area, Berbes, Ribadesella, Comarca Oriente, Principality of Asturias (Asturias) Spain

Specimen size: 7.8 x 5.2 x 5 cm

Main crystal size: 3 x 3 cm

Minor fluorescence long & short UV

SV2260TXL

Rich group of Fluorite crystals with cube forms dominant and with tetrahexahedron forms reminiscent of those from the San Lino pit or the Jaimina mine, although this piece really comes from the Berbes mining district. Predominantly bluish in color, but with some geometric zoning of a more violet color, with leafy Baryte crystals and small Quartz crystals on the matrix that provide the signature for the origin of the specimen.
Unusual and rare, but from Berbes.

Berbes mining area, Berbes, Ribadesella, Comarca Oriente, Principality of Asturias (Asturias) Spain

Specimen size: 5.7 x 5.2 x 4.9 cm

Main crystal size: 1.6 x 1.2 cm

Minor fluorescence long & short UV

SV2270TRP

Aggregate of very white, lustrous, leafy Baryte crystals where a cascade of completely transparent and translucent cubic Fluorite crystals, of a delicate soft blue color and with their edges beveled by dodecahedron faces, adorn and give harmony to a piece that is already very aesthetic.

Berbes mining area, Berbes, Ribadesella, Comarca Oriente, Principality of Asturias (Asturias) Spain

Specimen size: 6.8 x 4.8 x 4.2 cm

Main crystal size: 1.2 x 1 cm

Baryte minor fluorescence long & short UV

SV2220NPX

Group of Fluorite crystals finely beveled by dodecahedron faces, transparent, with good luster and an intense and uniform blue color with lilac tones and geometric color zoning. They grew on a limestone matrix with a layer formed by white Quartz crystals. From the prolific La Viesca mine, which closed since 2021.

La Viesca Mine, La Collada mining area, Huergo, Siero, Comarca Oviedo, Principality of Asturias (Asturias) Spain (2007)

Specimen size: 10.2 x 9 x 7.2 cm

Main crystal size: 0.8 x 0.7 cm

SV2240NRM

Group of cubic Fluorite crystals, with a flattened habit, and with the edges of the crystal beveled by well-developed rhombododecahedron faces. They are transparent, extraordinarily lustrous and colorless, and thicker than usual for this deposit when the crystals are elongated. They sit in a matrix of scalenohedral Calcite crystals with inclusions of iron oxides that give them their characteristic orange color.

Llamas Quarry, Obdulia vein, Caravia mining area, Las Cabañas, Duyos, Caravia, Comarca Oriente, Principality of Asturias (Asturias) Spain

Specimen size: 5.1 x 4.1 x 3.4 cm

Main crystal size: 2.2 x 1.3 cm

SV2220TXH

Group of Fluorite crystals dominated by cube forms, with very marked reminiscences of the tetrahexahedron in some of the crystals, which have light bluish tones, but darker towards the center of the piece, caused by dark hydrocarbon inclusions. The specimen is decorated with a very aerial Baryte crystal implanted at the upper end like a crown.
Comes from a classic deposit for Asturian mineralogy, the San Lino cut, which closed in 1986.

San Lino Quarry, Aurora vein, Caravia mining area, Cerracín, Prado, Caravia, Comarca Oriente, Principality of Asturias (Asturias) Spain

Specimen size: 7.5 x 6.6 x 3.4 cm

Main crystal size: 2.1 x 1.3 cm

SV2240TRM

Aggregate of Fluorite crystals of complex crystallography where cubic and tetrahexahedron forms dominate, with geometric color zoning trending towards mauve on the edges of the crystals, very deep in some areas, and yellowish green tones towards the center of the crystals.
From a classic deposit for Asturian mineralogy, the San Lino cut, closed in 1986. The specimen comes from the Alain Martaud collection.

San Lino Quarry, Aurora vein, Caravia mining area, Cerracín, Prado, Caravia, Comarca Oriente, Principality of Asturias (Asturias) Spain

Specimen size: 7.7 x 6 x 3.6 cm

Main crystal size: 2.1 x 2.1 cm

Minor fluorescence long & short UV

Former collection of Alain Martaud

SV2190TPR

Polycrystalline and parallel growths of doubly terminated crystals of water-clear Quartz with a preferential orientation, with very well defined faces and edges, and small hydrocarbon inclusions.
The transparency and luster are remarkable for this specimen from a classic deposit for Asturian mineralogy and mining.

