Tarnowitzite - SOLD
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
8.4 x 7.6 cm

MMB-845 - A 2.5 cm tarnowitzite crystal rests on a multi-colored matrix in this particularly attractive example of the rare, lead rich variety of aragonite. Several of the smaller tarnowitzite crystals are doubly terminated. Each is lustrous and well-formed. Quite nice!

Calcite on Quartz - SOLD
Baia Sprie, Maramures Co., Romania
10.3 x 6.6 x 4.9 cm
 

MMB-841 - Like snow resting on crystal towers, calcite clings to the tops of transparent quartz prisms in this attractive specimen from Baia Sprie. Several calcite "disks" to 4.4 cm provide aesthetic variety. Chalcopyrite crystals intermingle among the quartz.

Calcite with Chalcocite - SOLD
Mt. Isa, Queensland, Australia
10.1 x 6.4 x 6.8 cm

MMB-844 - Surrounded by well-crystallized chalcocite (some twinned) are numerous yellow calcite crystals with distinct phantoms. Smaller calcite crystals of a different form simply coat the specimen, adding flash and contrast to this superb combination piece.

Fluorite with Arsenopyrite - SOLD
Yaogangxian Mine, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
7.5 x 5.8 x 5.3 cm

MMY-1215 - Explaining our love affair with Chinese fluorites, this lovely specimen shows multiple purple phantoms inside a 2.8 cm main crystal. The edges are sharp, the crystal complete from all angles. The luster and transparency are superb. An arsenopyrite crystal accompanies the fluorite on a bed of muscovite. You will not be disappointed with this piece.

– lucite base

Silver - SOLD
Kongsberg, Buskerud, Norway
5.3 x 3.0 cm
 

MMB-848 - For centuries, distinguishing collectors have considered wire silver specimens from Kongsberg to be highly desirable classics. This aesthetic miniature is well-balanced and graceful with a gold and rose patina that did not show in the photographs. Own a piece of mining history!

Scheelite on Albite - SOLD
Mt. Xuebaoding, Ping Wu, Sichuan Prov., China
8.7 x 5.0 x 6.7 cm

MMT-708 - Contrasting nicely with a matrix of well-crystalized albite is a highly lustrous scheelite crystal with gemmy tips. The scheelite measures 3.5 cm on edge. With its nice color and flashy matrix, this specimen displays very well. The mining area where these world-class scheelite specimens were found sits next to a panda preserve, and the deposit is now closed to further exploration.

Quartz var. Amethyst - SOLD
Las Vigas, Vera Cruz, Mexico
7.7 x 5.6 x 3.6 cm
 

MMT-701 - This fabulous amethyst specimen features a doubly-terminated, jewel-like crystal that measures 5.2 cm on a dramatic, curving plate of matrix. The luster is superb and the color a pleasing, medium purple. A top notch small cabinet specimen.

Beryl var. Aquamarine - SOLD
Erongo Mountains, Namibia
8.0 x 7.3 x 5.6 cm

MMT-700 - Displaying the rich sky blue color that characterizes fine Erongo aquas, this piece has a very pleasing aesthetic arrangement of crystals. The longest crystal measures 4.6 cm and is doubly-terminated. The piece is quite three-dimensional in person.

Sphalerite with Quartz - SOLD
Shuikoushan ore field, Hunan Prov., China
5.1 x 3.8 x 4.3 cm
– ex Smale Collection

MMT-713 - Accentuated nicely by contrasting white quartz crystals, this gemmy sphalerite crystal really throws light back at you, like a glowing coal. Transparent calcites cover the back of the specimen. A superb miniature from the famous Chinese material that many consider to be the finest sphalerites in the world.

Rhodonite - SOLD
San Martin Mine, Huallanca, Peru
4.9 x 3.6 cm
 

MMB-885 - With saturated pink color like a carnation, this rhodonite miniature from Peru is a beauty. Sprays of rhodonite crystals radiate from a matrix of albite and drusy pyrite.

Fluorite on Quartz - SOLD
Shangbao Mine, Hunan Prov., China
8.0 x 5.7 x 4.4 cm

MMT-710 - This purple cuboctahedral fluorite crystal sits on a double-sided matrix that is covered with quartz spears. The fluorite crystal is complete with lustrous, stepped faces. It measures 3.1 cm.

Aurichalcite on Limonite - SOLD
Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico
8.0 x 5.4 cm
 

MMB-881 - Filling a limonite vug are long sprays of aurichalcite in this small cabinet specimen from Ojuela. The color combination is quite pleasing. The photos do not adequately represent the depth of the piece.

