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Fine Mineral Specimens - Gallery V
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Magnesite - $2500
Brumado Mine, Brumado, Bahia, Brazil
9.0 x 8.1 x 6.7 cm
MMB-568 - A study in contrasts, this stunning cluster of magnesite crystals has lustrous, triangular "windows" counterposed with frosted faces. Each of the windows provides a view into the interior of the crystals and the hematite inclusions that add a color contrast to the clear magnesite. Rhombohedral crystals add additonal variety of form. This piece is one of 5 or 6 of its kind that came to market a few years ago, and it is clearly one of the best of the group. Custom lucite base.
  
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Scapolite - $850
Fargon Meeru, Kokcha Valley, Badakhshan, Afghanistan
4.6 x 3.7 x 3.5 cm
MMB-565 - Two totally transparent purple scapolite crystals perch on contrasting white marble in this lovely miniature from Afghanistan. The largest of the lightly striated crystals measures 2.4 cm. Crystals of this quality still attached to matrix are quite difficult to find.
  
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Calcite - $850
Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
8.3 x 4.8 x 4.3 cm
MMB-566 - A classic from Tsumeb, this cluster of calcite crystals has a reddish tinge from hematite inclusions that deepens in color towards the tips of the crystals and on the back of the specimen. The crystals are in pristine condition with great luster. The piece is complete and attractive from 360 degrees.
  
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Smithsonite - $4500
Kelly Mine, Magdalena Dist., Socorro Co., New Mexico
6.4 x 5.0 x 3.5 cm
MMB-501 - A Caribbean Sea-blue smithsonite with amazing "wet" luster demonstrates why such pieces from the Kelly Mine have become classics. Damage free, this small cabinet specimen is a joy to hold in your hand and watch the chatoyant glimmer ride across the crest of the botryoidal waves.
  
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Fluorite with Quartz & Dolomite - $6500
Shangbao Pyrite Mine, Hunan Prov., China
11.8 x 10.7 x 10.7 cm
MMB-557 - This exceptional cabinet specimen showcases modified cubic fluorite crystals (to 3.8 cm) that are truly water clear and contain phantoms that provide a purple "blush" to the whole specimen. Dolomite, quartz, and small pyrite crystals add appeal to the piece and make it a treat to examine in your hands. A "knob" of matrix hosts the mineralization, making this a specimen that is equally attractive from 360 degrees. — Custom Lucite Base
  
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Spinel on Matrix - ON HOLD
Luc Yen, Yenbai Prov., Vietnam
5.0 x 3.7 x 3.1 cm
MMB-553 - An unusally large and complete spinel crystal with sharp edges and high luster rests on a contrasting white matrix. The crystal measures 3.3 cm and is in pristine condition. With just the right amount of matrix, the spinel crystal arrests the eye...a competition quality miniature to be sure.
  
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Azurite with Malachite - $5500
Milpillas Mine, Cuitaca, Sonora, Mexico
6.6 x 4.4 x 4.4 cm
MMB-563 - This attractive small cabinet specimen features several azurite crystals with translucent edges and an attractive peacock blue color. Highly chatoyant malachite forming radial sprays adds a color and texture contrast.
— Custom Lucite Base
  
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Ferberite with Quartz - $1250
Yaogangxian, Hunan Prov., China
7.7 x 6.4 x 4.9 cm
MMB-559 - A large and lustrous, striated ferberite crystal with fine termination is accented by a contrasting white quartz crystal (also terminated). Calcite crystals cover the back, along with minor arsenopyrite and muscovite. Complete and undamaged.
  
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Siderite with Quartz - $500
Morro Velho, Nova Lima, Brazil
7.6 x 6.0 x 3.3 cm
MMB-564 - Two quartz crystals accent a cluster of yellow-orange siderite rhombs (to 4.6 cm!) in this small cabinet specimen from the 1950's. Morro Velho, worked for its gold ore, is among the deepest mines in the world, extending nearly 3000 meters into the earth. These specimens are rarely seen in the market.
  
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Clinozoisite (Epidote) - $2350
Hashupa, Shigar Valley, Baltistan, Pakistan
12.0 x 2.5 x 1.0 cm
MMS-190 - Exceptional size, luster, transparency, complete termination...these combine to make this a very fine clinozoisite (epidote) specimen from Pakistan. A number of specimens of this size and quality were taken from a pocket in the 90's, and only occasionally do they return into the marketplace for sale. A killer gem crystal!
  
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