|
|
|
|
November 2007 Page 1
Enjoy !!
Copper - $850 With the thousands of specimens to come out of Locality: Specimen Size: 2.2 x 1.8 x 0.9 cm.
No.
Ap Bu TN 8071 These Apatite crystals starting coming out of Burma a few years
ago, and they are definitely some of the finest gem-quality crystals of
the species around. This "box buster" thumbnail is one of the finest
quality examples of this material that I have had to offer. It honestly
could be mistaken for a killer Jeremejevite crystal at first glance due
to its saturated blue color and hexagonal form. This crystal is 100%
water clear, with sharp, glassy faces and a deep aqua-blue hue. This is
a well known species, but very difficult to obtain in amazing gem
crystals such as this. Locality: Oakssaung Hill, Mogok, Sagaing District, Mandalay Division,
Myanmar (Burma) Specimen Size: 2.9 x 0.4 x 0.2 cm.
No. Mal Ong 8071 Another common species from a highly productive locality, yet it is possibly the most attractive and aesthetic thumbnail of Malachite on Calcite that I have encountered. I know that many people refer to this as "primary Malachite", but the term is somewhat of an oxymoron due to the fact that Malachite almost always forms as a secondary mineral. I think the best term to use when describing this material is "non-pseudomorphic Malachite", as the crystals did not form as the result of altering Azurite. With that said, the quality of these Malachite crystals is superb with top luster, sharpness and deep forest-green color. The final touch to these first-class crystals is that they are all tastefully sitting on a wonderfully balanced mound of whitish-yellow Calcite crystal matrix. A fine thumbnail from this most classic of localities, and worthy of any collection. Locality: Emke Mine, Ogonja (Onganja), Seeis, Windhoek District, Khomas Region, Namibia Specimen Size: 2.8 x 2.6 x 2.5 cm.
No.
Stil CO TN 8071 Yes, Stilbite from an iron mine! The Calumet mine dates back to the 1880's and produced nearly 230,000 tons of iron ore over the course of its life. Most collectors are probably familiar with the classic Epidote specimens from this mine, but few people know about the attractive Stilbite specimens that came from Calumet. This piece is comprised of several tan colored Stilbite blades on minor matrix. Obviously they are no comparison to India or New Jersey in terms of size and quality, but these are very good for Calumet, and would make a fine addition to any Colorado collection. Locality: Calumet mine, Turret District, Chaffee County, Colorado Specimen Size: 2.3 x 2.0 x 1.5 cm.
No.
Goe TN 8071 The various pegmatites surrounding the Pike's Peak area in Colorado are most famous for their world-class Amazonite specimens, but they do not receive nearly enough recognition for producing some of the finest Goethite specimens extant. This highly aesthetic "spray" of semi-metallic, silvery-black colored Goethite crystals is easily one of the most attractive thumbnails of this material that I have seen. The crystals are accented with classic "Onegite" crystals which are essentially Amethyst crystals with Goethite inclusions. Some of the "Onegite" crystals are actually Smoky Quartz, but you can see a distinct purple color in others. A great example of a classic, top quality Goethite from this prolific mineral-producing region in Colorado. Locality: The Planetarium Pocket, 9-2000, Dreamtime Claim, Teller County, Colorado Specimen Size; 2.1 x 1.8 x 1.8 cm.
No.
Gold CO TN 8071 The Dixie mine is probably the most famous Gold mine in Clear
Creek County for mineral collectors. My father actually owned and
operated this mine for a short time in the 1970's. As far as Gold goes,
Dixie mine specimens are among the easiest to recognize from Colorado.
This piece is comprised of classic platy "leaves" of bright colored Gold
forming a very charming and three-dimensional display specimen. The
individual "leaves" have crystalline faces which is often seen in
specimens from the Dixie. Fine quality specimens, (even the smaller
ones) are highly prized by Colorado collectors. This is a very good
Dixie thumbnail, and would make a wonderful addition to any thumbnail
suite or Gold collection. Locality: Dixie mine, Idaho Springs, Clear Creek County, Colorado Specimen Size: 1.9 x 1.7 x 1.0 cm.
