International Minerals #32

A remarkably large wolframite crystal with distinct parallel lines on the crystal faces, originating in an important ore district in Jambyl Region, Kazakhstan.

An interesting dark gray ilvaite cluster complete all around from the island of Elba in Italy.

Dalnegorsk is among the most significant locality for classic mineral specimens in the World, where many fantastic quartz, calcite and fluorite specimens have been discovered. This fluorite specimen features two transparent light mint-green fluorite cubes resting on top of matrix. The etched surfaces result in a more opaque appearance of the crystals. A distinct Russian specimen from the famous Oliver Konczer collection.

Madagascar is an incredibly rich African island nation as far as minerals and gems go. This particular quartz scepter features an amethyst head with dark phantoms and a thin milky quartz leg. The scepter is rather large considering its overall quality features.

Norwegian calcites from Kjorholt Mine are among the most sought-after calcites and are considered European classics. Their bright yellow/honey/amber coloration, transparency and distinct crystal morphology make these calcites particularly attractive among these species. This particular specimen exhibits all the expected qualities including color, complex crystal morphology and internal clarity.

Dalnegorsk in far eastern Russia is famous for some of its ore minerals including galena and pyrrhotite. In fact some of the best pyrrhotite crystals originate in Dalnegorsk. This beautiful specimen features a ball-like complex structure of connected pyrrhotite crystals partly covering matrix with lustrous galena crystals beneath.

Melanite is a distinct garnet species within the vast garnet group. A black variety of andradite it interestingly contains titanium within its chemical structure. This highly attractive small cabinet specimen features intergrown sharp dark gray melanite crystals.

Galena is one of the most common ore mineral species, however it is rarely found in such incredible quality like in the featured specimen. Such elongated highly lustrous crystals connected to a uniform cluster are typical for Madan in Bulgaria. This specimen is perhaps one of the finest galena clusters from Madan and was part of the famous collection of Oliver Konczer.

A large and remarkable example of rather rare species from a classic locality of Herja in Romania. Berthierite, s relative to stibnite based on its chemical composition, occurs in nature much more rarely due to very specific conditions at which it forms.

An absolute classic - a pair of dark purple amethyst crystals with partial scepter formation on feldspar matrix from Brandberg, Namibia. A long-term member of specimens from the famous collection of Oliver Konczer.

A beautiful cluster of thick, tabular bluish-green apatite crystals on matrix from Sapo Mine, Brazil. The highly lustrous crystals are quite dark, yet fairly transparent.

A classic small cabinet specimen featuring a dominant pyrrhotite crystal cluster on matrix associated with a small galena and a few chalcopyrite crystals. From a classic Russian locality ex Oliver Konczer collection.