NY4-503 - Surrounded by lavender lepidolite, several lustrous, pristine tourmaline crystals show a pleasing pink color with cranberry tips. The specimen is highly aesthetic and unrepaired, displaying well from all angles.
TYP-001 - This sculptural arrangment of velvety sky-blue rosasite is nicely accented by grass-green crystals of conichalcite. The three-dimensional nature of this piece, with its rolling folds of botryoidal rosasite that extends off the limonite matrix gives this specimen an extra appeal. May be displayed from all angles.
TYP-002 - A vivid, eye-catching combination piece features several different species hosted on a stalactitic matrix, including needles of blue-green rosasite, colorless hemimorphite, and pseudo-octagonal adamite. I expect conichalcite is present here too, along with other (as yet) unlabelled species.
NY4-502 - Lustrous, orange-yellow crystals of wulfenite to 1.0 cm are aesthetically positioned on a matrix of mottramite that shows a pleasant chatoyancy. The specimen displays well from all sides, as it is well-crystallized on front and back. The "front" displays crystals of the finer color, however. Very nice!
Silver - $3950
Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany
4.9 x 2.9 cm –ex Jelks Collection
NY3-449 - This exquisite herringbone silver specimen perched on a nicely proportional matrix is a true European classic. The silver itself measures 3.2 x 2.7 x 1.8 cm and consists of column after column and row after row of silver crystals that takes on an overall shape of a rectangular prism. In addition to the silver content of the piece (has a nice heft to it), this piece is more aesthetic than even photos show, and displays well from many angles.
Barite on Dolomite - SOLD Cerro Warihuyn, Miraflores, Huanuco, Peru
3.8 x 4.0 cm
TYP-006 - Like a geometric crystal carnation, this pale yellow barite specimen consists of "petals" of transparent, glassy-bright crystals radiating from a common center on pink dolomite. Two additional crystal groups accent the back. The three-dimensional nature of the piece is not apparent, but the specimen is truly competition quality and simply lovely. Pristine.
NY3-433 - Covered by translucent balls of lustrous willemite, this attractive combination piece from Tsumeb also features velvety blue-green rosasite for a superb color pairing. Areas of the willemite are a steely blue-green while others are darker. Tiny crystals of white dolomite add a nice contrast. The piece is crystallized on the back as well.
NY3-431 - With a vibrant, rich blue color and high luster, this malachite miniature from La Sal, Utah can hold its own next to fine azurites from around the world. The specimen is a floater, complete all around, and the light green malachite adds a good measure of color on both the front side and the back.
TYP-004 - A pair of completely transparent penetration twin fluorites nests between several quartz prisms that are evenly coated with siderite. Note that the entire specimen is a doubly-terminated quartz crystal floater that is both included by siderite and coated with it on the outside. The specimen is pristine, and the fluorites are much more gemmy than photos indicate. Wonderfully intricate and attractive!
Tourmaline - $3000
Paprok Mine, Nuristan, Afghanistan
7.7 x 3.5 cm
NY4-504 - This lovely, lustrous tourmaline specimen features a pink core followed by a mint green center and topped with a vibrant pink cap. Lavender lepidolite adds an accent, and the main crystal is complemented by a contrasting matrix of cookeite coating clevelandite. The termination is complete and wonderfully glassy with a tiny sidecar crystal. The main crystal (5.2 cm) is complete from all angles.
NY4-500 - A surprisingly aesthetic silver pseudomorph, this specimen features a dramatic spray of thick silver needles that preserve the form of the dyscrasite that they have replaced. In addition, the matrix contains a high silver content with an attractive silver streak drawing the eye toward the silver crystals on top. The piece comes from old material from a classic European locality that was mined first by Celtic inhabitants many centuries ago.
Calcite - $495
North Vernon, Jennings Co., Indiana, USA
4.1 x 4.5 cm
TYP-008 - A lustrous, golden-amber colored calcite twin sits on just the right amount of matrix in this very fine miniature specimen from North Vernon, Indiana. From one of the premier calcite localities in the U.S., this crystal measures 3.0 cm and shows good transparency. It is complete all around and displays well from all angles. Several smaller calcites on the lower right add a nice aesthetic balance.
Spessartine on Feldspar - SOLD
Shengus, Skardu Road, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
4.1 x 2.6 cm
TYP-007 - Showing nice luster with sharp edges, this fine spessartine miniature glows vivid red with only a small amount of lighting. The crystal measures 1.2 cm and is complete all around, sitting on the corner of the feldspar crystal matrix.
