Best Specimens

(para ver esta página en español)

  Back to the Index of the Reference Specimens Page bottom

Photos by Fabre Minerals. Under Creative Commons license

This page provides a selection of the specimens that have passed through the Fabre Minerals website and, due to their quality,
rarity, or significance as specimens from interesting locations, have been preserved as reference specimens in #MVM
We hope that you enjoyed your visit, even if it was just to see this page!

A - C

Acanthite
Acanthite. Acanthite.
Acanthite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TC13AG1: Monumental, a top specimen. Few Acanthites are as impressive as those from this mine and this one in particular stands out for its extraordinary quality.
The specimen has been published in the book 'China II', by Berthold Ottens, on page 299



Hongda Mine, Xiaoqinggou, Lingqiu, Datong Prefecture, Shanxi Province  China (08/2016)

Specimen size: 8.6 × 6.2 × 4 cm = 3.39” × 2.44” × 1.57”

Main crystal size: 2.5 × 1.7 cm = 0.98” × 0.67”

Acanthite with Silver
 

TG58AF4: Floater aggregate of cubo-octahedral crystals with very well defined faces and edges, with a very good length and with some hoppered surfaces. The luster is excellent for the species. It’s really a “powerful” piece and deserves to be in any Museum in the World. It also has small groups of wire Silver forming "nests".
Hongda Mine, Xiaoqinggou, Lingqiu, Datong Prefecture, Shanxi Province  China (08/2016)

Specimen size: 7.2 × 6.5 × 4.7 cm = 2.83” × 2.56” × 1.85”

Main crystal size: 1.9 × 1.2 cm = 0.75” × 0.47”

Acanthite with Silver. Front
Front
Acanthite with Silver. Front
Front
Acanthite with Silver. Top
Top
Acanthite with Silver.
Acanthite with Siderite and Proustite
Acanthite with Siderite and Proustite. Acanthite with Siderite and Proustite.
Acanthite with Siderite and Proustite. Acanthite with Siderite and Proustite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TX89AN0: Acanthite crystals on matrix, very sharp, with coatings in some areas of yellow Siderite. Proustite is also present and in general the specimen is notable both for the definition of the Acanthite crystals and for the fact that they are on a rock matrix, which is very rare in this deposit.
Imiter Mine, Jebel Saghro, Imiter District, Tinghir Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region  Morocco (2020)

Specimen size: 14.2 × 10.3 × 5 cm = 5.59” × 4.06” × 1.97”

Main crystal size: 1.5 × 1.1 cm = 0.59” × 0.43”

Adamite
 

EY93T5: Group of well separated crystals of good size for the species and with an excellent color, which is very intense. They are on a limonite matrix and the quality is very high. It comes from a private collection of the eighties.
Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Municipio Mapimí, Durango  Mexico

Specimen size: 6.3 × 3.8 × 3 cm = 2.48” × 1.50” × 1.18”

Main crystal size: 1.5 × 1.2 cm = 0.59” × 0.47”

Former collection of Uwe Niemeyer

Extremely fluorescent long & short UV
Adamite. Front
Front
Adamite. Side
Side
Adamite.
Adamite
Adamite. Adamite.
Adamite.
 

NP96AB7: Fan-like aggregates more isolated than usual, with prismatic crystals that have excellent terminations. They have a vivid greenish-yellow color and an excellent luster that contrasts sharply with the limonite matrix. The sample, of high quality, is from an old find at the Ojuela mine.
Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Municipio Mapimí, Durango  Mexico

Specimen size: 11.8 × 10.1 × 6.7 cm = 4.65” × 3.98” × 2.64”

Main crystal size: 3 × 1.8 cm = 1.18” × 0.71”

Very fluorescent long & short UV
Adamite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TFG37AO8: Centered and flattened fan-shaped aggregates, very aerial, of Adamite crystals on limonite matrix, very sharp, with excellent terminations, translucent, with good luster and an intense lemon-yellow color.
A specimen of great quality from an important European collection.
The specimen has been photographed and published in the magazine ‘Paragénesis’, number 02/2022, page 103
Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Municipio Mapimí, Durango  Mexico

Specimen size: 14.5 × 8.4 × 9.4 cm = 5.71” × 3.31” × 3.70”

Main crystal size: 2.3 × 1.5 cm = 0.91” × 0.59”

Very fluorescent long & short UV
Adamite. Front
Front
Adamite. Side
Side
Adamite.
Adamite (variety manganoan) on Goethite
Adamite (variety manganoan) on Goethite. Adamite (variety manganoan) on Goethite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EA91AM4: Groups of very sharp manganese-bearing Adamite crystals on a Goethite matrix. The crystals, translucent, lustrous, and larger than usual, have a pale lilac color in the prism and much more intense on the terminations, a color that has made this variety famous in Mapimí.
Currently considered a Mexican classic, it comes from the Peter Rosewarne collection (number Rc927), whose label we will send to the buyer.
Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Municipio Mapimí, Durango  Mexico

Specimen size: 10 × 8.2 × 5.7 cm = 3.94” × 3.23” × 2.24”

Main crystal size: 1.5 × 1 cm = 0.59” × 0.39”

Zoned fluorescence long & short UV

Former collection of Peter Rosewarne
Aegirine with Zircon, Orthoclase and Quartz (variety smoky)

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MFA46AP3: Black and very lustrous Aegirine crystals, two of them clearly dominant, elongated and in parallel growth with very well defined faces and edges and perfectly terminated. Accompanied by a “waterfall” of crystals of very sharp cream-colored Orthoclase, Quartz (smoky variety) forming divergent groups and, especially interesting, crystals of orange colored Zircon growing on Quartz crystals. Sometimes misidentified as Xenotime, analysis confirms it to be Zircon, we will send a copy of the analysis to the buyer.
A superb piece with a very refined aesthetic.
Mount Malosa, Zomba District  Malawi (01/2021)

Specimen size: 14 × 7.2 × 5.6 cm = 5.51” × 2.83” × 2.20”

Main crystal size: 14 × 2.7 cm = 5.51” × 1.06”

Fluorescent short UV

Analyzed
Aegirine with Zircon, Orthoclase and Quartz (variety smoky). Front
Front
Aegirine with Zircon, Orthoclase and Quartz (variety smoky). Side
Side
Aegirine with Zircon, Orthoclase and Quartz (variety smoky).
Aegirine with Zircon, Orthoclase and Quartz
Aegirine with Zircon, Orthoclase and Quartz. Front
Front
Aegirine with Zircon, Orthoclase and Quartz. Side
Side
Aegirine with Zircon, Orthoclase and Quartz. Aegirine with Zircon, Orthoclase and Quartz.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EBA50AN3: Large group of very elongated prismatic Aegirine crystals, with polycrystalline terminations, lustrous, and on matrix. With small doubly-terminated Zircon crystals, twinned Orthoclase crystals and small Quartz crystals. A monumental specimen of Aegirine, of exceptional quality and probably destined to be a classic.
Mount Malosa, Zomba District  Malawi (2015)

Specimen size: 22.5 × 21 × 12 cm = 8.86” × 8.27” × 4.72”

Main crystal size: 6 × 2 cm = 2.36” × 0.79”

Zircon minor fluorescence short UV
Afghanite
 

TL88D8: We waited a while before offering Afghanites on our web site. Ones we have seen before were either two expensive, not very esthetic, or a pale color. Finally we were able to locate the examples we were looking for: very esthetic, aerial crystals, intensely colored, perfect, and not too highly priced. A definitive sample, with the main crystal well positioned on the white Calcite matrix.
Sar-e Sang, Koksha Valley, Khash & Kuran Wa Munjan Districts, Badakhshan Province  Afghanistan (2001)

Specimen size: 3.6 × 3.3 × 3.2 cm = 1.42” × 1.30” × 1.26”

Main crystal size: 2.2 × 0.7 cm = 0.87” × 0.28”

Afghanite.
Chromium-rich Amesite with Perovskite
Chromium-rich Amesite with Perovskite.
Chromium-rich Amesite with Perovskite. Chromium-rich Amesite with Perovskite.
 

MC96F6: A specimen that is very hard to find. It is difficult for me to decide which is more significant: the extraordinary growth of the sharp crystals of the Chromium rich Amesite, or their brilliance and color (which is really intense if you use incandescent light). Another point of interest is the very unusual association with Perovskite, which is perfectly crystallized, which is perfectly crystallized. It has been sawn, which was the only way to reduce the matrix without destroying it.
Saranovskii Mine, Saranovskaya (Sarany), Gornozavodskii, Perm Krai, Ural  Russia (2001)

Specimen size: 14.5 × 11 × 3.5 cm = 5.71” × 4.33” × 1.38”

Analcime with Aegirine, Rhodochrosite and Natrolite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TZH86AP9: Large trapezohedral Analcime crystal, with good luster and a snow-white color, on matrix, partially covered by smaller Analcime crystals, very shiny elongated prismatic Aegirine crystals, small lenticular crystals of Rhodochrosite, and white Natrolite crystals.
This specimen, a high-quality Canadian classic, comes from the Paul Muse collection.
Mont Saint-Hilaire, La Vallée-du-Richelieu RCM, Montérégie, Québec  Canada

Specimen size: 10.7 × 8.7 × 7.9 cm = 4.21” × 3.43” × 3.11”

Main crystal size: 8.8 × 8.7 cm = 3.46” × 3.43”

Former collection of Paul Muse
Analcime with Aegirine, Rhodochrosite and Natrolite. Front
Front
Analcime with Aegirine, Rhodochrosite and Natrolite. Side
Side
Analcime with Aegirine, Rhodochrosite and Natrolite. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Analcime with Aegirine, Rhodochrosite and Natrolite. Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Anatase and Rutile epitaxial
Anatase and Rutile epitaxial.
 

