New Specimens
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| Updated July 26, 2010 |
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Calcite - $425
Santa Eulalia Dist., Chihuahua, Mexico
7.3 x 7.1 x 4.6 cm
MMB-700 - Boasting great luster and complex crystallization, this fine quality calcite specimen has several isolated crystals (to 3.5cm) colored red with hematite inclusions. The larger crystals formed after an earlier growth of calcite rhombs, some colored by hematite, some clear, and some colored yellow by an unknown agent. Overall, the piece is all flash...very attractive and significantly better in person!
– custom lucite base
  
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Fluorite Stalactite w/ Quartz & Galena - $350
Rogerley Mine, Weardale, Co. Durham, England
8.2 x 6.7 x 7.9 cm
MMB-701 - This unusual stalactite specimen from the famous Rogerley Mine is covered with green fluorite showing good transparency and a selective dusting of sugary quartz. Galena octahedrons are interspersed throughout. The specimen displays well from any angle. An English classic of a type only found during one collecting season at the Rogerley.
  
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Wulfenite - $2950
Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
8.8 x 5.1 x 4.0 cm
MMB-698 - A cluster of wulfenite crystals (to 2.0cm) with color reminiscent of cream soda formed on a ridge of matrix in this superb specimen from Tsumeb. The quality and intricacy of the transparent crystals is very difficult to convey in the photos. Wulfenites from this world-famous mine are quite rare.
– custom lucite base
  
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Calcite on Amethyst - $250
Guanajuato, Mexico
5.7 x 4.4 x 3.2 cm
MMB-699 - Color-less "wheat-sheaf" calcite crystals with a zoning band running through the center nicely contrast with rich purple amethyst in this attractive small cabinet specimen. Such examples from Guanajuato were mined years ago and only seldom show up in the mineral market today.
  
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MMB-697 - A sharp-edged, slightly flattened crystal of bournonite with both terminations visible intersects several flattened quartz prisms in this "toenail" sized specimen from China. There is one crystal contact and an unobtrusive nick on one edge. Perched at the intersection of the quartz and bournonite is a fluorite crystal.
  
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Aquamarine with Schorl - $550
Pingwu Co., Sichuan Prov., China
4.6 x 3.0 x 3.7 cm
MMB-689 - A sharp, lustrous and transparent aquamarine crystal hosts a network of fine schorl needles in this gorgeous miniature from China. The crystal measures 3.0 cm and shows attractive hexagonal growth patterns. Muscovite accompanies the aquamarine on the white matrix.
  
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Zircon - ON HOLD
Tanga Region, Tanzania
3.5 x 1.8 x 1.4 cm
MMB-691 - With rich, wine red color and adamantine luster, this zircon single crystal specimen is a beauty! Missing is the brown component that most specimens possess. The sharp edges and faces show only the markings that testify to its formation and journey through the depths of the earth. Specimens of this color typically do not escape the cutter's wheel, but this was saved out of recognition of its natural beauty and rarity.
  
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Quartz "Herkimer Diamond" - $950
Middleville, Herkimer Co., New York, USA
11.6 x 6.4 x 4.0 cm
MMB-693 - A cluster of three high quality "Herkimer Diamond" crystals includes a very large (7.5 cm) main crystal attached to matrix. The crystals are, of course, much more transparent than photos indicate. The great majority of Herkimer specimens are repaired, and the lower crystal on this piece was reattached to its host matrix. An American classic!
– custom lucite base
  
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Tourmaline & Friends - $750
Himalaya Mine, San Diego Co., California, USA
8.4 x 7.0 x 4.6 cm
MMB-690 - A juicy, pink tourmaline crystal with complete termination is accompanied by all the major constituents of a pegmatite pocket: crystallized quartz, feldspar, lepidolite, and clevelandite. The lepidolite itself is quite attractive with its deep purple glow when backlit. Own a piece of San Diego County history.
  
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Quartz with Tourmaline - $750
Himalaya Mine, San Diego Co., California, USA
7.9 x 4.6 x 4.9 cm
MMB-692 - Numerous super-fine tourmaline needles radiate in different directions within a light smoky quartz specimen from the famous Himalaya Mine. A terminated, bi-color pink and green tourmaline (3.2 cm) formed near the sharp termination of the quartz. Please note that this piece is re-crystallized on the bottom. A beauty from San Diego County!
  
