Recently Handled Minerals
Ganesh Himal, Somdang, Bagmati, Nepal
Size: 7.4 x 5.3 x 2.5 cm
 |
 |
Japanese twin in this dimension and quality is really exceptional. The crystals show very good clarity, they are sharp terminated and faces are glossy all around. Bottom was on the rock, no significant damages to report.
Kongsberg Silver Mining District, Kongsberg, Buskerud, Norway
Size: 3.1 x 2.7 x 2.2 cm
 |
A superb silver wire on nicely contrasting calcite matrix. As so typical of these, a few acanthites - truly crystals, not just a black crust - grew on the silver wire and add even more beauty and interest. What a killer specimen in toenail size!
Quanzhou, Anxi Co., Quanzhou Prefecture, Fujian Province, China
Size: 6.8 x 6.8 x 3.6 cm
 |
 |
A wonderful specimen from recent discoveries at Quanzhou. Most of these crystals are very dark and more opaque. Not so here - the main crystal (27mm across) is waterclear and shows amazing glassy character. I show one phot on light background, that shows the specimen under daylight. The second image was done with minor backlight and reveals this crazy purple-blue color. The crystal is perched perfectly on top of the matrix, all faces show exceptional luster and the shape is just breathtaking. No damage.
Los Lamentos, Mun. de Ahumada, Chihuahua, Mexico
Size: 5.7 x 3.4 x 4.1 cm
 |
Large and sharp blocky wulfenite crystals forming a wonderful cluster. The biggest crystal atop measures 26 mm on edge, and 10 mm in thickness. The colour is an exceptionally deep and intense odange, the luster is superb al the way around. A few edges show little bruises, these are small and very minor in context though. Great aesthetics and colour!
Graves Mountain, Lincoln Co., Georgia, USA
Size: 6.8 x 4.9 x 4.1 cm
 |
This is a huge doubly-terminated rutile crystal, super glossy and in great condition all around.
Oberdorf an der Laming, Steiermark, Austria
Size: 5.3 x 1.4 x 1.3 cm
 |
 |
A very large and very sharp elongated bi-colour crystal of strontianite. A few side crystals and a small dolomite matrix make this an extremely fine sample of the species! As good as crystals of this habit can get! Found in the 1960s, no more crystals have ever reached this extraordinary quality! PUBLISHED IN THE MINERALOGICAL RECORD JAN/FEB 2019, PAGE 811
Mapimi, Mexico
Size: 4 x 3.4 x 2.4 cm
 |
 |
|
 |
Great pinwheel adamite on gossan matrix. Unusually large and well formed!
Goboboseb Mts., Brandberg Area, Erongo Region, Namibia
Size: 16 x 11.9 x 6.7 cm
 |
This huge floater shows windows, uncountable steps and amazing inclusions. The specimen looks fantastic in each angle and the luster of all these faces is over the roof. A really spectacular undamged center-piece for each quartz collection.
Chihuahua, Mexico
Size: 8.8 x 7.3 x 5.1 cm
 |
 |
Very well balanced floater cluster of hemimorphite crystals to 3.2 cm in length. Brownish and reddish hematite inclusions set a beautiful colour contrast.
Ahmad Abad Mine, Bahabad, Yazd Province, Iran
Size: 14.1 x 13.9 x 8.5 cm
 |
Gorgeous clear blades of deep orange wulfentes fully covering a vug in gossan matrix. The luster and colour reminds me of wulfenites from San Francisco mine, I have never seen this amazing quality coming from any other pocket in Iran before! Vanadinite inclusions and partial coverage of calcite balls on the upper ridge set a striking colour contrast. Indeed one of the most beautiful wulfenite specimens to come yet from Iran! Enquiries about price are welcome.
La Cabaña, Berbes Mining area, Ribadesella, Asturias, Spain
Size: 4.3 x 3.1 x 2.6 cm
 |
The waterclear crystal at the top is up to 12mm on edges and complete all around. All faces show wonderful structure and amazing modifications along the edges. The colour is light lavender, it shows fine contrast to milky quartz crystals and the assemble could not be more aesthetic. No significant damages to report.
Huanggangliang Mine, Hexigten Banner, Chifeng Prefecture, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
Size: 3.2 x 2.9 x 2.4 cm
 |
A well formed, aesthetic floater of glassy and lustrous crystals. The clarity is superb, no internal cracks or inclusions are present. The crystals are sharp terminated, the habit shows faces of cube with modifications of rhomb along the edges. The color is light blue with darker violet zoning. Undamaged.