EA7C9: Although the camera don't show it very well, the color is very nice, sort of a golden bronze, and its luster is very special with a lot of reflections. As with the other specimens that we had selected this one is floater, doubly terminated and great!
The specimen has been published in the magazine ‘extraLAPIS’ on page 86, number 60, "Titan mineralien"
Anatase-Rutile occurrence, Cuiabá District, Gouveia, Minas Gerais  Brazil (03/2003)

Specimen size: 3.5 × 1.7 × 1.8 cm = 1.38” × 0.67” × 0.71”

Andradite (variety topazolite) with Clinochlore
 

T66BF4: This one comes from a great one-time find made in November 1998 at the Yellow Cat Mine, the classic locality for this rare variety of Andradite. One can see the good growth forms of the rhombohedra in the crystals. The color, degree of transparency, and esthetic position on the matrix are also notable.
Yellow Cat Mine, New Idria, New Idria District, Diablo Range, San Benito County, California  USA (11/1998)

Specimen size: 3.9 × 2.8 × 1.5 cm = 1.54” × 1.10” × 0.59”

Main crystal size: 0.6 × 0.6 cm = 0.24” × 0.24”

Andradite (variety topazolite) with Clinochlore.
Anorthoroselite with Calcite
Anorthoroselite with Calcite. Anorthoroselite with Calcite.
 

EQ26E9: This is among the best we have seen, with excellent color and brilliance. To these great features we can add that it has excellent crystallization, with the lenticular crystals of Anorthoroselite stacked on the matrix and surrounded by light pink Calcite. We will give the purchaser a copy of the analysis of the Anorthoroselite, which we did because of its unusual appearance.
Aghbar Mine (Arhbar Mine), Bou Azzer mining district, Zagora Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region  Morocco (2004)

Specimen size: 5.9 × 3.5 × 4.8 cm = 2.32” × 1.38” × 1.89”

Antimony
Antimony  

TV37AH4: Very aerial growth of very bright and extraordinarily well defined native Antimony crystals. The sample was analyzed by Dr. Frank Keutsch, currently one of the best experts on sulphides and native elements. We’ll send to the buyer a copy of Dr. Keutsch’s label.
St. Andreasberg mining area, Goslar District, Harz, Lower Saxony/Niedersachsen  Germany

Specimen size: 1.2 × 0.9 × 0.6 cm = 0.47” × 0.35” × 0.24”

Main crystal size: 0.3 × 0.2 cm = 0.12” × 0.08”

Antimony. Front
Front
Antimony. Rear
Rear
Arsenopyrite
Arsenopyrite.
 

NA96E6: Neat Arsenopyrite with a more golden color than the typical ones. The crystal form is also very interesting. It is a floater, very shiny, and has small crystals of white Dolomite on the rear side. Very pleasant.
Minas da Panasqueira, level 3, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro Region  Portugal (2004)

Specimen size: 11 × 6.5 × 3 cm = 4.33” × 2.56” × 1.18”

Augelite with Lazulite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MX97AL5: Parallel growth of two Augelite crystals with very well defined crystal forms, pale yellowish with color zoning, denser in the central area. Implanted in a matrix partially covered with Lazulite crystals, which are also present on the Augelite crystal faces. Of the best possible quality for the deposit.
The specimen has been photographed and published in the magazine ‘Paragénesis’, number 01/2020, page 89
Rapid Creek area, Dawson mining district, Yukon Territory  Canada

Specimen size: 5.7 × 5 × 3.5 cm = 2.24” × 1.97” × 1.38”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.8 cm = 0.79” × 0.71”

Augelite with Lazulite. Augelite with Lazulite.
Augelite with Lazulite.
Aurichalcite with Calcite and Murdochite
Aurichalcite with Calcite and Murdochite. Front
Front
Aurichalcite with Calcite and Murdochite. Side
Side

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EX58AM3: Aggregates of acicular Aurichalcite crystals, with good luster and a very vivid color. On a limonite matrix, with small Calcite crystals and black Murdochite crystals, identifiable by the isometric crystal habit typical of the species although to be sure we have had it analyzed and we will send to the buyer copy of the analysis. Altogether a great piece of high quality and very aesthetic, among the best Aurichalcites from Ojuela.
Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Municipio Mapimí, Durango  Mexico

Specimen size: 11.7 × 8.2 × 3.6 cm = 4.61” × 3.23” × 1.42”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.1 cm = 0.20” × 0.04”

Axinite-(Fe) with Calcite
 

TP69H3: Big floater, doubly-terminated crystal of very sharp faces and edges. We must note its color, an intense transparency near the edges and the neat contrast with white Calcite at the center of the sample.
Puiva Mount, Saranpaul, Khanty-Mansi Okrug, Tyumen Oblast  Russia (1996)

Specimen size: 8.7 × 4.2 × 1.7 cm = 3.43” × 1.65” × 0.67”

Axinite-(Fe) with Calcite. Front
Front
Axinite-(Fe) with Calcite. Rear
Rear
Azurite
Azurite. Front
Front
Azurite. Rear
Rear
 

EE47AF8: Complete floater of very sharp tabular Azurite crystals that are very bright and have a deep and vivid color. The sample is from recent and surprising finds at the old dumps area at Chessy.
Chessy-les-Mines, Les Bois d'Oingt, Villefranche-sur-Saône, Rhône, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2016)

Specimen size: 2.1 × 1.7 × 0.9 cm = 0.83” × 0.67” × 0.35”

Type locality
Azurite with Malachite after Cuprite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MA50AL5: Floater rosette of Azurite crystals, with an unusual habit for the deposit, and an unusually bright color, along with an octahedral Malachite pseudomorph after a crystal of Cuprite. The specimen is from the type locality for the species and a magnificent French classic. It comes from an old Spanish collection and with the piece we will deliver the associated collection label.
The specimen has been reviewed, photographed and published in the Russian magazine ‘Mineral Observer’ on page 85 in the volume 26/2021, number 1
Chessy-les-Mines, Les Bois d'Oingt, Villefranche-sur-Saône, Rhône, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 9.5 × 6.7 × 5.5 cm = 3.74” × 2.64” × 2.17”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.5 cm = 0.79”

Type locality
Azurite with Malachite after Cuprite. Front
Front
Azurite with Malachite after Cuprite. Rear
Rear
Azurite with Malachite after Cuprite. Azurite with Malachite after Cuprite.
Azurite with Malachite
Azurite with Malachite.
 

CB36G2: The habitus is very unusual. The absence of the main prism suggests the apparent form of a dipyramid or an octahedron. The contrast between the vivid blue of the Azurite and the intense green of the Malachite is superb. This is one of the few pieces found with this crystallographic habitus at the locality.
This specimen was published on the Mineralogical Record´s web page, in the ‘What's New’ section of the October 10, 2015 edition.
Oumjrane mining area, Alnif Commune, Tinghir Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region  Morocco (02/2005)

Specimen size: 4.3 × 3 × 2.3 cm = 1.69” × 1.18” × 0.91”

Main crystal size: 0.8 × 0.5 cm = 0.31” × 0.20”

Azurite with Malachite and Baryte
 

EB52AC2: A novelty at Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines 2015. Very aerial aggregate of very sharp acute Azurite crystals that are bright with a very vivid color (even under daylight) that extraordinarily resembles the Milpillas “electric blue.” With the Azurite there are small white Barytes and Malachite aggregates.
From a new find in the Oumjrane area, possibly from some of the old works of this zone. These crystals have a luster and color that is superior to the previously known azurites from Morocco.
This specimen was photographed for the ‘Ste.-Marie-aux-Mines 2015’ section of the magazine ‘Mineralien Welt’ and appears on page 10 of number 5/2015
Oumjrane mining area, Alnif Commune, Tinghir Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region  Morocco (04-05/2015)

Specimen size: 5.8 × 3.6 × 3.5 cm = 2.28” × 1.42” × 1.38”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 0.6 cm = 0.55” × 0.24”

Azurite with Malachite and Baryte. Front
Front
Azurite with Malachite and Baryte. Rear
Rear
Azurite
Azurite.
 

TF36AD0: Polycrystalline growth of crystals, one of them clearly dominant, very rich in faces and on matrix. The crystals are very bright and show the extraordinary deep blue color (electric blue) that has made the Azurites from this locality famous.
Milpillas Mine, Cuitaca, Municipio Santa Cruz, Sonora  Mexico (04/2015)

Specimen size: 4.5 × 3.2 × 1.8 cm = 1.77” × 1.26” × 0.71”

Main crystal size: 2.5 × 2.2 cm = 0.98” × 0.87”

Azurite with Malachite
 

JX90F3: A classic sample from Puit IX (shaft nine of the Zellidja Mine). The very brilliant, damage free and intensely colored prisms are shorter and thicker than is normal, and they have an aerial form.
A partial coating of Malachite gives a special touch to it.
Touissit Mine, Shaft IX (Puit IX), Touissit, Touissit-Bou Beker mining district, Jerada Province, Oriental Region  Morocco (1993)

Specimen size: 5 × 3.7 × 3.5 cm = 1.97” × 1.46” × 1.38”

Main crystal size: 2.8 × 2 cm = 1.10” × 0.79”

Azurite with Malachite. Front
Front
Azurite with Malachite. Side
Side
Azurite with Malachite
Azurite with Malachite. Azurite with Malachite.
 