Calcite with Barite - $1750
Elmwood Mine, Smith Co., Tennessee, USA
7.1 x 5.7 cm –custom lucite base
NY3-447 - This truly gorgeous specimen from the Elmwood Mine features a jewel-like calcite on sphalerite along with barite crystallized in the form of a snowflake. With its wonderful aesthetics and great condition, this piece would make a glowing addition to any suite of fine minerals.
Vanadinite - SOLD
Mibladen, Midelt, Morocco
9.6 x 6.0 cm
NY3-434 - Constrasting very nicely on a peach-pink sandstone matrix, clusters of vanadinite richly coat the surface of this specimen. Adding to the aesthetics, fern-like patterns of manganese oxide interconnect many of the orange-red vanadinite crystals. If you are looking for a unique vanadinite, this is it!
Smithsonite - SOLD
Kelly Mine, Socorro Co., New Mexico, USA
10.7 x 4.7 cm
NY2-331 - Featuring the lovely sea-foam blue-green color that made the Kelly Mine famous, this smithsonite specimen boasts a unique aesthetic look due to the three-dimensional relief of the specimen. Many botryoidal smithsonites have rolling "waves", and this specimen shows this as well, but the gaps in the crystallization and the differently sized crystals makes this piece visually distinct.
Mimetite - $1500 Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
6.4 x 4.7 cm
NY3-425 - Radiating acicular crystals of lustrous yellow mimetite cling to both sides of a light gray crystalized matrix in this large miniature specimen from the famous Tsumeb Mine. Dabs of green, most likely duftite, also make an appearance.
Malachite on Cuprite - $1750
Emke Mine, Onganja, Namibia
7.9 x 7.4 cm –ex M. Sussman Collection
NY3-452 - Malachite coats a defined pair of cuprite crystals on a matrix of calcite probably included by cuprite (var. chalcotrichite) in this small cabinet specimen from renowned collector Marshall Sussman.
NY2-302 - Looking like cinnamon sprinkled on caramel and ice cream, tiny endlichite crystals (arsenic-rich variety of vanadinite) cover thick, blocky crystals of wulfenite. Note the isolation of the wulfenite crystals and the pleasantly contrasting white matrix. This specimen really grabs the eye!
NY2-330 - Razor sharp, superbly lustrous crystals of arsenopyrite (to 3.4 cm) are accompanied by numerous quartz crystals all on a tan matrix of what appears to be cookeite. Photos do not correctly reveal the quality of these arsenopyrite crystals...they are just spectacular and aesthetic with their stepped growth patterns and interlocking arrangement.
Brookite with Quartz - $950 Taftan, Chagai Dist., Balochistan, Pakistan
3.8 x 2.6 cm
NY2-318 - Several beautiful deep reddish amber colored brookite crystals radiate from a cluster of quartz colored green by chlorite inclusions. In the middle of the specimen sits a doubly-terminated quartz. This piece has great economy of form...great horizons and arrangement with nothing missing. Very dramatic in person!
NY3-435 - Gemmy purple fluorite cubes cover a sphalerite matrix spangled with tiny chalcopyrite crystals in this attractive miniature specimen from the Elmwood Mine.
Epidote - SOLD
Shigar Valley, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
2.9 x 2.8 cm
NY2-375 - This pristine, transparent epidote specimen features several lustrous golden brown epidote crystals on a bit of matrix. The specimen is ideal from any angle and jewel-bright and would be at home in a competition-level case.
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Quartz with Fuchsite - $395
Iovitra Mine, Fianarantsoa Prov., Madagascar
6.5 x 5.2 cm
NY3-446 - Containing wonderfully distinct phantoms with fuchsite inclusions, this specimen boasts three sharp-edged quartz crystals in a pleasing arrangment. These hail from a new find in Madagascar near the town of Ambatofinandrahana and were a noteworthy addition to the 2012 Munich Show. Superb condition.
Quartz with Fuchsite - $295
Iovitra Mine, Fianarantsoa Prov., Madagascar
4.8 x 4.6 cm
NY3-445 -Containing wonderfully distinct phantoms with fuchsite inclusions, this specimen boasts several sharp-edged quartz crystals in a pleasing arrangment. These hail from a new find in Madagascar near the town of Ambatofinandrahana and were a noteworthy addition to the 2012 Munich Show. Superb condition.