Berbes mining area, Berbes, Ribadesella, Comarca Oriente, Principality of Asturias (Asturias) Spain

Specimen size: 5.1 x 3.3 x 3.1 cm

Main crystal size: 4 x 3.2 cm

Fluorescent long & short UV

SV290NMP

Group of very sharp Sphalerite crystals, with the crystal faces perfectly defined and very lustrous. With small whitish Quartz crystals in distinct color contrast.
Coming from a current urban area in northern Spain, this type of specimen is very difficult to obtain nowadays and even less with this quality.

Malaespera Mine, Barrio de la Peña, Bilbao, Comarca Gran Bilbao, Vizcaya / Bizkaia, Basque Country (Euskadi) Spain

Specimen size: 5.5 x 3.4 x 2.4 cm

Main crystal size: 1.2 x 1 cm

SV2240TFG

Group of sharp rhombohedral Dolomite crystals with distinct interpenetration twins, transparent, lustrous and colorless, with striations on the crystal faces and fine geometric zoning in the interior. A classic of Spanish mineralogy, from the “el pozo” area; where the best specimens of this species came from. It was in the Paul Fitte collection.

Asturreta Quarry, 'el pozo', Eugui, Esteríbar, Comarca Auñamendi, Chartered Community of Navarre (Navarre) Spain (±1970)

Specimen size: 5.4 x 5.2 x 3 cm

Main crystal size: 3 x 2.8 cm

Former collection of Paul Fitte

SV2140TBD

Twinned crystal of Aragonite with polycrystalline growths, complete doubly terminated floater, with good luster, and a violet color concentrated in the crystal center. A true Spanish classic from the outcrops of the Keuper Formation in the Minglanilla area, in Cuenca.
The specimen comes from the Caroline Martaud collection and was displayed in the primary exhibition at the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines show in 2022, whose special commemorative label we will send to the buyer.

Minglanilla, Comarca Manchuela Conquense, Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha Spain

Specimen size: 6.4 x 3.6 x 3 cm

Former collection of Caroline Martaud

SV2260TPH

Group of profiled Dioptase crystals, with the dominant forms of the short prism and flattened terminal rhombohedron, on matrix, translucent, with good luster and an intense and uniform green color, of considerable dimensions for the species.

Mindouli, Mindouli District, Pool Department Republic of the Congo

Specimen size: 6.7 x 5.6 x 5.3 cm

Main crystal size: 1.8 x 1.1 cm

SV2560TXH

Rich group of very sharp scalenohedral Rhodochrosite crystals, between transparent and translucent and of a very deep and uniform reddish color, on a matrix of rock formed by manganese oxides, an element that is commercially exploited at the Moanda mine.
Specimens with this aesthetic and crystallization are difficult to obtain today.

Moanda Mine, Moanda, Léboumbi-Leyou Department, Haut-Ogooué Province Gabon

Specimen size: 5.8 x 4.5 x 4.3 cm

Main crystal size: 0.2 x 0.1 cm

SV2110TXJ

Brilliant botryoidal Malachite aggregates of deep green tones, with remnants of the enclosing concretion that is distinguished by lighter greenish tones, with Azurite aggregates, especially visible on the back face.
The specimen, which is from a known African locality but one from which quality specimens are rare, comes from the old collection of Robert-Auguste Touchon and is accompanied by a handwritten label, which will be delivered to the buyer of the piece.

Okiep Copper District, Namakwa District Municipality, Northern Cape South Africa

Specimen size: 3.3 x 3.1 x 3 cm

Main crystal size: 0.2 x 0.2 cm

Former collection of Robert-Auguste Touchon

SV2160THP

Rich group of reddish brown Descloizite crystals formed by the bipyramid and the lateral pinacoid, very lustrous, with very sharp edges, and profiled and well defined faces, forming a multidirectional aerial growth. The reddish flashes on the edges of the crystals are exemplary and really stand out.

Berg Aukas, Grootfontein District, Otjozondjupa Region Namibia

Specimen size: 6.4 x 3.2 x 3 cm

Main crystal size: 1.2 x 1.1 cm

SV290CXA

Group of Descloizite crystals in aerial growths and more individualized than we usually see from this locality. Tabular and perfectly terminated, they exhibit an outstanding color and luster, with the edges being more translucent.
From a classic locality for the species, this specimen comes from the collection of duplicates of Carles Curto Nº 1982.57, whose digital catalogue entry we will send to the buyer of the piece.

