Recently Handled Minerals
Cavnic Mine (Kapnik), Cavnic (Kapnic; Kapnik), Maramures Co., Romania
Size: 2.9 x 2.8 x 1.9 cm
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A nest of sparkling gold crystals sitting on quartz matrix. The gold measures 2.2 x 1.5 cm across.
Tatagaar, Zard Mts., Kharan, Balochistan, Pakistan
Size: 5.3 x 4.1 x 3.1 cm
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Golden rutile needles on brookite, preserved and included in two clear quartz crystals. Great shape and condition.
Bou Azer District, Tazenakht, Ouarzazate Province, Morocco
Size: 10.4 x 6.7 x 3.6 cm
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Unusually rich coverage of large and shiny crystals on dolomite matrix. From an old find.
Huanzala Mine, Dos de Mayo Province, Huánuco Department, Peru
Size: 7.7 x 6.8 x 4.7 cm
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Pyrite is quite a common species, but as so often a special shape and arrangment make ordinary things truly special. This specimen features two large and a bunch of smaller pyrite crystals set in beautiful balance with nicely contrasting white calcite. The pyrites show a very pleasing combination of cubic, octahedral and trapezohedral faces that really sets them off the crowd. Great balance and visual impact! Ex Kurt Wintersteiger collection.
Niederschlema, Schlema, Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany
Size: 2.6 x 1.5 x 1.4 cm
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This is a great thumnail sized cluster of deep red and highly sparkling proustite crystals, a great old classic from Schlema, Saxony. The piece is very showy all the way around. Small calcite rhombs add a nice contrast.
Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix , Haute-Savoie, Rhône-Alpes, France
Size: 17.3 x 11.6 x 6.3 cm
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Superb gwindel on a thin plate of granite matrix. Several regular quartz crystals are scattered around and enhance the predominant position of the gwindel. Small chipping is present along one edge, but it is nothing important and forgivable in context. The colour is a deep smoky hue, and the clarity is striking in person!
Winterstock, Göschenertal, Kanton Uri, Switzerland
Size: 9 x 6.5 x 3 cm
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Gorgeous smoky quartz gwindel featuring fantastic luster and clarity! There are no cracks inside the crystal, and the bottom side is fully crystalized (what is truly rare on gwindels!). One of the left tips shows a tiny ding on the tip, barely visible from the front side, all the other tips are in perfect condition. Fantastic sample from a famous and classic Swiss locale!
Touissit, Oujda-Angad Prov., Oriental Region, Morocco
Size: 7.2 x 5.5 x 5.7 cm
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Clear and lustrous anglesite crystals to 3.5 cm in height perched on top of a dark galena matrix. Great condition and shape. An old label is coming with the piece, stating that it was priced at 8.700,- Austrian Shillings in 1985 (that equals about 630 euros today).
Kandesei, Kunene Region, Namibia
Size: 2.8 x 2 x 1.6 cm
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A spray of large, elongated dioptase crystals measuring to 27 mm in height, forming a highly aesthetic thumbnail specimen! No damage.
Uchucchacua Mine, Province de Oyon, Peru
Size: 11.4 x 6.8 x 6.3 cm
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Deep red scalenohedral rhodochrosite crystals are nicely placed in a vug of manganese rock ore matrix. Quartz crystals set a beaufiful contrast. The rhorochrosites are sharp and well formed, the largest one measures 22 mm in length. Obviously there are little contacs on the sides of the vug, but the crystals inside are in great condition!
Arusha Region, Tanzania
Size: 5.1 x 2.3 x 2.2 cm
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A sharp terminated and highly lustrous elongated crystal, the habit looks very elegant and also all other indicators are best! The crystal shows excellent clarity and an amazing dark blue color. Complete all around, only bottom was on the rock. Great colour change when displayed at various angles.
Alchuri, Shigar Valley, Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Size: 2.9 x 2.3 x 2.1 cm
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This is a gorgeous killer thumnail from Pakistan. A large and very lustrous vesuvianite crystal rests on a small white matrix, and smaller crystals are attached at the side and atop. The vesuvianites show a very pleasing brownish-red colour along the edges when backlight. No damage. Ex Wilfried Schlosser collection.