Copper with Quartz - $495
Kipushi Mine, Katanga, Dem. Rep. of Congo
4.5 x 2.5 cm –ex Herb Obodda Collection
NY3-462 - Clusters of bright, doubly-terminated quartz crystals selectively coat defined copper crystals in this attractive miniature specimen from the Katanga area. According to sources familiar with the area, native copper specimens are rather rare.
Wulfenite on Calcite - SOLD
Red Cloud Mine, La Paz Co., Arizona, USA
4.9 x 4.3 cm
NY-147 - A vibrant transparent orange crystal of wulfenite with high luster perches on a matrix of sparkling white calcite in this high quality miniature from the famous Red Cloud Mine. The main crystal measures 1.1 cm. There are numerous additional crystals of various sizes on the "back" of the specimen.
Quartz var. Amethyst - SOLD
Goboboseb Mtns., Brandberg, Namibia
11.8 x 8.5 cm –custom lucite base
NY2-356 - Suberbly lustrous, sharp and pristine, a 6.0 cm amethyst crystal rises from a matrix covered in smaller quartz and amethyst. The main crystal features numerous purple and smoky color zones as well as large negative crystals that host at least three bubbles. The smaller crystals also contain inclusions of hematite platelets for added effect. The specimen is brighter and more transparent than photos show...see the video below.
NY2-354 - Grass-green, translucent needles of atacamite cover the surface and are included within well-crystallized and lustrous gypsum crystals. This specimen is more three-dimensional than photos indicate (see video below) and is more visually impacting in person. This material hit the market in the mid-90's and caused quite a stir, and fine specimens have scarcely been seen for sale since.
Barite - $895
Silius, Cagliari Prov., Sardinia, Italy
9.5 x 6.2 cm
NY2-376 - Sharp-edged with a glassy luster, a 4.6 cm barite crystal towers over numerous smaller terminated crystals. The specimen is in great condition with transparent to translucent crystals. Note the stepped growth on the front edge of the main crystal...this is not damage. The bottom of the specimen is equally well-crystallized. Overall, this is a superb example from this classic locality.
Barite - $1350 Silius, Cagliari Prov., Sardinia, Italy
7.7 x 5.1 cm
NY2-321 - With glassy luster and fine yellow amber color, this Sardinian barite specimen features several crystals longer than 5 cm with thicknesses of 2 cm and widths of 3.3 cm. The piece displays very well and is a hefty, attractive specimen.
Cuprian Adamite - SOLD
Level 5, Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico
5.7 x 3.3 cm –ex Bryan Lees, Harold Michel, D. Stoudt Collections
NY2-382 - Covered by light lime-green cuprian adamite crystals in pristine condition, this fine miniature really sparkles in the hand.
Cuprian Adamite - SOLD Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico
5.6 x 4.7 cm –ex D. Stoudt Collection
NY2-384 - A host of glistening, sharp-edged adamite crystals colored by copper (var. cuprian) fill a hand-sized vug in this quality miniature from the famous Ojuela Mine. The color is an attractive, sea-foam green with crystals in pristine condition.
Malachite ps. after Azurite - $850 El Cobre Mine, Zacatecas, Mexico
7.1 x 4.5 cm –ex D. Stoudt, Dorothy Stripp Collections
NY2-344 - Wearing a velvet coating of deep forest green primary malachite, this malachite pseudomorph after azurite is better dressed than most. Attractive from all angles.
Zircon on Aegerine - SOLD
Mount Malosa, Zomba Dist., Malawi
11.4 x 2.8 cm
NY2-355 - This unique natural sculpture features sharp-edged, doubly-terminated zircon crystals (to 1.8 cm long) on a radiating cluster of lustrous aegerine crystals. The piece is in superb condition, complete from all angles. Some natural etching is present on the aegerine that shows in the photos as lighter green areas. Truly a unique piece from Malawi!
Fluorite on Quartz - SOLD
Riemvasmaak, Northern Cape Prov., S. Africa
7.4 x 5.1 cm
NY2-348 - With a vivid, almost neon green color, a series of lustrous, sharp-edged fluorite crystals in parallel formation extends from a matrix of crystallized quartz in this very attractive large miniature specimen from Riemvasmaak. Note the smaller octahedral fluorite perched on the right edge. Very transparent and quite nice!
NY2-347 - This lovely Naica miniature features several glistening white calcite rhombs on a contrasting crystallized sphalerite matrix. In person, this piece has that little extra "something," where every aspect of the piece is in the right place...a certain aesthetic that transcends price. There are scattered clusters of pyrite across the surface for a nice accent. The back is likewise covered by calcite.