Azurite, Malachite, Dolomite - SOLD
Puit XI, Touissit Mine, Oujda, Morocco
7.1 x 5.5 cm
 

MMT-716 - Photos do not do justice to this gorgeous combination piece featuring sharp-edged azurite, rich green chatoyant malachite, and subtle peach-pink dolomite. The azurite crystals are quite translucent, and they throw off an electric blue iridescence when lit. The specimen is more three-dimensional than photos indicate. Pristine!

Crocoite - SOLD
Adelaide Mine, Dundas, Tasmania, Australia
6.8 x 6.2 cm

MMT-715 - Highly lustrous, vibrant orange crocoite crystals to 3.7 cm form a beautiful array in this small cabinet specimen from Tasmania. The specimen displays well from any angle and is sure to catch the eye.

Quartz var. "Rutilated Quartz" - SOLD
Minas Gerais, Brazil
6.1 x 2.7 cm

NY-141 - This rutilated quartz specimen features an ideal balance of rutile crystals and open space, so as not to appear "crowded" but also showing the sought after shimmer. What photos do not capture is the overall jewel-like nature of this piece, the glassy luster and light striations. The main crystal is very sharp with all crystal contacts near the base of the piece. An outstanding example that is a joy to hold in the hand to admire.

Eosphorite with Quartz - SOLD
Minas Gerais, Brazil
3.1 x 2.1 cm
 

NY-146 - This quite large eosphorite crystal shows an attractive orange-pink color with waxy luster, sharp faces, and high translucency. The "back" of the specimen is equally suited for display with its selective covering of white crystals and complete crystalization. Top notch!

Barite on Dolomite - SOLD
Cerro Warihuyn, Huánuco Dept., Peru
5.7 x 4.2 cm
 

NY-134 - Like a crystal carnation, this barite specimen features a beautiful array of light yellow-green, glassy, and gemmy crystals on a nicely contrasting matrix of pink dolomite. The specimen is much more three-dimensional than photos indicate and simply throws light back at you from the many lustrous faces.

Wulfenite - SOLD
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
4.3 x 2.9 cm
 

NY-139 -A lustrous, deep amber wulfenite sits on a contrasting matrix accompanied by several smaller, tabular crystals. The main crystal here is a full 1.0 cm thick and is in superb condition for the material and locality. This would make a fine addition to any Tsumeb suite or worldwide collection of miniatures.

Wulfenite with Mimetite - SOLD
San Francisco Mine, Sonora, Mexico
3.8 x 2.0 cm

NY-128 - The association of yellow wulfenite crystals with tangerine orange mimetite spheres has made specimens from the San Francisco Mine world famous. This piece features several crystals of good size (up to 2.3 cm) with high luster and transparency.

Spessartine on Feldspar w/Aqua - SOLD
Shigar Valley, Skardu Dist., Pakistan
4.9 x 3.0 cm

NY-129 - Deep red, highly lustrous spessartine "jewels" are scattered across the face of a slightly etched feldspar crystal in this wonderful miniature. Note the small aquamarine crystal next to the muscovite blade in the center left of the specimen.

Cuprian Adamite - SOLD
Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico
5.1 x 4.6 x 2.4 cm
–ex Thomas McKee, Evan Jones collections
 

NY-145 - This lovely large miniature features lustrous, lime-green adamite crystal of the cuprian variety measuring to 2.1 cm. More three-dimensional in person, this specimen shows a very unusual habit and color combination. Undoubtedly, these features caught the interest of both the late Tom McKee and Evan Jones, prior owners of the piece who are both renowned for their knowledge of Mexican minerals.

Quartz var. Faden Quartz - SOLD
Tole, Wana, S. Waziristan, FATA, Pakistan
8.8 x 6.0 cm

NY-121 - Luster? Yes. Transparency? Yes. Superb condition? Yes. These characteristics make for a fine piece. What sets this faden quartz apart is the presence of the host rock. Very few faden quartz specimens from Pakistan make it to market as matrix specimens. This piece has it all.

Apatite with Quartz - SOLD
Waziristan, Pakistan
4.0 x 3.8 cm

NY-136 - A lustrous, well-crystallized apatite crystal finds accompaniment by an equally lustrous and transparent quartz crystal in this attractive miniature from Pakistan. The quartz cluster on the front right of the specimen adds interest on its own merits, though photos don't show the depth of the piece.