TM19AB4: Aggregate of complex Azurite crystals rich in very well defined faces and edges, with polycrystalline surfaces and with a deep and vivid blue color (“electric blue”), transparent on the edges, a very intense luster and on a matrix coated by fibrous Malachite.
Milpillas Mine, Cuitaca, Municipio Santa Cruz, Sonora  Mexico (12/2013)

Specimen size: 5.2 × 4.9 × 2.2 cm = 2.05” × 1.93” × 0.87”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 0.8 cm = 0.67” × 0.31”

Azurite with Malachite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TG47AM5: Aggregate of very sharp Azurite crystals, with well defined faces and edges and with the very intense luster of Milpillas and the famous deep blue color (“electric blue”) of the best specimens from the locality. On matrix, with small coatings of fibrous Malachite. The Milpillas mine closed in June 2020.
Milpillas Mine, level 1280, Cuitaca, Municipio Santa Cruz, Sonora  Mexico (2016)

Specimen size: 6 × 4.6 × 4 cm = 2.36” × 1.81” × 1.57”

Main crystal size: 2.3 × 1.7 cm = 0.91” × 0.67”

Azurite with Malachite. Front
Front
Azurite with Malachite. Side
Side
Azurite with Malachite. Side
Side
Azurite with Malachite.
Azurite
Azurite. Front
Front
Azurite. Top
Top
Azurite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TG57AN2: Group of elongated Azurite crystals, one of them clearly dominant, very rich in crystal forms and with excellent, very lustrous and smooth terminations, while the faces at the base of the prism look finely granulated. An excellent specimen, a souvenir of those extracted at the locality between 1979 and 1989.
Touissit Mine, Shaft IX (Puit IX), Touissit, Touissit-Bou Beker mining district, Jerada Province, Oriental Region  Morocco (±1980)

Specimen size: 6.1 × 5.9 × 3.7 cm = 2.40” × 2.32” × 1.46”

Main crystal size: 3.7 × 2.1 cm = 1.46” × 0.83”

Azurite with Malachite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TB71AJ3: Extraordinary group of crystals, one of them clearly dominant, very sharp with vivid transparencies, very intense bright and with the famous vivid and deep blue color (“electric blue”) typical of the best samples from the locality. With small coatings of fibrous Malachite.
The specimen has been photographed and published in the magazine ‘Paragénesis’, number 01/2019, page 78
Milpillas Mine, level 1140, Cuitaca, Municipio Santa Cruz, Sonora  Mexico (2010)

Specimen size: 6.2 × 2.4 × 2.8 cm = 2.44” × 0.94” × 1.10”

Main crystal size: 6.2 × 2.3 cm = 2.44” × 0.91”

Azurite with Malachite. Front
Front
Azurite with Malachite. Side
Side
Azurite with Malachite.
Azurite with Malachite
Azurite with Malachite. Front
Front
Azurite with Malachite. Side
Side
Azurite with Malachite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TA74AL5: Aggregate, on matrix, of thick lenticular Azurite crystals, with very well defined faces and edges, with the intense brilliance and blue color (“electric blue”) that Milpillas is so famous for. With small coatings of fibrous Malachite. The Milpillas mine closed in June 2020.
Milpillas Mine, level 1100, Cuitaca, Municipio Santa Cruz, Sonora  Mexico (2019)

Specimen size: 6.7 × 5 × 3.5 cm = 2.64” × 1.97” × 1.38”

Main crystal size: 3 × 2 cm = 1.18” × 0.79”

Azurite
 

TH29AD0: Isolated crystal on matrix. It is doubly terminated and very rich in very well defined faces that have a brilliant luster and show the extraordinary deep blue color (electric blue) that has made the Azurites from this locality famous. Considering the amount of great samples from Milpillas it is a very special one due to the perfection of the single crystal, its size and its balance and position on the white matrix.
Milpillas Mine, Cuitaca, Municipio Santa Cruz, Sonora  Mexico (2014)

Specimen size: 7 × 7 × 3.5 cm = 2.76” × 2.76” × 1.38”

Main crystal size: 3 × 2.7 × 1 cm = 1.18” × 1.06” × 0.39”

Azurite. Azurite.
Azurite.
Azurite with Malachite
Azurite with Malachite. Front
Front
Azurite with Malachite. Front
Front
Azurite with Malachite. Rear
Rear
Azurite with Malachite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TLB72AN3: Very aerial aggregate of thick crystals, with an elongated lenticular habit, very sharp crystal forms with slight curvatures, on Azurite matrix. Has a deep blue color (“electric blue”) typical of the best Milpillas specimens. With transparencies on the edges and a very intense luster. The aggregate is partially covered on the back by aggregates of fibrous Malachite crystals with a silky luster, very characteristic of the famous Milpillas vug that yielded such isolated crystals with this lenticular habit and with fibrous Malachite on the back of most of that vug's specimens.
Milpillas Mine, level 1280, Cuitaca, Municipio Santa Cruz, Sonora  Mexico (2016)

Specimen size: 8.3 × 6.9 × 2.7 cm = 3.27” × 2.72” × 1.06”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.1 cm = 0.79” × 0.43”

Azurite on Dickite
 

TH68AK3: An unquestionably high quality example that combines crystals of flattened habit with others more prismatic, some doubly terminated and all of them very sharp, translucent, extraordinarily brilliant and with the vivid blue color (“electric blue”) that has made Azurites famous from this locality. The contrast with the very white Dickite completes the panorama of this extraordinary piece.
Milpillas Mine, Cuitaca, Municipio Santa Cruz, Sonora  Mexico (±2010)

Specimen size: 12.2 × 5.4 × 3.1 cm = 4.80” × 2.13” × 1.22”

Main crystal size: 2.1 × 2.1 cm = 0.83” × 0.83”

Azurite on Dickite. Azurite on Dickite.
Azurite on Dickite.
Azurite on Quartz
Azurite on Quartz.
Azurite on Quartz.
 

E73B: An upright, perfect Azurite crystal on an unusual white Quartz matrix. Perfect crystallography, corners gemmy when viewed with deep light from behind, and superb esthetics. A pleasure for all collectors!
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 7.5 × 6.3 cm = 2.95” × 2.48”

Main crystal size: 3.2 × 1.4 cm = 1.26” × 0.55”

Azurite with Malachite
Azurite with Malachite  

EP97AG7: Druse of Azurite crystals, some of them doubly terminated, translucent, extraordinarily bright and partially coated by Malachite crystal pseudomorphs after Azurite.
The sample, a Tsumeb classic of great quality, is from the Raúl Sanabria collection, and it previously was in the Lloyd Tate collection. So, we’ll send to the buyer the labels of both collections and a third, a commercial label of Weinrich Minerals.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 9 × 6.9 × 2.8 cm = 3.54” × 2.72” × 1.10”

Main crystal size: 1.3 × 1.1 cm = 0.51” × 0.43”

Azurite with Malachite. Azurite with Malachite.
Azurite with Malachite.
Azurite with Malachite
Azurite with Malachite. Front
Front
Azurite with Malachite. Side
Side
Azurite with Malachite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
Azurite with Malachite
 

NV36AM9: Group, on matrix, of very sharp Azurite crystals, with bright luster and a very vivid color, with small coatings of Malachite. An excellent Tsumeb classic with unusual morphology and excellent color.
The specimen comes from the Ignacio Gaspar Sintes collection (number AZU-16), whose label we will send to the buyer.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 9.5 × 6.7 × 6 cm = 3.74” × 2.64” × 2.36”

Main crystal size: 3 × 2 cm = 1.18” × 0.79”

Former collection of Ignacio Gaspar
Babingtonite with Prehnite
Babingtonite with Prehnite  

CA67AI3: Complete and doubly terminated Babingtonite crystal with excellent terminations, very well defined faces and edges, polycrystalline growths and very bright surfaces. These Chinese Babingtonites have almost disappeared from the mineral market and the best are those that first appeared.
Babingtonite occurrences, Qiaojia, Zhaotong Prefecture, Yunnan Province  China (±2009)

Specimen size: 3.1 × 2.7 × 2 cm = 1.22” × 1.06” × 0.79”

Main crystal size: 2.1 × 1.8 cm = 0.83” × 0.71”

Former collection of Carles Curto (duplicates)
Babingtonite with Prehnite. Front
Front
Babingtonite with Prehnite. Rear
Rear
Babingtonite with Prehnite. Side
Side
Babingtonite with Prehnite. Top
Top
Babingtonite with Prehnite and Quartz
Babingtonite with Prehnite and Quartz. Front
Front
Babingtonite with Prehnite and Quartz. Side
Side
 

MK94G5: Crystals are very big, exceptional for the species. They grew, with the Quartz, on a Prehnite matrix and they are doubly-terminated. We’ll give a copy of the analysis to the buyer.
The specimen has been reviewed, photographed and published as a new discovery in the magazine ‘Mineral Up’ on page 22 in number 2006/1.
Babingtonite occurrences, Qiaojia, Zhaotong Prefecture, Yunnan Province  China (2005)

Specimen size: 4.2 × 3.3 × 3.5 cm = 1.65” × 1.30” × 1.38”

Main crystal size: 2.1 × 1.3 cm = 0.83” × 0.51”

Babingtonite with Prehnite
 

MA99V7: A sample of a very rare quality, a group of extremely sharp crystals, really large for the species, with very well defined faces and edges, undamaged , bright, with perfect terminations and on a matrix of aggregates of clear green crystals of Prehnite. A sample worth belonging to the best museums or private collections.
Babingtonite occurrences, Qiaojia, Zhaotong Prefecture, Yunnan Province  China (2007)

Specimen size: 9.8 × 6.8 × 4.5 cm = 3.86” × 2.68” × 1.77”

Main crystal size: 5 × 4 cm = 1.97” × 1.57”

Babingtonite with Prehnite. Front
Front
Babingtonite with Prehnite. Side
Side
Babingtonite with Prehnite. Side
Side
Babingtonite with Quartz, Prehnite and Analcime
Babingtonite with Quartz, Prehnite and Analcime. Front
Front
Babingtonite with Quartz, Prehnite and Analcime. Rear
Rear
Babingtonite with Quartz, Prehnite and Analcime. Rear
Rear
Babingtonite with Quartz, Prehnite and Analcime.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MD89AK0: Group of very sharp Babingtonite crystals, some of them doubly terminated, with very well defined faces and edges, very bright and on a matrix of transparent Quartz crystals. Also there are groups of green spheroidal Prehnite crystals and white trapezohedral Analcime crystals. Specimens of such quality are already classics for global mineralogy.
Babingtonite occurrences, Qiaojia, Zhaotong Prefecture, Yunnan Province  China (2010)

