|
  |
BERYL bi-colored
heliodor & aquamarine
Stock #4652
Near Davib Ost, Erongo
Mountains, Namibia
A single
pocket of these unusual beryl crystals was discovered about a year ago in
Namibia. Only a small number of specimens made it to the
market. All of the specimens were characterized by translucent, blue
aquamarine capped by yellow to brownish yellow heliodor. The
transition between colors is remarkably sharp, and is perpendicular to the
c-axis of the crystals. The specimens lack great luster on the prism
faces, but the pinacoid terminations are quite lustrous, and one can see
gemmy portions down into the crystals from the top. A great addition
to any gem crystal collection!
This
specimen is flattened along the c-axis, and has a partial crystal growing
at right angles on the back side.
Size: 5.5 x 4.2 x2.7 cm.
Miniature
|
|
|
  |
BERYL bi-colored
heliodor & aquamarine
Stock #4655
Near Davib Ost, Erongo
Mountains, Namibia
While
not the biggest crystal in the lot, this piece has superior luster, color
and transparency.
Size: 4 x 3.6 x 2.8 cm.
|
  |
BERYL bi-colored
heliodor & aquamarine
Stock #4656
Near Davib Ost, Erongo
Mountains, Namibia
This
specimen has two crystals intergrown at a slight angle. There is
also a thin black tourmaline along the contact of the two beryls.
The larger crystal has a small nick as seen at the top left corner of the
crystal in the photo below.
Size: 2.7 x 1.9 x 1.9 cm.
|
  |
CALCITE
with included secondary copper minerals
Stock #4600
Laurion, Greece
An
interesting piece from the famous mines of Laurion. Pale sky-blue
calcite color is the result of tiny inclusions of secondary copper oxide
minerals. The calcites occur on a limonitic gossan with smattering
of small malachite and azurite crystals.
Size: 6.2 x 5.8 x 5.7 cm.
|
  |
TITANITE
with HEMATITE & ADULARIA
Stock #4662
Tormeq, Skardu,
Gilgit, Pakistan
A nice,
apple green titanite 2.5cm long on a matrix of hematite and chlorite on
adularia. The color is a bit washed out in this photo, and is
actually a very pleasing green hue!
Size: 5.2 x 3.9 x 2.8 cm.
|
|
|
  |
MALACHITE
Stock #4663
Democratic Republic of
the Congo
This is
a nicely crystalline malachite stalactite that for some reason got fatter
toward the end. Often, stalactites (or stalagmites) from the Congo
have a dull, matte finish, while this one is bright and lustrous.
Size: 11.1 x 1.7 x 1.5 cm.
|
  |
ROSELITE
Stock #4664
Bou Azzer, Anti Atlas
Mountains, Morocco
I have
put off purchasing minerals like roselite because so many of the other
internet dealers sold pieces when they first came out with good quality
specimens back in 2000. Well, I just couldn't pass these up due the
large crystals, exceptionally deep color and good contrast with the white
calcite matrix. This piece has crystals at least up to 4mm, and
possibly larger. There are several isolated crystals in addition to
the masses of really deep, rich color. So many of the arsenates are
beautifully colored, and this cobalt-arsenate is extra special.
Size: 7 x 6 x 3.3 cm.
|
 |
ROSELITE
Stock #4665
Bou Azzer, Morocco
Similar
to the last specimen, this piece has fantastic color and large
crystals. It is difficult to see the relief within the pocket, as it
is hidden by the depth of field in the photo. It is a very nice
specimen.
Size: 4.5 x 4.5 x 3.3 cm.
|
  |
SIDERITE
& HEMATITE ON CALCITE
Stock #4667
Shaft 371,
Hartenstein, Saxony, Germany
Here is
a classic from Saxony. Disc shaped siderites to nearly 2cm have
grown preferentially on one side of each large, hematite coated calcite
scalenohedra. A minor dusting of hematite is also found on some of
the siderites. For added interest, the calcites are actually
pseudomorphed or at least epimorphed from an earlier generation
calcite. This is especially obvious when the specimen is turned over
to look at the bottom where it came off the vein wall.
Size: 10.5 x 8.8 x 3.4 cm.
|
  |
COPPER
Stock #4669
Chino mine, Hurley,
Grant County, New Mexico
The
Chino mine once again produced a small lot of fantastic coppers!
These were mined earlier this year by Stan Esbenshade, and first offered
at the Springfield show. Rob Lavinsky managed to scoop the entire
lot, but I high-graded a few pieces before Rob had a chance to even out
the discrepancies in pricing. We all love a deal don't we, so why
not pass it on!
Size: 6.8 x 1.8 x 1.5 cm.
|
  |
TOPAZ
with HEMATITE PSEUDOMORPHS AFTER GARNET
Stock #4671
Maynard Claim, Topaz
Mountain, Juab County, Utah
I picked
this up on my last trip over to Utah. There have been thousands of
topaz dug up in the Thomas Range over the years, but really good ones are
few and far between. This is a doubly terminated crystal with two
smaller crystals growing off the main crystal. Perched on the topaz,
and slightly intergrown into the topaz are several hematite pseudomorphs
after garnet. These still have crude dodecahedral crystal
form. Per usual, the topaz tips are gemmy, while the centers are
partially included by rhyolite. The included portion is rimmed by
gemmy topaz with good luster. This exceptional piece is in perfect
condition. If you have ever collected the area, you know how
difficult it is to get a clean piece!
Size: 5.2 x 2.8 x 1.8 cm.
|
|
Miner's Lunchbox