NY2-304 -A metallic "jewel," this very aesthetic hematite miniature from the Wessels Mine really grabs the eye. Contrasting nicely with the mirror-bright faces of the hematite are numerous hausmannite crystals (see photo below). The hematite specimens that have come from South Africa the last few years are the world's best, and the Wessels Mine pieces take top marks.
Tourmaline with Albite - $695
Stak Nala, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
3.4 x 2.9 cm
NY2-369 - Accenting albite blades accompany a lustrous, transparent tourmaline that is simply a step above most miniatures I've seen from this area in a while. The tourmaline does NOT have an opaque schorl core, but rather has an inner zone of olive green that transitions to grass green with a light pink cap. The faces of the termination are glassy, more so than usual. There are several nice side-car crystals as well.
NY2-387 - Thick steel-gray blades of löllingite are absolutely covered by super lustrous epitaxial arsenopyrite in this aesthetic small cabinet from new material coming out of Inner Mongolia. Calcite rhombs and quartz prisms add contrast. See the video below for a better view of the three-dimensional nature of the piece.
NY2-358 - This American classic features electric blue azurite rosettes with translucent edges on primary malachite. The specimen has a lot of relief to it and is a joy to hold in the hand and admire. Quite nice!
NY-116 - A crown of well-crystallized arsenopyrite sits atop a terminated quartz prism that is itself included by several arsenopyrite crystals. This fine miniature displays well from all angles and is quite unique and attractive.
NY-111 - This beta quartz miniature from Dal'negorsk features a 2.1 cm main crystal that is quite transparent along with several additional crystals in the cluster all on a gray matrix. This nice specimen is better in person as the camera did not capture the transparency or the form of the crystals adequately.
Smithsonite - $395
Kelly Mine, New Mexico, USA
3.5 x 3.0 cm
NY2-307 - Showing the fine sea-foam green/blue color and the high chatoyancy (shimmering luster) that has made Kelly Mine smithsonite specimens famous, this piece is a quality miniature for the distinguishing collector. .
Spessartine on Feldspar - $595
Shengus, Skardu Dist., Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
7.7 x 5.2 cm
NY2-371 - Covered generously with lustrous, gemmy spessartine crystals (to 1.3cm) showing a rich red color, this small cabinet specimen has a lot going for it. Even the large garnets light up with color when placed in a display case (not visible in photos). The crystals also have a "shimmer" to the edges that is quite appealing.
NY2-325 - Perhaps my favorite piece right now from the new update is this gorgeous cabinet specimen from Greece that simply glitters with thousands of drusy quartz crystals that cover the surface of the specimen. The pink coloration is from rhodochrosite which is included within the quartz in selective areas. On the left of the specimen is a radiating cluster of quartz prisms that bring a nice size contrast and another shape in addition to the rhombs of calcite(?) on the right side of the piece. Well-balanced and beautiful!
NY2-350 - Glowing like a coal in even subtle lighting, this large (3.2 cm), lustrous sphalerite crystal has translucency reminiscent of fine Spanish material. A contrasting bed of quartz prisms adds flash and balance to the piece. The right side of the specimen features crystallized sphalerite as well, though photos don't show them to correct effect here. The back of the main crystal is contacted but does not detract materially from the display. A high quality sphalerite from this now famous Chinese material.
NY2-385 - Where to begin!? This gorgeous specimen features teal blue fluorite crystals containing purple zones within them, perfectly paired with several sprays of manganoan calcite. The main fluorite crystal contains a purple octahedral phantom that is accentuated by fine grains of pyrite on its surface. The fluorite is lustrous and complete. Note that the color is difficult to capture on film...needless to say, you will not be disappointed with this piece!
NY-125 -A pristine, very lustrous and isolated spessartine crystal is surrounded by a ring of muscovite blades and crystallized albite in this high quality miniature. The spessartine measures roughly 1.4cm.
Wavellite - $1500
de Linde pits, Dug Hill, Avant, Arkansas, USA
5.4 x 4.3 cm
NY2-340 - Shimmering like the finest smithsonite, this wonderful deep bluish-green WAVELLITE specimen is from recently mined material that is unlike anything we've seen from the species.
Quartz var. Amethyst - $750
La Sirena Mine, Guanajuato, Mexico
8.8 x 4.1 cm –ex Marty Zinn, David Stoudt Collections
NY2-381 - This pale purple amethyst scepter displays very well from all angles and features an aesthetic spray of crystals radiating out from the main prism. Simply lovely...like some exotic flower.