Specimen size: 14.7 × 12.5 × 5.9 cm = 5.79” × 4.92” × 2.32”

Main crystal size: 3 × 1.8 cm = 1.18” × 0.71”

Babingtonite with Quartz and Prehnite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MFB67AQ1: Very large Babingtonite crystals, flattened, many of them doubly terminated, in matrix, with pale green botryoidal Prehnite, and Quartz. Among the best for the species.
The specimen comes from a find in April 2023.
Babingtonite occurrences, Qiaojia, Zhaotong Prefecture, Yunnan Province  China (04/2023)

Specimen size: 16.3 × 12.4 × 7.7 cm = 6.42” × 4.88” × 3.03”

Main crystal size: 3.5 × 2.4 cm = 1.38” × 0.94”

Babingtonite with Quartz and Prehnite. Babingtonite with Quartz and Prehnite.
Baryte with Sphalerite
Baryte with Sphalerite. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Baryte with Sphalerite. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Baryte with Sphalerite. Detail / Foto: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Foto: Joaquim Callén
Baryte with Sphalerite. Detail / Foto: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Foto: Joaquim Callén

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ERB46AP4: Great specimen, both for its size and for being very unusual, with very sharp Baryte crystals, between tabular and lamellar, and totally different from the classic ones from this deposit. In addition, the crystals are covered by very unusual orange Sphalerite crystals (analyzed) which form globular groups.
The specimen undoubtedly owes its rarity to the fact that it is very old and comes from the collection of Pierre-Marie Guy, who was the one who acquired it from the miner Robert Guy.
Les Cèdres Mine, Les Malines mining district, Saint-Laurent-le-Minier, Le Vigan, Gard Department, Occitanie  France (±1978)

Specimen size: 19.8 × 9.8 × 9.4 cm = 7.80” × 3.86” × 3.70”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 1.1 cm = 0.67” × 0.43”

Fluorescent long UV & minor fluorescence short UV

Analyzed

Former collection of Pierre-Marie Guy
Baryte with Quartz (variety saccharoid)

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MLB16AP3: Obtained in Munich 2022
An important find mined between August and September 2022 in the Bou Nahas Mine in Morocco yielded a series of barytes, among them this floater specimen, formed by very thick tabular crystals of considerable dimensions, aerial and with perfectly defined faces and edges, of a very uniform light blue color, more yellowish towards the vertices of the crystals. As a curiosity, note that it is accompanied by small very white crystals of saccharoidal Quartz that is somehow reminiscent of a carbonate.
High quality for the locality.
Bou Nahas Mine, Oumjrane mining area, Alnif Commune, Tinghir Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region  Morocco (08-09/2022)

Specimen size: 12.4 × 10 × 6.4 cm = 4.88” × 3.94” × 2.52”

Main crystal size: 6.4 × 4.6 cm = 2.52” × 1.81”

Baryte with Quartz (variety saccharoid). Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Baryte with Quartz (variety saccharoid). Rear / Foto: Joaquim Callén
Rear / Foto: Joaquim Callén
Baryte with Pyrite and Quartz
Baryte with Pyrite and Quartz. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Baryte with Pyrite and Quartz.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MJT46AP7: Very aerial group of very sharp tabular Baryte crystals, translucent, with good luster and a beautiful golden color, on a matrix of white Quartz with very small and brilliant Pyrite crystals.
Due to the size and arrangement of its components, the specimen is especially aesthetic.
Bou Nahas Mine, Oumjrane mining area, Alnif Commune, Tinghir Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region  Morocco (08-09/2022)

Specimen size: 13.8 × 12 × 10 cm = 5.43” × 4.72” × 3.94”

Main crystal size: 7.3 × 6.2 cm = 2.87” × 2.44”

Baryte

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MFG16AP8: Parallel growths, on a limonite matrix, of fine tabular Baryte crystals, with slight curvatures, transparent, with great luster and an intense and uniform light blue color with very good contrast to the matrix, and in perfect condition, which in these barytes is like a small miracle.
Jebel Ouichane mines, Beni Bou Ifrour, Nador, Nador Province, Oriental Region  Morocco (11/2022)

Specimen size: 14.3 × 10.7 × 6.3 cm = 5.63” × 4.21” × 2.48”

Main crystal size: 3.5 × 2.2 cm = 1.38” × 0.87”

Baryte. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Baryte. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Bastnäsite-(Ce) doubly terminated
Bastnäsite-(Ce) doubly terminated.
 

EH92E9: Enormous! The tabular appearance is due to the parallel growth of three prismatic, doubly-terminated crystals that can be recognized because of the double pyramids that have formed a single large face at the front. The size of the Bastnasite-(Ce), its excellent brilliance and the fact that the matrix is also quite large all make this an excellent example.
Zagi Mountain, Kafoor Dheri  Pakistan (2004)

Specimen size: 4.5 × 4 × 4 cm = 1.77” × 1.57” × 1.57”

Main crystal size: 3.4 × 3 cm = 1.34” × 1.18”

Benitoite on Natrolite
 

EN91G4: The crystal is magnificent. Deep blue, with perfectly defined faces and edges and absolutely undamaged. Furthermore, its situation on matrix makes for easy direct observation and as well as display in exhibit case.
California State Gem Mine (Benitoite Gem Mine), San Benito River headwaters area, Santa Rita Peak, New Idria District, San Benito County, California  USA

Specimen size: 4.9 × 4.3 × 2.3 cm = 1.93” × 1.69” × 0.91”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 1.3 cm = 0.67” × 0.51”

Extremely fluorescent short UV
Benitoite on Natrolite. Front
Front
Benitoite on Natrolite. Left side
Left side
Benitoite on Natrolite. Right side
Right side
Bertrandite with Quartz (variety smoky) and Pyrite
Bertrandite with Quartz (variety smoky) and Pyrite. Front
Front
Bertrandite with Quartz (variety smoky) and Pyrite. Rear
Rear
Bertrandite with Quartz (variety smoky) and Pyrite. Top
Top
Bertrandite with Quartz (variety smoky) and Pyrite.
 

EA62AM2: Groups of flat prismatic Bertrandite crystals, very sharp and well defined, many of them doubly terminated, which contrast with the smoky tones of the group of Quartz crystals, partially covered by small Pyrite crystals. An excellent specimen of a rare species from a currently extinct locality.
Kara-Oba area, Betpak-Dala (Bet-Pak-Dala) Desert, Karaganda Region  Kazakhstan (1985-1990)

Specimen size: 24 × 20 × 14 cm = 9.45” × 7.87” × 5.51”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.4 cm = 0.39” × 0.16”

Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Albite
 

EY86K1: The crystal is formed by the hexagonal prism and a relatively complex termination formed by the faces of two pyramids and the pinacoid. Transparency and luster are magnificent and the specimen is very esthetic because it is on an Albite matrix.
Yuno, Shigar Valley, Shigar District, Gilgit-Baltistan (Northern Areas)  Pakistan (03/2007)

Specimen size: 4.7 × 2.9 × 2.2 cm = 1.85” × 1.14” × 0.87”

Main crystal size: 4.7 × 0.9 cm = 1.85” × 0.35”

Albite fluorescent long & short UV
Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Albite. Front
Front
Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Albite. Rear
Rear
Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Schorl
Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Schorl. Front
Front
Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Schorl. Side
Side
 

TX79L0: Particularly esthetic specimen. With the main Beryl crystal group very aerial, some of them doubly terminated. Sharp faces and edges with good color. On a fine acicular Schorl matrix.
Erongo Mountain, Usakos, Erongo Region  Namibia (2007)

Specimen size: 5 × 3.8 × 3 cm = 1.97” × 1.50” × 1.18”

Main crystal size: 2.2 × 0.3 cm = 0.87” × 0.12”

Beryl (variety aquamarine)
 

ED74E9: A dramatic floater made up of a group of prismatic, brilliant crystals with sharp faces. Near the ends are clear colorless areas that contrast with the intense blue of the rest of the crystals, some of which are doubly-terminated. The esthetics of the specimen, as you can see in the photo, is exceptional.
Erongo Mountain, Usakos, Erongo Region  Namibia (2003)

Specimen size: 7.8 × 7.4 × 4.5 cm = 3.07” × 2.91” × 1.77”

Main crystal size: 4.4 × 0.7 cm = 1.73” × 0.28”

Beryl (variety aquamarine). Beryl (variety aquamarine).
Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Muscovite
Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Muscovite. Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Muscovite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TCC47AO8: Beryl crystal with very sharp crystal forms, transparent, with inclusions and highly lustrous. With an intense sky-blue color (aquamarine variety) and implanted in a matrix covered by leafy aggregates of Muscovite.
Shigar Valley, Shigar District, Gilgit-Baltistan (Northern Areas)  Pakistan

Specimen size: 8.4 × 8 × 7.2 cm = 3.31” × 3.15” × 2.83”

Main crystal size: 4.6 × 3.1 cm = 1.81” × 1.22”

Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Albite and Schorl
 

EA72G5: Very beautiful group of prismatic crystals, some of them doubly-terminated, very clear and of an excellent color and luster, with Albite and Schorl.
Nyet Bruk, Braldu Valley, Baltistan  Pakistan (05/2005)

Specimen size: 8.6 × 6.2 × 1.8 cm = 3.39” × 2.44” × 0.71”

Main crystal size: 7.2 × 1.5 cm = 2.83” × 0.59”

Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Albite and Schorl. Front
Front
Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Albite and Schorl. Rear
Rear
Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Muscovite
Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Muscovite. Front
Front
Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Muscovite. Side
Side
Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Muscovite. Side
Side
Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Muscovite. Close-up
Close-up

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ET97AI8: An extraordinary group of Beryl (aquamarine variety) crystals with very well defined faces and edges and some of them doubly terminated, with flat pinacoidal terminations. They are very clear and bright with a nice sky blue color. On a matrix of Muscovite crystals. Truly a museum piece.
Gilgit District, Gilgit-Baltistan (Northern Areas)  Pakistan

Specimen size: 9.8 × 8 × 7.5 cm = 3.86” × 3.15” × 2.95”

Main crystal size: 3.8 × 3.4 cm = 1.50” × 1.34”

Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Albite and Schorl
 

EV21K3: Magnificent! This aquamarine crystal is doubly terminated and complete with its upper part completely transparent and with growth channels and inclusions of Tourmaline (Schorl) on the lower. The terminations are very different. The main one, in which there is a small group of Albite, is formed by a transparent pinacoid and small pyramid faces, and the lower has an irregular pave due to recrystallization. The color is extraordinary as well as the transparency and luminosity.
The specimen has been reviewed, photographed and published in the magazine ‘Mineral Up’ on page 25 in number 2012/1
Nyet Bruk, Braldu Valley, Baltistan  Pakistan (05/2005)

Specimen size: 12.6 × 3.5 × 3.3 cm = 4.96” × 1.38” × 1.30”

Main crystal size: 11.9 × 3.5 cm = 4.69” × 1.38”

Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Albite and Schorl. Front
Front
Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Albite and Schorl. Rear
Rear
Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Albite and Schorl. Top
Top
Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Albite and Schorl. Bottom
Bottom
Beryl (variety emerald) with Pyrite and Calcite
Beryl (variety emerald) with Pyrite and Calcite. Beryl (variety emerald) with Pyrite and Calcite.
 