No. QtzRh TN 8071 Here we have a classic association of Quartz with Rhodochrosite from the Sunnyside mine. The Quartz crystals are unusually stubby for this locality, and are virtually water-clear at the tips. They have razor sharp faces with equally impressive reflective luster. The final touch to this piece is the small pink rhombohedra of Rhodochrosite at the base. A great quality thumbnail of this well known material. Locality: Sunnyside mine, near Gladstone, San Juan County, Colorado Specimen Size: 2.4 x 2.1 x 1.7 cm.
No. Tet SH TN 8071 The Sweet Home mine is obviously known for it's amazing Rhodochrosite specimens, but the mine has also yielded some very fine quality sulfide specimens. This little beauty features an attractive group of sharp, lustrous, metallic black Tetrahedrite crystals on gemmy, colorless, "needle" Quartz matrix with a few tiny accenting pink Rhodochrosite rhombs. There are also a few Chalcopyrite crystals on the reverse side of the specimen making this a great association piece. Obviously, with the mine now closed, these pieces will increase in value in the coming years. Locality: Sweet Home mine, near Alma, Park County, Colorado Specimen Size: 2.8 x 2.3 x 2.0 cm. Largest Tetrahedrite: 1.0 cm.
No.
Sphal CO TN 8073 The Commodore mine has produced some of the most colorful and
attractive Sphalerite specimens in all of Colorado, or the United States
for that matter. These specimens were all over the market 30 years ago,
and now they are highly prized and highly sought after by Colorado
collectors. My brother has cut some of the most vivid and sparkling
gemstones from broken Sphalerite crystals that came out of the Commodore
and they have always sold the second he puts them out for sale. I can
only think of a few world localities that produce/produced such superb
gemmy Sphalerite crystals in any quantity over the last 50 years, and
the specimens from Creede truly are classics. This specimen features
dramatic, complexly crystallized/twinned, sharp, lustrous, multi color
(green, gold and orange) crystals surrounding a golden Chalcopyrite
crystal. When the Sphalerite is backlit, it shows rich color and is
clearly gemmy enough to facet superb quality gems. Do not miss out on
this historic and flashy Colorado Sphalerite. Locality: Emperious vein, Commodore mine, Creede, Mineral
County, Colorado Specimen Size: 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.2 cm.
No.
Hem CO TN 8071 Everybody knows about the world-class Amazonite specimens from
Colorado, but this region also produces some very attractive
pseudomorphs of Hematite after Siderite. These classic pseudomorphs are
among some of my most favorite of all Colorado minerals. I have a strong
love for "black" minerals, and these pieces always will have a special
place in my heart. For what it is, this is a very good thumbnail of this
classic material. It features several steel-grey, sharp, rhombohedra of
Hematite after Siderite forming a sculptural and eye-catching crystal
group on pinkish Microcline matrix. The piece is actually displayable
from several angles, and is crystallized on all sides. Locality: TG Pocket, Teller County, Colorado Specimen Size: 2.8 x 2.5 x 2.0 cm.
No.
Ameth TN 8071 This was not a particularly well
known or large find, but I remember when these pieces hit the market
years ago. This is honestly the best thumbnail from this find that I
have seen, although there may be others. The Amethyst crystal is
pristine with a light lilac color and razor sharp faces aesthetically
flaring off matrix. If you're a Colorado collector, this would make a
great addition to any collection for the unique locality. Locality: Biedell Gulch, Colorado Specimen Size: 2.5 x 2.2 x 1.3 cm.
|
|
|
Home |
Search |
About Us |
Order |
Links |
©2006 Brian R. Kosnar "Mineral Classics" - P. O. Box 2, Black Hawk, CO 80422
|