Berg Aukas, Grootfontein District, Otjozondjupa Region Namibia

Specimen size: 2.9 x 2.3 x 1.7 cm

Main crystal size: 1.8 x 1.7 cm

Former collection of Carles Curto (duplicates)

SV280CTF

Group of Mottramite crystals with a dark green color and velvety appearance showing cavities which Calcite crystals have taken advantage of to develop, one of them very visible, forming defined faces and edges, with a soft pink color.
The specimen comes from the collection of duplicates of Carles Curto No. 1982.33, whose digital catalogue entry we will send to the buyer.

Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region Namibia (±1982)

Specimen size: 2.8 x 2 x 1.7 cm

Main crystal size: 0.7 x 0.4 cm

Former collection of Carles Curto (duplicates)

SV2140CBR

Group of Aegirine crystals that show two different morphologies: some crystals are very sharp and elongated, whereas others show elongated monoclinic crystals with very marked polycrystalline terminations. These are all associated with a doubly terminated Quartz crystal (smoky variety) with a double termination at one of the ends, with very well defined faces and edges and in perfect harmony with the Aegirine crystals.
The specimen comes from the collection of duplicates of Carles Curto No. 2005.18, whose digital catalogue entry we will send to the buyer.

Mount Malosa, Zomba District Malawi

Specimen size: 6.8 x 3.4 x 3.8 cm

Main crystal size: 2.7 x 0.4 cm

Former collection of Carles Curto (duplicates)

SV2180CRX

Polycrystalline growth formed by Zoisite crystals, one of them dominant and very aerial, in which sigmoid growth marks can be seen in its interior, translucent and of a delicate greenish color, with well-defined faces and edges.
The specimen comes from the collection of duplicates of Carles Curto No. 2007.12, whose digital catalogue entry we will send the buyer.

Alchuri, Shigar District, Gilgit-Baltistan (Northern Areas) Pakistan (±2007)

Specimen size: 5 x 1.4 x 1.3 cm

Main crystal size: 3.5 x 0.4 cm

Former collection of Carles Curto (duplicates)

SV2160TBC

Two Spinel crystals of considerable size that have been pseudomorphed almost entirely by Diaspore. They are embedded in a matrix that displays a multitude of sheets formed by brown leafy Muscovite aggregates with bright reflections.
Quite a mineralogical curiosity from Madagascar which was in the old collection of Robert-Auguste Touchon. The specimen has been analyzed and we will send a copy of the analysis to the buyer.

Madagascar

Specimen size: 9.6 x 6.6 x 6.2 cm

Main crystal size: 3 x 2.2 cm

With analysis copy

Former collection of Robert-Auguste Touchon

SV2180TXL

Very curious specimen: Two groups of radiating-fibrous crystals of elongated Tantalite-(Fe), one of them clearly dominant, arranged radially, with dark grey color with metallic reflections. It comes from one of the many Malagasy pegmatites and has been analyzed.
We will send a copy of the analysis to the buyer.

Madagascar

Specimen size: 5 x 3.4 x 2.4 cm

With analysis copy

SV2220TMP

Three interpenetrating lustrous Chrysoberyl crystals forming a complete sixling; with very well defined edges and flattened crystal faces, olive-yellow-green and between translucent and transparent.
A very aesthetic miniature.

Espirito Santo, Sudeste Region Brazil

Specimen size: 2.4 x 2.2 x 0.7 cm

SV2110TDR

Floater crystal of Corundum with a very marked pseudo-hexagonal outline and a very deep and uniform mauve color, flattened, with triangular growth striations and remnants of Mica matrix.
The specimen was set in a jewelry-type box with a handwritten label from an unknown collection attached, which will be delivered to the buyer of the piece.

Madagascar

Specimen size: 1.1 x 1 x 0.3 cm

SV2280TRF

Group of sharp Euclase crystals, one of them clearly dominant, with defined faces and edges, translucent, and uniform deep blue in color. Gem quality, well terminated and with remnants of whitish Feldspar matrix, from the Gachalá mining district. The specimen comes via the collection of J.P. Fouquet.