TR16AF2: Doubly terminated single Beryl (emerald variety) crystal with excellent terminal faces. It is clear, bright and has a very intense and uniform color. On a Calcite matrix, it also is with a complete Pyrite crystal that shows the very well defined forms of the cube, the octahedron and a pyritohedron. An excellent thumbnail, very unusual.
Chivor mining district, Municipio Chivor, Eastern Emerald Belt, Boyacá Department  Colombia

Specimen size: 1.7 × 1.5 × 1.2 cm = 0.67” × 0.59” × 0.47”

Main crystal size: 0.9 × 0.3 cm = 0.35” × 0.12”

Beryl (variety emerald) with Quartz

Fluorescent light (daylight)
Beryl (variety emerald) with Quartz
 

TF88AG1: Who does not like the Colombian emeralds? The depth of color and the perfection of its crystals are a luxury. This group of parallel crystals with their color and perfect geometry show us the reasons why this mineral is so appreciated.

Peñas Blancas Mine, Municipio San Pablo de Borbur, Western Emerald Belt, Boyacá Department  Colombia

Specimen size: 2.5 × 1.3 × 1.2 cm = 0.98” × 0.51” × 0.47”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 0.5 cm = 0.67” × 0.20”

Beryl (variety emerald) with Quartz. Front
Front
Beryl (variety emerald) with Quartz. Side
Side
Beryl (variety emerald) with Quartz. Top
Top
Beryl (variety emerald)
Beryl (variety emerald). Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Beryl (variety emerald).
Beryl (variety emerald). Top / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Top / Photo: Joaquim Callén

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MLX47AP3: Obtained at Munich 2022
Parallel growths of prismatic crystals of Beryl (emerald variety), doubly terminated, between transparent and translucent, with a very uniform green color, with three of the crystals clearly dominant. A gem quality floater sourced from the world's classic locality for the species, Muzo in Colombia. The color of the emerald is caused by chromophores like trivalent chromium or vanadium.
Muzo mining district, Western Emerald Belt, Boyacá Department  Colombia (2022)

Specimen size: 2.5 × 2 × 1.1 cm = 0.98” × 0.79” × 0.43”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 0.8 cm = 0.67” × 0.31”

Beryl (variety emerald) on Calcite
Beryl (variety emerald) on Calcite  

DX99Q8: Sharp Emerald crystal, completely transparent, bright and with a deep and uniform color. Its termination is more complex than usual, due to the presence of the dominant face of a pinacoid and the faces of two pyramids, one of them bevels the edge between the prism and the pinacoid and the other bevels the corners showing triangular forms. It is on a matrix with a rhombohedral crystal of Calcite.
The sample is from the J.S. White collection, whose label we’ll send to the buyer. A definitive specimen.
The photo of this Emerald was published in the magazine ‘Le Règne Minéral’ number 98, on its front cover and on page 43. Also in the book 'Émeraudes, tout un monde!'
La Pita mining district, Municipio Maripí, Western Emerald Belt, Boyacá Department  Colombia (12/2006)

Specimen size: 3.3 × 3.1 × 3 cm = 1.30” × 1.22” × 1.18”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.9 cm = 0.39” × 0.35”

Beryl (variety emerald) on Calcite. side
side
Beryl (variety emerald) on Calcite. front
front
Beryl (variety emerald) on Calcite. Top
Top
Beryl (variety emerald) on Calcite
Beryl (variety emerald) on Calcite. Beryl (variety emerald) on Calcite.
 

TA96E4: Very elegant with such transparent crystals. The main crystal is doubly terminated and has a good accompaniment of other smaller ones. They are all nicely positioned on the matrix of Calcite crystals. A clean specimen.
La Pita mining district, Municipio Maripí, Western Emerald Belt, Boyacá Department  Colombia (11/2003)

Specimen size: 5 × 4.5 × 2 cm = 1.97” × 1.77” × 0.79”

Main crystal size: 3.7 × 0.5 cm = 1.46” × 0.20”

Beryl (variety emerald) doubly terminated
 

TE90D6: This extraordinary specimen brings together all the features that any collector would dream of in an Emerald: perfection, intense color, transparency, doubly terminated, a large crystal, and on matrix. The matrix of a small amount of Pyrite on Calcite has a form, size and general look that sets the fabulous crystal off nicely. So in summary as good as the photos suggest.
La Pita mining district, Municipio Maripí, Western Emerald Belt, Boyacá Department  Colombia

Specimen size: 5.2 × 3.8 × 1.8 cm = 2.05” × 1.50” × 0.71”

Main crystal size: 5.1 × 1.1 × 1 cm = 2.01” × 0.43” × 0.39”

Beryl (variety emerald) doubly terminated. Front
Front
Beryl (variety emerald) doubly terminated. Top
Top
Beryl (variety emerald) doubly terminated. Bottom
Bottom
Beryl (variety heliodor)
Beryl (variety heliodor). Front
Front
Beryl (variety heliodor). Rear
Rear
 

EZ16: Madagascar is a pegmatite rich country. From this richness once in a while they find some of the best Heliodor Beryls in the world. The form is perfect and the intense golden color makes them among the best known. We have managed to obtain an extraordinary specimen: doubly terminated, a floater, gem, damage free, and as you can see in the photo with a fabulous color. A gem mineral collector's dream!
Ikalamavony, Matsiatra, Fianarantsoa  Madagascar (2001)

Specimen size: 5 × 1.4 × 0.9 cm = 1.97” × 0.55” × 0.35”

Beryl (variety heliodor)

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EBB16AN4: Doubly terminated Beryl crystal (heliodore variety) with parallel growths and excellent terminations, with very bright luster and a uniform lemon-yellow color.
A high-quality, crystallographically highly complex Ukrainian classic.
Khoroshiv (Volodarsk-Volynskii), Zhytomyr Oblast  Ukraine

Specimen size: 6.3 × 1.4 × 1.2 cm = 2.48” × 0.55” × 0.47”

Weight: 13.1 grams
Beryl (variety heliodor). Front
Front
Beryl (variety heliodor). Rear
Rear
Beryl (variety heliodor). Side
Side
Beryl (variety heliodor)
Beryl (variety heliodor).
 

EA65E6: This is a floater, doubly terminated, very gemmy, and a pleasant golden color, as one would hope for in a Heliodor Beryl. Simply perfect.
Alto do Giz pegmatite, Equador, Parelhas, Caicó, Rio Grande do Norte  Brazil (2003)

Specimen size: 7.7 × 2 × 1.6 cm = 3.03” × 0.79” × 0.63”

Beryl (variety red beryl)

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TV89AL5: Group of Beryl crystals (variety red beryl), one of them clearly dominant, doubly terminated, shiny, with a very intense color, on matrix. An excellent American classic that for years has disappeared from the market due to the cessation of work on the deposit.
Wah Wah Mountains, Beaver County, Utah  USA

Specimen size: 6.3 × 5.6 × 4 cm = 2.48” × 2.20” × 1.57”

Main crystal size: 1.6 × 1.3 cm = 0.63” × 0.51”

Beryl (variety red beryl). Beryl (variety red beryl).
Beryl (variety red beryl)
Beryl (variety red beryl). Beryl (variety red beryl).
 