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Apophyllite - $175
Nasik District, Maharashtra, India
6.5 x 4.4 x 4.0 cm
MMB-687 - A pair of apophyllite crystals has been colored a rich, attractive blue-green color by chlorite inclusions. While the specimen has not been analyzed, we expect that the butterscotch coloration is caused by the rare mineral mozartite. A secondary mineralization of small, spherical crystals adds a texture contrast.
  
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Cassiterite - $2250
Amo deposit, Ximeng Co., Yunnan Prov., China
6.7 x 6.0 x 5.5 cm
MMB-694 - Showing high luster and the transparency that has put this deposit on the map, this large cassiterite cluster would make a weighty addition to any collection of Chinese or world-wide minerals. The cluster is quite complex and rather attractive...nicer than the opaque specimens one typically sees.
  
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Epidote with Quartz - $175
Capelinha, Jequitinhonha Valley, Brazil
7.9 x 4.8 x 3.3 cm
MMB-688 - A terminated, dark green epidote crystal measuring 6.5 cm is accentuated with quartz prisms and a number of other epidote crystals. The contrasting colors of the minerals makes for an attractive small cabinet specimen.
  
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Fluorite - $3950
Yaogangxian Mine, Hunan Prov., China
7.3 x 5.4 x 3.7 cm
MMB-685 - Lustrous, rich green fluorite cubes to 3.0 cm display multiple color zones that fluoresce purple in daylight...reminiscent of Rogerley fluorites from England. The fluorite crystals are in perfect condition and are more transparent than photos indicate. Associated minerals here include calcite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, and quartz. A gorgeous Chinese specimen!
— custom lucite base
  
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Quartz var. "Herkimer Diamond" - SOLD
Middleville, Herkimer Co., New York, USA
6.4 x 4.5 x 4.8 cm
MMB-686 - A classic cluster of jewel-like quartz crystals shows the double terminations and high transparency that made these specimens so famous and desired. The largest crystal measures a full 5.0 cm. Be sure to look at the photos below showing multiple angles to get a better feel for the clarity of the crystals.
  
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Barite - $550
Huánuco Department, Peru
5.8 x 5.5 x 3.0 cm
MMB-683 - Measuring 3.6 cm across, this group of highly lustrous and transparent golden yellow barite crystals projects from its matrix, showing crystal terminations all around. These Peruvian barites from a recent find are among the most spectacular from anywhere in the world. Displays well from front or back.
  
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MMS-244 - Scattered across a well-crystallized feldspar matrix are multiple isolated, burgandy-red spessartine garnet crystals showing top luster. Doubly-terminated smoky quartz prisms make this quite a combination specimen. The piece is almost a complete floater, showing scant evidence of its attachment point on the back left side. A world-class specimen!
  
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Azurite with Malachite - $13950
Tongshan Cu-Au deposit, Anhui Province, China
7.5 x 6.7 x 6.1 cm
MMS-196 - Surely ranking among the finest of Chinese azurites, this specimen features crystals to 3 cm showing a surprisingly vibrant blue color and sharp form. Most azurites from China are druses, and occasionally one finds a crystal to 2 cm...but 3 cm...outstanding! The piece is very three-dimensional and in top condition.
— ex Gail & Jim Spann Collection
  
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Faden Quartz - $550
Waziristan, NW Frontier Province, Pakistan
7.4 x 6.6 x 5.2 cm
MMB-684 - In this intriguing faden quartz specimen, the faden line runs a length of 6.4 cm and crosses from one group of stacked crystals to another group that is rotated roughly 30° from the first. Numerous other transparent, lustrous quartz prisms accompany the slightly tabular crystals hosting the faden line. Faden quartz forms by a process of rupturing and healing during crystal growth that leaves a thread of liquid and gas inclusions in the crystal called a faden line.
  
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Kämmererite - $950
Kop Krom Mine, Erzurum Prov., Turkey
4.6 x 5.2 x 4.4 cm
MMS-265 - Transparent crystals of magenta kammererite line the inside of a vug in this small cabinet specimen from the famous Kop Krom Mine of Turkey. Many years have passed since such specimens have come to market, and this is a good representation of this chromium rich variety of clinochlore.
  
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Wulfenite - $6500
Los Lamentos, Chihuahua, Mexico
9.0 x 5.7 x 3.5 cm
MMB-626 - A rich array of caramel colored wulfenite crystals with "wet" luster and pristine edges runs from top to bottom of this specimen from Los Lamentos. The largest of the crystals, perched at the top, measures 3.3 cm tall and is 1.0 cm thick. Each crystal shows the "sandwich" zoning with gemmy, deeper orange middles between thin less translucent layers. These specimens are true classics!
— custom lucite base
  
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Titanite on Albite - $4500
Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
4.6 x 3.6 x 3.1 cm
MMG-1007 - Boasting top color for the species, gemmy, twinned crystals of titanite rest on an albite matrix in this world-class miniature. Titanite specimens from Italy are very rarely offered for sale at any time. This particular piece is pictured in the 2nd edition of the Encyclopedia of Minerals by Roberts, Rapp, et al.
  