Gachalá mining district, Municipio Gachalá, Eastern Emerald Belt, Cundinamarca Department Colombia

Specimen size: 2 x 1.7 x 1 cm

Main crystal size: 1.1 x 1 cm

Former collection of J.P. Fouquet

SV2160TLM

Group of crystals of Corundum, one of them clearly dominant, on a Willemite matrix and with a multitude of pink Spinel crystals distributed randomly throughout the specimen, as well as some dark Pyrrhotite crystals and orange crystalline masses of Norbergite.
The sample comes from the old collection of Robert-Auguste Touchon and is accompanied by a handwritten label, very deteriorated due to the passage of time.

Franklin, Franklin Mining District, Sussex County, New Jersey USA

Specimen size: 10.1 x 7 x 6 cm

Main crystal size: 0.7 x 0.5 cm

Fluorescent long & short UV

Former collection of Robert-Auguste Touchon

SV2460TBG

Triad of Elbaite crystals, doubly terminated, with a gradation of pink tones, turning into a greenish “green-cap” towards the end, covered and partially cemented by a feldspar and with leafy snow-white Albite crystals (variety cleavelandite) at one end. From a mining district renowned for its gems and lithium minerals.
The specimen comes from the Moutet collection, in Marseille, and is accompanied by an old Deyrolle label, which we will send to the buyer of the piece.

Pala, Pala District, San Diego County, California USA

Specimen size: 6.4 x 5.5 x 4.4 cm

Main crystal size: 5 x 1.9 cm

Former collection of Moutet (Marseille)

SV2120TXD

Pair of interpenetrating Microcline crystals (variety amazonite) with the characteristic greenish-bluish color for specimens of this species, and polysynthetic textures that give it some fine whitish lineations on the faces of the crystals. The specimen is an American classic formed in miarolitic cavities in the Pikes Peak granitic batholith, and it has a rich pedigree as it comes from the collection of Paul Desautels -whose label we will send to the buyer of the piece- curator of the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, and from the collection of Henry-Jean Schubnel, curator of the National Museum of Natural History of Paris.

Pikes Peak, Teller County, Colorado USA

Specimen size: 3.8 x 2.3 x 2.1 cm

Minor fluorescence short UV

Former collection of Paul Desautels
Former collection of Henry-Jean Schubnel

SV290TFX

Globular Malachite aggregates, one of them clearly dominant, with a velvety appearance, deep green color and satiny luster, with an outer layer of a lighter tone in a matrix partially carpeted by a multitude of olive-green crystals of Libethenite, which stands out for its intense luster.
The specimen is from the collection of the Bally Museum in Switzerland, with an attached label that gives the species as “Lunnite” (old German name for Pseudomalachite). Recent analyses have confirmed that it is Malachite, whose results and old label we will send to the buyer.

Altai Krai Russia

Specimen size: 5 x 3.7 x 3 cm

With analysis copy

Former collection of Bally Museum

SV2160TKB

Nest of developed and terminated Cronstedtite crystals, a rare iron silicate, embedded in a pyritiferous rock matrix that forms a network in the mineralized zone showing the crystals of Pyrite themselves, an association typical for both species.
The specimen, from the very classic English locality Wheal Bray in Cornwall, has been analyzed and we will send a copy of the analysis to the buyer of the piece, which comes from the old collection of Robert-Auguste Touchon.

Wheal Bray, Altarnun, South West Region, Cornwall England / United Kingdom

Specimen size: 5 x 4.2 x 2.8 cm

Main crystal size: 0.1 x 0.1 cm

With analysis copy

Former collection of Robert-Auguste Touchon

SV2120TMB

Group of fine elongated Goethite crystals, very sharp and lustrous, in a matrix of ferruginous rock partially covered by crystalline aggregates of Hematite in the form of crusts, and disseminated Quartz crystals giving a color contrast with the oxides.
The specimen, an English classic from an iron mine in Cornwall which closed in 1883, comes from the old collection of Robert-Auguste Touchon.

Restormel Royal Iron Mine (Trinity Mine), Lostwithiel, St Austell District, Cornwall England / United Kingdom

Specimen size: 6.2 x 5.1 x 3 cm

Main crystal size: 0.2 x 0.1 cm

Former collection of Robert-Auguste Touchon