TM64: Well formed, with a excellent color, pretty good transparency, and well positioned on its matrix. A perfect example of the species.
Ruby Violet Claims, Wah Wah Mountains, Beaver County, Utah  USA (1997)

Specimen size: 8.3 × 6 × 5 cm = 3.27” × 2.36” × 1.97”

Main crystal size: 1.1 × 1 cm = 0.43” × 0.39”

Bismuth
 

TX27AF1: Mass of very sharp crystals with very well defined parallel and skeletal growths, some of them doubly terminated. A superb European classic with great quality.
38 Mine, Niederschlema, Bad Schlema (Schlema), Schlema-Hartenstein District, Erzgebirgskreis, Saxony/Sachsen  Germany

Specimen size: 4.2 × 3.4 × 2.5 cm = 1.65” × 1.34” × 0.98”

Main crystal size: 2.2 × 1 cm = 0.87” × 0.39”

Bismuth. Front
Front
Bismuth. Detail
Detail
Bismuth. Rear
Rear
Bismuth with Chalcopyrite
Bismuth with Chalcopyrite. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Bismuth with Chalcopyrite. Side
Side

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TPA62AP3: Enormous crystal of Bismuth with well defined faces and edges, a metallic grey color, on a crystalline Chalcopyrite matrix. On the back it exhibits polysynthetic twinning and dissolution forms. Among the largest crystals known for the species.
From the Piaotang Mine in China where tungsten and tin are extracted from quartz veins.
Piaotang Mine, Dayu, Ganzhou Prefecture, Jiangxi Province  China (2021)

Specimen size: 7.5 × 7.2 × 4.2 cm = 2.95” × 2.83” × 1.65”

Main crystal size: 7.5 × 4.5 cm = 2.95” × 1.77”

Analyzed
Bixbyite with Topaz
 

EP64E6: Great Bixbyite with large crystal size, perfection, and good position on the matrix. There are also some small crystals of Topaz. In general we can say that it is among the best for the species. In fact it is a phenomenal specimen.
Thomas Range, Juab County, Utah  USA

Specimen size: 5.1 × 3.7 × 2.4 cm = 2.01” × 1.46” × 0.94”

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 1.1 cm = 0.47” × 0.43”

Bixbyite with Topaz. Front
Front
Bixbyite with Topaz. Top
Top
Boleite
Boleite. Front
Front
Boleite. Front
Front
Boleite. Top
Top
 

TV62AH5: Floater complete Boleite crystal with a very well balanced development of the octahedron and the cube faces that are very bright.
We’ll send the sample in its original Perkin’s box from the R.J. Noble collection, also containing the collection label in which it appears that it had previously been in the “Bunk” Melanson collection.
Amelia Mine, Santa Rosalía (El Boleo), Boleo District, Municipio Mulegé, Baja California Sur  Mexico

Specimen size: 1.2 × 1 × 1 cm = 0.47” × 0.39” × 0.39”

Former collection of Bob Noble
Boleite with Anglesite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

BFE86AP5: This specimen stands out for the very unusual abundance of Boleite crystals on the limonite matrix. These very sharp crystals have retained their extraordinary color and brilliance despite their age.
The specimen, from the type locality for the species, comes from a prestigious European collection.
Amelia Mine, Santa Rosalía (El Boleo), Boleo District, Municipio Mulegé, Baja California Sur  Mexico (±1984)

Specimen size: 10.3 × 5.7 × 3.8 cm = 4.06” × 2.24” × 1.50”

Main crystal size: 0.4 × 0.4 cm = 0.16” × 0.16”

Type locality
Boleite with Anglesite. Boleite with Anglesite.
Boleite with Anglesite.
Borcarite with Cahnite
Borcarite with Cahnite. Front
Front
Borcarite with Cahnite. Side
Side
Borcarite with Cahnite. Borcarite with Cahnite.
 

EB92AM1: Floater group of sharp Borcarite crystals, a very rare borate-carbonate. The crystals exhibit very well defined forms, are translucent, with a uniform green color and are partially covered by small, well-defined white crystals of Cahnite, an arsenate which is also considered very rare.
Shijiangshan Mine, Shijiangshan village, Yinwu, Linxi, Ulanhad League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region  China (2011)

Specimen size: 2.6 × 1.7 × 1.4 cm = 1.02” × 0.67” × 0.55”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 0.8 cm = 0.55” × 0.31”

Borcarite with Cahnite
 

EA16AM1: Very aerial floater group of sharp Borcarite crystals, a very rare borate-carbonate. The crystals show well defined shapes, are translucent, with a uniform green color, and are partially covered by small, sharp white crystals of Cahnite, another very rare arsenate. Exceptional!
The specimen has been reviewed, photographed and published in the Russian magazine ‘Mineral Observer’ on page 86 in the volume 26/2021, number 1
Shijiangshan Mine, Shijiangshan village, Yinwu, Linxi, Ulanhad League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region  China (2011)

Specimen size: 3 × 1.6 × 1.1 cm = 1.18” × 0.63” × 0.43”

Borcarite with Cahnite. Borcarite with Cahnite.
Bornite
Bornite.
 

TC52C6: This specimen merits a careful description. Bornite crystals usually tends to be small, black, ugly and not very sharp. Well, this specimen shows is colorful nature due to an iridescent alteration of a thin covering, its crystals are pretty huge and extremely sharp for the species. You can appreciate its beauty in the photo. Plus the specimen is a floater with a small Bornite crystal just on the top corner of the specimen. Just great!
Dzhezkazgan Mine, Shaft 65, level 60, Dzhezkazgan, Karaganda Region  Kazakhstan (2002)

Specimen size: 5.2 × 2.3 × 2.2 cm = 2.05” × 0.91” × 0.87”

Main crystal size: 2.5 × 2.2 cm = 0.98” × 0.87”

Brazilianite with Albite and Greifensteinite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TZ27AM5: Large doubly terminated and very sharp Brazilianite crystals, transparent, with good luster and a very vivid color and on an Albite matrix. Partially covered with small, very sharp crystals of Greifensteinite, a rare phosphate of calcium, iron, and beryllium.
Telírio claim, Linópolis, Divino das Laranjeiras, Vale do Rio Doce, Minas Gerais  Brazil

Specimen size: 8 × 7.2 × 4.3 cm = 3.15” × 2.83” × 1.69”

Main crystal size: 6.5 × 2.8 cm = 2.56” × 1.10”

Fluorescence on the matrix (short and long UV)
Brazilianite with Albite and Greifensteinite. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Brazilianite with Albite and Greifensteinite. Side  / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Side / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Brazilianite with Albite and Greifensteinite. Side / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Side / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Brochantite with Dickite
Brochantite with Dickite. Front
Front
Brochantite with Dickite. Side
Side

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TR51AL4: Two complete Brochantite crystals, isolated and extraordinarily well defined, with sharp crystal forms, chisel-like terminations, implanted on matrix with white growths of Dickite, an aluminum silicate. Both the excellent definition and size of the crystals as well as the color, the luster and, in general, their extraordinary quality, place this type of specimen among the best in the world.
Milpillas Mine, Cuitaca, Municipio Santa Cruz, Sonora  Mexico (07-08/2014)

Specimen size: 4.6 × 4.2 × 3.2 cm = 1.81” × 1.65” × 1.26”

Main crystal size: 2 × 0.9 cm = 0.79” × 0.35”

Brochantite
 

TK89AB2: A novelty at Tucson 2015. Fibrous Brochantite is very well known at Milpillas mine but this sample has an aggregate, on matrix, of short and thick idiomorphic crystals with very well defined faces and edges and chisel like well-terminations. In our opinion, the world's best for the species for their definition, crystal size, as well as their color and luster and, in general, very high quality.
Milpillas Mine, Cuitaca, Municipio Santa Cruz, Sonora  Mexico (07-08/2014)

Specimen size: 6.1 × 5.8 × 2.3 cm = 2.40” × 2.28” × 0.91”

Main crystal size: 0.6 × 0.4 cm = 0.24” × 0.16”

Brochantite. Brochantite.
Brochantite with Chrysocolla and Atacamite
Brochantite with Chrysocolla and Atacamite. Brochantite with Chrysocolla and Atacamite.
 

ED97AE3: A novelty at Munich 2016. Until now a poorly known mine, the Brochantite forms sprays of finely acicular crystals with an intense silky luster and a very vivid color. They are with darker small Atacamite crystals and are on a Quartz (variety chalcedony) matrix coated by botryoidal Chrysocolla growths. Very aesthetic for the contrast of the Brochantite with the Chrysocolla.
This sample has been photographed and published as a novelty in Munich 2016 in the magazine Le Règne Minéral number 132, page 43, the magazine ‘Mineralogical Record’ on page 148 in the volume 48, number 1 (January-February 2017) and in the magazine ‘Mineral Up’ on page 54 of the 2014/02 edition.
Los Azules Mine, Quebrada San Miguel, Copiapó Province, Atacama Region  Chile (11-12/2015)

Specimen size: 7.2 × 4.3 × 2.6 cm = 2.83” × 1.69” × 1.02”

Brookite with Albite
 

ML66E9: A perfect miniature. The crystal is doubly-terminated, transparent, and the color, while at first it looks brown, also shows flashes of lively red. The fine matrix of Albite adds an elegant touch.
Mount Zard, Ras Koh Range, Kharan District, Balochistan (Baluchistan)  Pakistan (2004)

Specimen size: 1.5 × 1.3 × 1 cm = 0.59” × 0.51” × 0.39”

Main crystal size: 1.5 × 0.7 cm = 0.59” × 0.28”

Brookite with Albite.
Brookite on Quartz with inclusions
Brookite on Quartz with inclusions. Front
Front
Brookite on Quartz with inclusions. Rear
Rear
Brookite on Quartz with inclusions.
 

EB16G1: A very, very special specimen. We must underline the big size of crystals and their magnificent disposition on a matrix of Quartz crystals with inclusions. On the base of the main Brookite crystals are some other Brookite crystals. All have complete terminations. A definitive piece.
Mount Zard, Ras Koh Range, Kharan District, Balochistan (Baluchistan)  Pakistan (2005)

Specimen size: 3.9 × 3.7 × 7.1 cm = 1.54” × 1.46” × 2.80”

Main crystal size: 2.6 × 2.1! cm = 1.02” × 0.83”

Brookite with Quartz
 

EJ76H8: The sample is really splendid, both for its crystallization and its esthetics. Crystals are tabular, elongated and have very well defined and sharp faces and edges. On the sample there are also some small Quartz crystals. With reflected light it is possible to observe, at the same time, translucency, color and the typical dark inclusions of some Brookites.
Mount Zard, Ras Koh Range, Kharan District, Balochistan (Baluchistan)  Pakistan (2005)

Specimen size: 5 × 3 × 3.5 cm = 1.97” × 1.18” × 1.38”

Main crystal size: 4.6 × 1.6 cm = 1.81” × 0.63”

Brookite with Quartz. Front
Front
Brookite with Quartz. Side
Side
Brookite with Quartz. Rear
Rear
Brookite with Quartz. Top
Top
Cafarsite
Cafarsite. Front
Front
Cafarsite. Side
Side
 

MV16E9: The Cafarsite crystal is large, quite complex, has perfectly defined faces and edges, and it combines the forms of the rhombohedron, octahedron, pyritohedron and cube. The Albite matrix adds to its esthetics. A great specimen with more brilliance and beauty than is usual for this rare species.
Cherbadung, Binntal, Wallis  Switzerland (±1986)

Specimen size: 3.3 × 1.8 × 2 cm = 1.30” × 0.71” × 0.79”

Main crystal size: 1.3 × 1.2 cm = 0.51” × 0.47”

Calcite
Calcite  

SM27AB8: Aggregate on matrix of very transparent and bright Calcite crystals, some of them partially doubly terminated. A great English classic with an uncommon quality even for any locality in the world.
Bigrigg Mine, Bigrigg, West Cumberland Iron Field, former Cumberland, Cumbria  England / United Kingdom

Specimen size: 11.8 × 8.4 × 6.7 cm = 4.65” × 3.31” × 2.64”

Main crystal size: 2.8 × 1.7 cm = 1.10” × 0.67”

Former collection of Francesco S. Stoppani
Calcite. Calcite.
Calcite. Calcite.
Calcite with sand inclusions
Calcite with sand inclusions. Front
Front
Calcite with sand inclusions. Rear
Rear
Calcite with sand inclusions.
 

