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Fine Mineral Specimens - Gallery IX
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Spessartine Garnet - SOLD
Shengus, Skardu District, Baltistan, Pakistan
8.9 x 6.9 x 5.5 cm
MMB-556 - Rich red spessartine garnet crystals rest among euhedral, twinned muscovite books in this stunning small cabinet specimen. Scattered throughout the specimen are little spessartine "gems" that add extra appeal to an already aesthetic masterpiece. This is by no means a two-dimensional piece: the muscovite book on the right extends toward the viewer at an angle with more spessartine mineralization behind it. Pictured in Rocks & Minerals magazine
  
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Dioptase on Calcite - SOLD
Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
4.0 x 2.1 x 2.1 cm
MMB-561 - With luscious luster and form, this dioptase specimen features a gemmy 1.9 cm crystal of the finest saturated green showing phantoms when backlit. The crystals are in superb condition. No longer available from the source, dioptase specimens with large crystals on white matrix are particularly sought after and revered.
  
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Quartz var. Amethyst - SOLD
Las Vigas, Vera Cruz, Mexico
12.5 x 12.1 x 6.0 cm
MMB-558 - Possessing the quality of a miniature, this cabinet-sized plate displays isolated amethyst crystals (to 4 cm) with great color and superb transparency on the epidote matrix treasured by connoisseurs. The plate shows no damage. Las Vigas specimens of this size and quality are exceedingly difficult to find. Be sure to view the alternate angles as this piece is very three-dimensional.
  
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Brazilianite - $1500
Linópolis, Divino das Laranjeiras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
5.5 x 4.7 x 3.3 cm
MMB-555 - A gorgeous cluster of lustrous, transparent brazilianite crystals on a matrix of minor muscovite and albite. Several of the crystals, including the largest example (4.0 cm), are doubly-terminated. A very dynamic piece with brazilianite crystals radiating from multiple angles.
  
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Barite - $1250
Pöhla, Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany
6.1 x 5.6 x 5.0 cm
- ex Paul Jung Collection
MMB-550 - An attractive golden barite prism (2.9 cm) rises from the termination of a larger (3.4 cm), wider crystal.. Note the numerous phantoms characteristic of specimens from this classic locale, famous for its barite and silver. Some edge wear, mainly on the secondary crystal, does not detract from the aesthetics of the piece with its isolated crystal.
  
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Barite - SOLD
Book Cliffs area, Grand Junction, Mesa Co., Colorado
5.6 x 3.4 x 2.0 cm
MMB-549 - This superb cluster of water-clear barite crystals, measuring an astounding 5.3 and 2.1 cm respectively, is unusual in its size, transparency and condition from the classic barite locality of Book Cliffs. Complexly terminated and sharp.
  
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Dioptase - $3250
Renéville, Brazzaville Region, Rep. of Congo
3.6 x 3.6 x 3.6 cm
MMS-173 - A marvelous radial spray of rich green crystals reminds us that Tsumeb is not the only locality for world-class dioptase specimens. There are more than five crystals here that measure above 1 cm, each with high luster and translucency. This piece is significantly better in person as the photos do not show its three-dimensional nature.
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Ferberite with Quartz - $1950
Mundo Nuevo Mine, Pasto Bueno, Peru
6.1 x 4.5 x 4.2 cm
- ex Wally Mann, - ex Lance Cook Collections
MMS-176 - Who says black rocks have to be ugly? This divergent cluster of fully terminated, lustrous ferberite crystals is complemented by quartz spires and needles...many of which rise from the surface of the ferberite...quite a visual treat. Three-dimensional and full of flash.
  
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Forsterite var. Peridot - $850
Naran-Kagan Vly, NW Frontier Prov., Pakistan
3.2 x 3.0 x 2.4 cm
MMS-180 - This gemmy, spring green peridot crystal clearly shows four steeply angled faces climbing to a pair of rooftop terminations, including four beveled edges. A total of 20 faces are evident with several showing relatively minor etching. This specimen is much less rounded and water worn than what is commonly seen. The inclusions visible in the photo appear to indicate the boundaries of a phantom crystal locked forever inside. Even gemmier in person.
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Azurite - SOLD
Tsumeb, Charlie Key Pocket (1960s), Namibia
4.6 x 2.5 x 2.3 cm
- ex Karl Warning, - ex Bill Severance Collections
MMS-162 - In this classic Tsumeb azurite miniature, sharp-edged, deep electric blue crystals rise in parallel looking to all the world like a masterwork of architecture. Miniature specimens from Tsumeb of this quality are quite scarce, and pieces from the famed Charlie Key Pocket of the 1960's find a proud place in any mineral collection.
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