International Minerals #32

A remarkable large and complex cluster of andradite crystals from Huanggang, Inner Mongolia in China, which is rather famous for the more abundant quartz and fluorite. The green-brown aggregate is impressive with intense glossy luster.

Quartz is perhaps the most abundant mineral in the World, yet its uniform red coloration due to microscopic inclusions of iron oxide in form of large, well-defined crystals is found only in a few localities. The rich deposit Tinjdad in Morocco did yield many red quartz specimens, however few are highly aesthetic and pristine such as this particular specimen.

Quartz from Tinjdad, Morocco, is relatively new on the mineral market. Red quartz from this locality is characterized by large well-defined crystals of orange to brick-red uniform coloration and opaque appearance which enhances the overall structure of quartz clusters. This particular specimen is very well balanced and intact from its viewing front position.

Madan in Bulgaria is one of the World's best localities for very fine galena crystals. This particular cluster is composed of complex galena crystals featuring high metallic luster.

An interesting Chinese topaz specimen featuring a dark peach crystal on quartz matrix. Somewhat resembling those much more common topaz specimens from Pakistan, although with some obvious differences in the overall appearance.