NY2-308 - Mirror bright and glistening, this fine Swiss miniature is a true classic, featuring deep red rutile crystals and white adularia on sharp blades of hematite. Displays well from all angles.
Fluorite with Quartz & Calcite - $1950
Gibraltar Mine, Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico
6.8 x 7.2 cm –ex David Stoudt Collection
NY2-386 -Ice-clear octahedral fluorite crystals host a beautiful spray of quartz prisms that are themselves covered by calcite needles. What an arrangment!
NY2-316 - A sharp-edged, lustrous, transparent crystal of winchite rises from a matrix containing crystallized sodalite in this very fine miniature specimen formerly from the Herb Obodda Collection. The well-terminated main crystal measures 2.3 cm. There are several smaller crystals on the back of the specimen.
Cuprian Adamite - $1350
Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico
3.8 x 3.2 cm
NY-143 - A sharp, sea-foam green adamite crystal colored by copper is lined by a white layer (rare style) in this attractive miniature from Ojuela. The main crystal measures 2.1 cm and is pristine. There are additional crystals tucked in a vug on the right of the specimen.
NY-140 -Accompanied by translucent stilbite, a deep teal-blue cavansite crystal perches on a thin finger of matrix showing only the tiniest attachment point. What makes this piece dramatic is the almost 360º view of the lustrous, complete crystal since the cavansite is not buried in matrix. A true beauty!
Mimetite - $795 Pingtouling Mine, Guangdong Prov., China
5.1 x 4.3 cm
NY-105 - Showing extreme luster and a vibrant tangerine orange color, this mimetite miniature also features thin, gemmy prisms scattered across the surface. The specimen is equally rich in crystals on both front and back. A very fine specimen of this material that has become quite scarce.
NY-106 - This American classic features sharp-edged, criss-crossing crystals of chrysocolla pseudomorphed after azurite. The piece displays well from front or back and has a nice balance to it.
Calcite - $195
North Vernon, Jennings Co., Indiana, USA
3.2 x 2.6 cm
NY-112 - An amber-colored beauty, this lustrous, gemmy calcite duo has soft, sculptural edges and shows more transparency than the photos indicate. A fine specimen from one of the best known calcite localities in the U.S.
NY-142 -A crown of hausmannite crystals lines the top horizon of this fabulous hematite miniature from the famous N'Chwaning mines. The closer I examine this piece, the more I see to admire: the lustrous hausmannites, the little jewel-like hematites in front of the main crystal, the crystallized manganese matrix. Truly, hematites from N'Chwaning set the standard for the species.
NY-110 - While many Stak Nala tourmalines have dark cores with gemmy tips, this specimen has only a very thin dark core surrounded by a grass green zone, ending in a near-colorless zone. The little quartz jewel at the bottom of the specimen adds that extra "something" that makes this specimen transcend. Doubly-terminated. Very nice!
Fluorite on Quartz - SOLD
Yaogangxian Mine, Hunan Prov., China
7.1 x 5.6 cm
MMT-714 - Nestled in a matrix of quartz spears are two well-formed fluorite crystals containing superb purple phantoms surrounded by a blue-green outer zone. The largest crystal measures 3.6 cm and sits on the horizon of the piece to good effect.
MMB-893 - With a silky luster and a pleasant pink color, this cobaltian smithsonite would make a great addition to a Tsumeb suite (or worldwide collection). The back of the specimen is likewise covered in crystallized smithsonite. A galena crystal crowned with pink crystals displays a metallic shimmer. Great condition.
MMT-711 - Richly bejeweled with spessartine crystals, this attractive large miniature specimen features several very sharp, lustrous smoky quartz crystals. Each of the quartz crystals contain phantoms that are similarly coated by spessartine. Since the smoky quartz is highly transparent, the specimen is a joy to hold in the hand and admire up close.
MMB-883 - Radial sprays of vibrant turquoise aurichalcite formed atop balls of cuprian austinite in this small cabinet specimen. Colorless calcite wafers form the top layer of mineralization.
MMT-706 - Crowned with a halo of pink, this quartz specimen features suberbly lustrous, doubly-terminated rose quartz crystals, including many that are totally transparent. The overall quality of this specimen is very fine, and it has a way of grabbing attention when on display. The matrix of the specimen consists of cleavelandite and muscovite along with the faintly smoky quartz core.