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Quartz var. Citrine - $3500
Siberia, Russia
14.6 x 8.6 x 8.5 cm
MMB-680 - This splendid grouping of quartz prisms shows a pleasing yellow color – natural color, mind you – combined with great aesthetics and transparency. Citrine quartz specimens from any locality are very rare to begin with, let alone from Russia and with this quality and size.
— custom lucite base
  
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Quartz on Shattuckite - $7500
Kaokoveld, Kunene, Namibia
7.2 x 6.2 x 5.5 cm
MMG-1004 - Rich royal blue spheres of glittering quartz-covered shattuckite fill a quartz vug in this outstanding small cabinet specimen from the new material coming out of Kaokoveld in Namibia. The shattuckite spheres each measure roughly 2.5 cm and are in perfect condition. As can be seen from the photo, the vug pinches closed and then re-opens in the back of the specimen. Crystallized quartz lines the vug along with the shattuckite. Spectacular!
  
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Diaspore - SOLD
Mugla Province, Aegean Region, Turkey
4.5 x 2.8 x 2.6 cm
MMB-679 - A very fine "V" twin of diaspore shows the desired olive-green color and total gemminess that explains why many of these specimens didn't survive the cutter's wheel. This specimen is striated and lustrous, with a higher degree of crystalization on the termination than is typically seen. See the May/April 2010 issue of Rocks & Minerals for a description of the deposit. Photo taken in natural sunlight.
  
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MMB-681 - Sharp, lustrous crystals of acanthite to 1.8 cm are partially coated by chalcopyrite, giving the specimen a very attractive peacock coloration. Several of the crystals have a slightly hoppered appearance. Attractive from any angle, this is an outstanding example of a silver mineral from the famous deposits of Guanajuato, Mexico. Specimens featured in Connoisseur's Corner, such as this piece, are rarely offered for sale.
  
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Diopside on Graphite - $1500
Merelani Hills, Lelatema Mts., Arusha, Tanzania
4.8 x 2.6 x 2.5 cm
MMG-1006 - A cluster of apple-green diopside crystals (to 3.1 cm), many of them doubly-terminated, adheres to a graphite matrix. As an added "bonus," a gemmy blue apatite crystal is perched at the intersection of several of the diopside crystals. Arguably the finest gem diopside crystals have been recovered recently from Merelani, the same general area as the Tanzanite deposits.
  
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Calcite on Dolomite - $1350
La Florida Mine, Torrelavega, Spain
7.5 x 6.5 x 6.6 cm
MMB-682 - Resting on a matrix of dolomite, a jewel of a calcite crystal shows why specimens from La Florida Mine are sought after by calcite collectors and collectors of world-wide minerals alike. Lustrous and lightly striated, the 4.4 cm main crystal is also quite transparent. Scattered across the pink dolomite, smaller calcite crystals with an elongated form accentuate the main crystal.
  
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Olivenite and Quartz - $1500
Wheal Unity, St. Day, Cornwall, England, UK
5.0 x 3.1 x 4.1 cm
MMB-675 - A true English classic, this fine miniature specimen is covered by crystallized olivenite, both front and back. Quartz spears add contrast and variety. Olivenite specimens from any locality are extremely rare, and this piece boast a combination of quality and aesthetics that make it a very choice acquisition.
  
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Spessartine Garnet - $1350
Northwest Frontier Province, Pakistan
4.5 x 3.9 x 3.3 cm
MMG-1005 - Boasting a 3.4 cm main crystal, this cluster of well-formed orange spessartine crystals from Pakistan will cause you to do a double-take. Though high-quality red spessartine crystals have been coming from Pakistan for many years, orange crystals of any substantial quality are much rarer.
  
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Beryl var. Emerald - $2500
Peña Blanca Mine, Boyacá Dept., Colombia
7.8 x 4.7 x 5.0 cm
MMG-1003 - A pair of lustrous, gemmy emerald crystals (to 3.7 cm) contrasts nicely with its crystalized calcite matrix. No damage detracts from the appearance of the vibrant, "glowing" green emerald crystals (contacted on the lower portion).
  
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