Fine Mineral Specimens - Gallery VI           

Dioptase on Plancheite - $1250
Renéville, Brazzaville Region, Rep. of Congo
3.7 x 2.6 x 2.5 cm

MMS-257 - A pair of highly lustrous, jewel-like dioptase crystals rests on a matrix coated with plancheite. Isolated crystals in pristine condition such as this pair on matrix are particularly sought by collectors.

Tourmaline - SOLD
Barra da Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
3.5 x 2.4 x 2.3 cm

MMS-267 - Crowned with a green cap or "scepter," this zoned tourmaline transitions from deep blue to a lighter blue then to a pink layer showing chatoyancy. The green layer at the termination is gemmier and has fewer striations. A unique piece!

Smithsonite w/ Hemimorphite - $950
San Antonio El Grande Mine, Chihuahua, Mexico
3.6 x 3.2 x 2.4 cm

MMS-239 - Transparent sprays of hemimorphite crystals add accent to chatoyant smithsonite the color of sunlight shining through an ocean wave. An attractive specimen from Mexico featuring a combination that has not been found again.

Fluorite - $1250
Yaogangxian Mine, Hunan Province, China
5.4 x 4.5 x 4.0 cm

MMY-1201 - Gem purple cubes (to 3 cm) on a light green muscovite matrix show excellent luster and clarity. Gaze into the center of the crystal and see a series of purple phantoms inside. Chinese fluorite is rapidly becoming legendary in the vast world of fluorite localities. This superb miniature shows us why!

– Custom lucite base

Silver - $3500
Yunnan Province, China
10.7 x 3.2 x 1.2 cm
– ex Gene & Roz Meieran Collection

MMY-1204 - A curl of smoke headed to the sky...A thick, sturdy wire of native silver with excellent patina. This silver specimen has grace and elegance similar to the famous Kongsberg pieces so desired by advanced collectors. A great silver from any locality but superior from China.

– Custom lucite base

Rhodochrosite w/ Fluorite - $3750
Yaogangxian Mine, Hunan Province, China
11.2 x 6.5 x 4.5 cm

MMS-221 - A plate of vein-filling rhodochrosite hosts jewel-like fluorite crystals with the lilac of the fluorite contrasting nicely with the juicy red of the rhodo. A cream-colored layer of calcite coats the back along with several rhombohedral crystals scattered across the surface. A very fine combination piece!

Aquamarine w/ Schorl & Smoky Quartz - $2250
Erongo Region, Namibia
5.2 x 4.1 x 2.7 cm
– ex Charlie Key Collection

MMS-218 - A lustrous and gemmy (more so in person) aquamarine cluster of sea-foam color stands apart with its mineral associations. A tabular smoky quartz crystal juts off to the right side along with lustrous, jet-black schorl crystals. Aesthetic and colorful. A true mineral masterpiece.

Powellite on Stilbite - SOLD
Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India
6.7 x 5.3 x 4.5 cm

MMB-587 - An extraordinarily transparent and lustrous powellite crystal formed among crystals of stilbite. Measuring 1.3 cm, the amber-colored powellite is lightly striated and gorgeous. If you've been looking for a superb example of this Indian mineral, wait no longer. Pictured in Lapis magazine

Cerussite - $4250
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
5.8 x 4.6 x 3.1 cm
- ex Pellman Collection

MMS-208 - A significant water-clear cerussite jewel (2.4 cm) showing V-twinning perches atop a stack of untwinned partly transparent cerussite with a bit of matrix. Classic cerussite crystals from Tsumeb are highly sought after by collectors, especially specimens with superb form and transparency.