MMT-707 - A thick (3.8 cm) band of rose quartz rises from the top of a smoky quartz crystal in this lovely small cabinet specimen. While not as transparent as the specimen above, the pink color is slightly more saturated. This piece also features a transparent gem on the horizon of the specimen.
Apatite on Albite - $1250
Sapo Mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil
7.8 x 5.6 x 6.2 cm
MMT-705 - In this sculptural piece, several hexagonal apatite crystals perch on the horizon of an albite matrix. The basal faces are glassy and the crystals possess a dark core with a forest green translucent layer on the outside. Again, what makes this piece unique is the positioning of the interpenetrating crystals at just the right place on the matrix. One tiny contact is present on a corner. Better in person...you won't be disappointed.
MMT-702 - A study in contrasts, this small cabinet specimen boasts a smoky quartz crystal (6.8 cm) covered on all sides with transparent, rich orange spessartine crystals. The white matrix provides an ideal setting. The quartz crystals are transparent, and the specimen is in ideal condition.
Fluorite - $950 Shangbao Mine, Hunan Prov., China
7.2 x 6.1 x 3.7 cm
MMT-704 - The glassy faces of this lovely cuboctahedral fluorite crystals allow you to peer into the crystal to admire the interplay of purple and pale green inside. The crystal is pristine and quite transparent. Note the small cubic crystal that accompanies the larger, isolated crystal.
Prehnite on Quartz - $395
Brandberg, Erongo Region, Namibia
9.9 x 6.0 x 6.4 cm
MMB-842 - Rising from a bed of transparent, crystallized quartz are two prehnite pillars of surprising translucency...the piece glows with even subtle lighting. Small epidote crystals also make an appearance. This unusual combination from the locality displays equally well from all angles.
Cobaltoan Calcite - $625
Bou Azzer Dist., Tazenakht, Morocco
12.2 x 9.5 cm
MMB-856 -Translucent pink cobaltoan calcite crystals cover the surface of this colorful cabinet specimen. The well-terminated pink crystals (to 1.7 cm) stand out in nice relief against the pale--almost colorless--crystals that form the bed of the specimen.
Copper and Calcite - $695 Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
7.6 x 6.3 cm
MMB-847 - Dendritic copper crystals extend from a matrix of crystallized calcite in this small cabinet specimen from Tsumeb. Natural copper crystals from Tsumeb are quite rare, and this is a fine combination piece for any Tsumeb suite or worldwide collection.
Vanadinite on Barite - $1250 Mibladén, Midelt, Khénifra Prov., Morocco
5.0 x 3.6 x 2.6 cm
MMY-1226 - Superb orange-red crystals with glassy luster perch on a contrasting matrix of barite in this very attractive miniature. The largest crystals measure more than a centimeter across with thicknesses of 0.7 cm. Displays well from all angles. This specimen would make a wonderful companion piece to the dioptase specimen above.
Vanadinite - $950 Mibladén, Midelt, Khénifra Prov., Morocco
4.1 x 2.5 x 2.3 cm
MMY-1225 - This attractive miniature features lustrous, red crystals with a hint of orange. The largest, (hoppered) crystal measures 1.7 cm. More three-dimensional than photos suggest.
Fluorite on Sphalerite - $500
Elmwood Mine, Smith Co., Tennessee, USA
4.6 x 3.5 x 2.4 cm
MMY-1244 - A sharp-edged, purple fluorite crystal with characteristic phantoms rests atop root-beer colored sphalerite in this classic combination piece from Elmwood. A very nice miniature with superb transparency.
MMY-1275 - This attractive combination piece features a glassy, transparent fluorite crystal with a purple phantom at the center. The dolomite matrix is itself very well crystallized and quite lustrous. A quartz spire rises from the matrix next to the fluorite. From a find near the end of 2008.
Prehnite on Epidote - $250
Bendoukou, Kayes Region, Mali
4.3 x 2.7 x 2.0 cm - ex Al Ordway Collection
MMP-2002 - This competition level miniature features a translucent, lime-green prehnite ball perched attractively on a sharp, doubly-terminated epidote crystal. The piece is complete and undamaged with unusually nice terminations.
Calcite - $950
Sarbaiskoe deposit, Kostanay Prov., Kazakhstan
6.6 x 5.7 x 3.5 cm
MMB-795 - A cluster of golden-yellow, twinned calcite crystals rests on a matrix coated with small, pale yellow calcites. The transparency of the specimen is quite nice...better than photos can show. There are no cleaved edges. Each crystal is complete and wonderfully formed with curving lines, selective frosting and light striations.