EB36AC2: A French “super-classic”. Very large floater nodule with white, very well defined rhombohedral Calcite crystals that grew with inclusions of sand.
Bellecroix, Fontainebleau, Seine-et-Marne, Île-de-France  France

Specimen size: 16.5 × 11 × 8.5 cm = 6.50” × 4.33” × 3.35”

Main crystal size: 2.5 × 1.7 cm = 0.98” × 0.67”

Former collection of Alain Tuel
Calcite with Sphalerite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EFM86AQ1: Equant crystals of Calcite, very rich in faces, transparent, with good luster and uniform yellow color, on matrix, with small Sphalerite crystals.
This specimen, which due to its quality and the size of the crystals should be considered as uncommon for the locality, comes from the collection of Pierre-Marie Guy.
Trèves Mine, Fournels Valley, Trèves, Gard, Occitanie  France (1971)

Specimen size: 24.5 × 12.3 × 13 cm = 9.65” × 4.84” × 5.12”

Main crystal size: 2.5 × 1.9 cm = 0.98” × 0.75”

Former collection of Pierre-Marie Guy
Calcite with Sphalerite. Calcite with Sphalerite.
Calcite on Dolomite
Calcite on Dolomite.
 

ET60E4: I think the photo says more than I can explain. The white crystals are not what they look like: they are Calcite, so don’t be mistaken. The brown ones are what they look like: Dolomite.
Roata Mine, Cavnic, Maramures  Romania (2004)

Specimen size: 3.5 × 3.4 × 2.9 cm = 1.38” × 1.34” × 1.14”

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV
Calcite with Quartz, Dolomite and Chalcopyrite
Calcite with Quartz, Dolomite and Chalcopyrite  

SF54AB4: Scalenohedral Calcite crystals with very acute polycrystalline terminations, with a pale pink color, on matrix with Quartz crystals, small twinned Chalcopyrite crystals and partially coated by white lenticular Dolomite crystals. Very esthetic and, as is the case so many specimens in this collection, the sample is of great quality for the locality.
Cavnic mining area, Cavnic, Maramures  Romania

Specimen size: 13.2 × 10.5 × 6 cm = 5.20” × 4.13” × 2.36”

Main crystal size: 6.5 × 3.5 cm = 2.56” × 1.38”

Very fluorescent long & short UV

Former collection of Francesco S. Stoppani
Calcite with Quartz, Dolomite and Chalcopyrite. Front
Front
Calcite with Quartz, Dolomite and Chalcopyrite. Side
Side
Calcite with Sphalerite and Quartz
Calcite with Sphalerite and Quartz. Calcite with Sphalerite and Quartz.
 

EV16F2: Three lenticular Calcite crystals, with perfect form, the three upper faces of the rhombohedra very visible, and the prisms hardly developed at all. A very beautiful gem crystal of Sphalerite accompanies them, all on a matrix of Quartz.
Kangjianwan Mine, Shuikoushan ore field, Changning, Hengyang Prefecture, Hunan Province  China (2004)

Specimen size: 4 × 3.8 × 4 cm = 1.57” × 1.50” × 1.57”

Main crystal size: 2.9 × 2.5 cm = 1.14” × 0.98”

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV
Calcite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ET88AM5: Group of complex equant Calcite crystals, very rich in forms, transparent, with very good luster and a uniform orange-yellow color with lively golden reflections. Extraordinary. Its origin is curious, since these Calcites appeared unexpectedly in a coal mine, and just as suddenly as they had appeared, after a short time they were never seen again.
Daye, Huangshi Prefecture, Hubei Province  China (2009)

Specimen size: 21 × 15.3 × 7 cm = 8.27” × 6.02” × 2.76”

Main crystal size: 5.8 × 3.8 cm = 2.28” × 1.50”

Calcite. Front
Front
Calcite. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Carrollite with Calcite
Carrollite with Calcite. Carrollite with Calcite.
 

T53G: Perfect / undamaged Carrollite crystal on Calcite.
Kamoya South II Mine, Kamoya, Kambove District, Katanga Copper Crescent, Katanga (Shaba)  Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire) (02 /2001)

Specimen size: 8 × 6.2 cm = 3.15” × 2.44”

Main crystal size: 2 × 2.3 cm = 0.79” × 0.91”

Cassiterite doubly terminated
 

AE46D5: Doubly terminated Cassiterite that is just as nice as the photo suggests. Well placed on a minor Mica-Quartz matrix and pretty gemmy.
Langcangjiang river area, Yunnan  China

Specimen size: 2.7 × 2.2 × 1.8 cm = 1.06” × 0.87” × 0.71”

Cassiterite doubly terminated.
Cassiterite with Mica
Cassiterite with Mica.
 

PZ37C9: Black and white. But its luster, perfection and the nice soft white Mica give a great contrast... For me it is like a jewel with its unquestionable quality.
Pingwu Mine, Huya township, Mount Xuebaoding, Pingwu, Mianyang Prefecture, Sichuan Province  China (2002)

Specimen size: 5 × 4 × 3.5 cm = 1.97” × 1.57” × 1.38”

Cassiterite with Quartz

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ER53AM5: Twinned Cassiterite crystals, on matrix, with Quartz crystals. The crystals have very well defined faces and edges, they are transparent to translucent and dark brown in color. The luster and size of the crystal are extraordinary. One of the best pieces found in this locality.
Amo deposit, Ximeng, Pu'er Prefecture, Yunnan Province  China (2002)

Specimen size: 11.8 × 9.7 × 7.5 cm = 4.65” × 3.82” × 2.95”

Main crystal size: 4.7 × 4.7 cm = 1.85” × 1.85”

Cassiterite with Quartz. Front
Front
Cassiterite with Quartz. Side / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Side / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Cassiterite with Quartz. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Cerussite with Malachite
Cerussite with Malachite. Front
Front
Cerussite with Malachite. Rear
Rear
Cerussite with Malachite. Side
Side
Cerussite with Malachite. Side
Side

Fluorescent light (daylight)
Cerussite with Malachite
 

TT48AL5: Group of flattened, twinned crystals, with lattice growths, colorless, transparent, with good luster and small inclusions of Malachite. Of the best quality for a historical locality, especially for its perfection since these specimens are usually very fragile, often have damage, but this piece is nevertheless perfect. The sample comes from the Dick Norris collection (no. 179) whose label, together with a previous one by Dave Bunk, we will send to the buyer.

Classic polymetallic carbonate-replacement deposit closely associated with Mesozoic granitic intrusions and low- to medium-temperature hydrothermal systems. The oxidation zone is exceptionally rich and complex, renowned for its remarkable mineralogical diversity and superb secondary species such as Wulfenite, Cerussite, Mimetite, Caledonite, Anglesite, and Linarite. Intense fracturing and deep weathering promoted supergene enrichment, producing colorful assemblages of major historical and mineralogical significance.
Mammoth-St. Anthony Mine, St. Anthony deposit, Tiger, Mammoth District, Pinal County, Arizona  USA

Specimen size: 4.7 × 3.4 × 3.2 cm = 1.85” × 1.34” × 1.26”

Main crystal size: 4.6 × 3.1 cm = 1.81” × 1.22”

Fluorescent short UV

Former Collection of Dick Morris
Doubly terminated Cerussite
 

EB89F1: A twin of two crystals, one of them doubly terminated, that are accompanied by other smaller ones. The b-pinacoid form dominates them which is why they are flat. The terminations have a large number of faces of various smaller prisms. The brilliance is excellent, the color is attractive, and the esthetics of the whole specimen is really great.
Touissit Mine, Shaft IX (Puit IX), Touissit, Touissit-Bou Beker mining district, Jerada Province, Oriental Region  Morocco (1992)

Specimen size: 4.3 × 3.5 × 2.5 cm = 1.69” × 1.38” × 0.98”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Doubly terminated Cerussite. Front
Front
Doubly terminated Cerussite. Side
Side
Cerussite on Quartz with Goethite inclusions
Cerussite on Quartz with Goethite inclusions. Cerussite on Quartz with Goethite inclusions.
 

EG56D1: So delicate! Like a flower on the smoky Quartz.
Bouzougar, Taouz, Er Rachidia Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region  Morocco (04-05/2003)

Specimen size: 6 × 3.5 × 2.7 cm = 2.36” × 1.38” × 1.06”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 1.2 cm = 0.55” × 0.47”

Twinned Cerussite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
Twinned Cerussite
 

EB11AK1: An extraordinary specimen that brings together various morphological habits of Cerussite, with very sharp arrow twins, parallel growths of elongated crystals and lattice growths. The crystals are translucent and very bright.
A superb example from the René Hubin collection whose label we will send to the buyer.
Touissit, Touissit District, Jerada Province, Oriental Region  Morocco

Specimen size: 11.1 × 8.3 × 3.7 cm = 4.37” × 3.27” × 1.46”

Main crystal size: 5.8 × 2.4 cm = 2.28” × 0.94”

Fluorescent long & short UV

Former collection of René Hubin
Twinned Cerussite. Photo: Joaquim Callén
Photo: Joaquim Callén
Twinned Cerussite. Photo: Joaquim Callén
Photo: Joaquim Callén
Twinned Cerussite. Photo: Joaquim Callén
Photo: Joaquim Callén
Chrysocolla after Baryte and with Malachite
Chrysocolla after Baryte and with Malachite. Front
Front
Chrysocolla after Baryte and with Malachite. Rear
Rear
Chrysocolla after Baryte and with Malachite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EMP96AO9: Obtained at Ste. Marie 2022
Centered growths of Chrysocolla pseudomorphs after Baryte crystals, with light blue-green tones, and partially coated by small primary crystals of very lustrous and deep green Malachite.
Exceptional aesthetics.
Tenke-Fungurume area, Kolwezi District, Lualaba, Katanga Copper Crescent, Katanga (Shaba)  Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire) (2020)

Specimen size: 8.8 × 6 × 4.2 cm = 3.46” × 2.36” × 1.65”

Main crystal size: 4.4 × 1 cm = 1.73” × 0.39”

Cinnabar on Dolomite
 

MB26E9: The crystals, formed of a sharp rhombohedron and terminated by small triangular faces of the pinacoid, have extraordinary definition, transparency and size. It is nicely positioned on a matrix of Dolomite. A great one. We should warn you that the back of the specimen has been cut with a saw to protect the Cinnabar crystals.
Chatian Mine, Chatian District, Fenghuang, Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province  China (2004)

Specimen size: 8.3 × 6 × 2.7 cm = 3.27” × 2.36” × 1.06”

Main crystal size: 1.9 × 1.3 cm = 0.75” × 0.51”

Cinnabar on Dolomite. Front
Front
Cinnabar on Dolomite. Cinnabar on Dolomite.
Clinoatacamite with Quartz
Clinoatacamite with Quartz. Clinoatacamite with Quartz.
 

ML92AK3: Clinoatacamite crystal group of large size for the species and extraordinarily well defined, in a matrix of Quartz crystals. The crystals are very brilliant too, with a deep and uniform color. A miniature of indubitable quality.
Lily Mine, Umay District, Pisco Province, Ica Department  Peru

Specimen size: 3.2 × 2.3 × 2.3 cm = 1.26” × 0.91” × 0.91”

Main crystal size: 1.1 × 1 cm = 0.43” × 0.39”

Clinochlore (variety kämmererite)
 

MH90D4: Perfect gemmy crystals separately placed on their matrix. They are hard to get as perfect as this one, especially considering the mine is at the end of its working life.
Kop Krom Mine, Kop Dağları Mountains, Aşkale, Erzurum Province, Eastern Anatolia Region  Turkey

Specimen size: 5.5 × 4 × 3.3 cm = 2.17” × 1.57” × 1.30”

Main crystal size: 0.8 × 0.4 cm = 0.31” × 0.16”

Clinochlore (variety kämmererite). Clinochlore (variety kämmererite).
Copper with Calcite
Copper with Calcite. Front
Front
Copper with Calcite. Side
Side
 

AE66M6: Arborescent growth of very well defined crystals (for the species) that also have good size. They are associated with Calcite crystals. The sample has very good quality for the locality, a classic for copper minerals.
We’ll send two labels to the buyer, Silvane’s label and a handwritten label, corresponding to the Folch Collection (num. 9060).
New Cornelia Mine, Ajo, Little Ajo Mountains, Ajo District, Pima County, Arizona  USA (±1965)

Specimen size: 6 × 5.3 × 3.1 cm = 2.36” × 2.09” × 1.22”

Main crystal size: 1.1 × 1 cm = 0.43” × 0.39”

Fluorescent short UV
Copper
 

TM71C8: Very sharp individual Copper crystal perched on an esthetic matrix made up of other Copper crystals and partially covered by minor, but brilliant, Quartz crystals. An old classic as is proven by the label number: 334605 from the Swedish Museum of Natural
History
which is included with the specimen.
Lake Superior, Keweenaw County, Michigan  USA

Specimen size: 6.5 × 4.2 × 4 cm = 2.56” × 1.65” × 1.57”

Main crystal size: 2.2 × 1.6 cm = 0.87” × 0.63”

Copper. Copper.
Copper with Tenorite and Calcite
Copper with Tenorite and Calcite. Front
Front
Copper with Tenorite and Calcite. Rear
Rear
Copper with Tenorite and Calcite. Copper with Tenorite and Calcite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TFM47AO5: Very aerial group of good sized native Copper crystals with sharp and lustrous crystal forms, with darker coatings of Tenorite in some areas, and with small complex Calcite crystals with inclusions of the same Copper.
Kearsarge Mine, Kearsarge, Houghton County, Michigan  USA

Specimen size: 11.2 × 8.7 × 4.4 cm = 4.41” × 3.43” × 1.73”

Main crystal size: 2.5 × 1.8 cm = 0.98” × 0.71”

Copper
 

MF98AC2: Large-sized dendritic growth with partially flattened and complex crystals with very well defined faces and predominant dodecahedral and octahedral forms. Due to both its size and its quality, we could define it as a “Museum sample”.
The specimen has been photographed and published in the magazine ‘Mineral Up’ number 01/2015, page 42
Calumet No. 1 Mine, Calumet Township, Houghton County, Michigan  USA

Specimen size: 29 × 11.3 × 2.2 cm = 11.42” × 4.45” × 0.87”

Main crystal size: 4.5 × 2 cm = 1.77” × 0.79”

Copper. Front
Front
Copper. Rear
Rear
Copper. Photo: Joaquim Callén
Photo: Joaquim Callén
Copper with Cuprite
Copper with Cuprite. Front
Front
Copper with Cuprite. Rear
Rear
 

TW99L5: Well defined skeletal growth, with a very marked spinel-law twin, on a dendritic growth of small copper crystals. Both the base and the main crystal are partially covered by Cuprite. The specimen has been reviewed, photographed and published as a novelty from Tucson 2008 in the magazine ‘Lapis’ on page 37, volume 33, number 4
Itauz Mine, Dzhezkazgan, Karaganda Region  Kazakhstan (2007)

Specimen size: 7.1 × 3.1 × 0.7 cm = 2.80” × 1.22” × 0.28”

Main crystal size: 5.6 × 0.8 cm = 2.20” × 0.31”

Copper with Cuprite
 

M891D: Unbelievable esthetics. Spinel twin Copper crystals with added branches. Everything covered by a thin coating of Cuprite which gives it a nice reddish color. It looks like a Spinel twin Copper that received an electric shock! Sorry for the analogy but I'm so impressed that I cannot find a better way of describing it.
Itauz Mine, Dzhezkazgan, Karaganda Region  Kazakhstan (2001)

Specimen size: 11.2 × 6.3 cm = 4.41” × 2.48”

Copper with Cuprite.
Creedite with Fluorite
Creedite with Fluorite. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Creedite with Fluorite. Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Creedite with Fluorite. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
 

TE16AL7: A novelty at Tucson 2020. Druse of bipyramidal Creedite crystals with sharp pointed terminations, between transparent and translucent, lustrous, and with a light violet color. On matrix with crystallized green and violet Fluorite. This specimen is quite different from the others known from this locality in recent years, although some old collection have similar specimens from the same place, which coincides with the indications that this find was made in old mine galleries.
The specimen has been reviewed, photographed and published as a new discovery in the magazine ‘Mineralogical Record’ on page 494 in the volume 51, number 3, May-June 2020 and in the monograph 'Mexico X' on page 873 in the volume 55, number 6, November-December 2024
Navidad Mine, Abasolo, Rodeo, Municipio de Rodeo, Durango  Mexico (10-12/2019)

Specimen size: 7.2 × 6.6 × 4.9 cm = 2.83” × 2.60” × 1.93”

Main crystal size: 0.6 × 0.3 cm = 0.24” × 0.12”


  Arriba
Back to the Index of the Reference Specimens
 
 
USA
US
Minerals
Canada
Canada
Minerals
Mexico
Mexico
Minerals
Spain (general)
Spanish
Minerals
Spanish Fluorite
Spanish Fluorite
Portugal - Panasqueira
Portugal - Panasqueira
France
French
Minerals
Romania
Romanian
Minerals
Europe (excl. Spain, Portugal France and Romania)
European
Minerals
Russia - Eurasia
Russia - Eurasia
Minerals
Morocco
Moroccan
Minerals
Africa (excl. Morocco) - Tsumeb
African
Minerals
Brazil
Brazilian
Minerals
South America (excl. Brazil)
South American
Minerals
China
Chinese
Minerals
Asia (excl. China) - Australia -Turkey
Asia - Australia - Turkey
Minerals
Joaquim Callen's Photo Gallery
Joaquim Callen's
Photo Gallery
The Jan Buma Collections
The Jan Buma
Collections
The James Catmur Collection
The James Catmur
Collections
The Carles Curto Collection
The Carles Curto
Collection
The Daunis Collection
The Daunis
Collection
The Folch Collection
The Folch
Collection
The Pedro Goy Collection
The Pedro Goy
Collection
Oliete Collection
The Oliete
Collection
The Desmond Sacco Collection
The Desmond Sacco
Collection
The Silvane Collection
The Silvane
Collection
The Jordi Fabre Collection (duplicates)
The Jordi Fabre
Collection
Best Specimens
Best Specimens
Home
Home

Home page - Minerals  Comments  Minerales.info  Feedback Form  Search  
Home
page
Minerals
 Comments Minerales.info Feedback
Form
 Search