Thumbnail
Mix
August 2007
No.
CalCh TN 8071
Calcite - $100These Calcite specimens are well
known for their attractive basal scalenohedra or "barrel"-shaped
crystals (many are also tabular in habit), and this is truly the only
thumbnail specimen of this material that I've seen period. When these
specimens first came out, they instantly reminded me of the old classic
Calcites from St. Andreasberg, Germany as they were very similar in
habit, luster, color and gemminess. They even have "white caps" like
many of the St. Andreasberg pieces I have seen. It seems that these
specimens have quickly disappeared from the market in recent years and I
believe any Chinese collection or any Calcite collection needs one of
these specimens because they are very distinctive and attractive. A very
fairly priced thumbnail of this beautiful material.
Locality: Fozichong (Fuzichong) Orefield, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous
Region, China.
Specimen Size: 3.8 x 1.7 x 0.9 cm.
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No.
Amaz TN 8071
Microcline (var: "Amazonite") - $200Simply put, the finest Amazonite crystals
in the world are found in around the Pike's Peak Batholith. The area has
continued to produce fine quality crystals for the better part of a
century. Here we have a very sharp, lustrous, rich blue green color
Amazonite crystal that is complete on all sides. The color is nearly as
good as it gets for Amazonite, and the crystal itself is actually
translucent around the edges! This specimen was collected by the late
George Fisher, a very prominant field collector of Amazonite specimens
in Colorado for years.
Locality: Pike's Peak area, Park County, Colorado
Specimen Size: 3.3 x 2.5 x 2.2 cm.
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No. Sphal IN TN 8071
Sphalerite - $125It is a real treat to see such a fine matrix Sphalerite specimen from
this locality. This quarry is best known for its distinctive golden
scalenohedral Calcite specimens, but Sphalerites are few and far
between, especially in attractive display specimens such as this. The
piece features a wonderful, sharp, lustrous. black crystal cluster of
Sphalerite aesthetically sitting on matrix. The piece is not a
thumbnail, but believe it could easily be trimmed down to create a
superb competition-quality thumbnail if one so desired. The piece is
just as impressive as a miniature, and is one of the best specimens in
this size range that I have had to offer.
Locality: Berry Materials Corp. Quarry, North Vernon, Jennings
County, Indiana
Specimen Size: 5.5 x 3.5 x 2.5 cm.
Sphalerite Crystal Group: 2.0 cm. across
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No. Preh TN 8071
Prehnite on Quartz -
$350
DISCOUNTED NEARLY 30% TO
$250
This new find of greenish yellow Prehnites has really made an
impression on me because they are some of the finest quality
crystallized Prehnites that I have encountered in a long time. The
combination of rich vibrant color along with wonderfully gemmy lustrous
crystallization puts them in the upper ranks for quality of any Prehnite
specimens around. These specimens are from the same mines that produce
the world famous gem Tanzanite crystals in Tanzania. This piece is one
of the few matrix Prehnites that I've seen from this locality featuring
beautiful, lustrous, gemmy, greenish yellow "clamshell"-shaped crystals
forming a spherical crystal aggregate aesthetically sitting atop a gemmy
colorless Quartz crystal fragment. The Prehnite itself is virtually
undamaged and the color is actually more vibrant in person than the
photos might indicate. The piece could easily be trimmed down to create
a "box buster" thumbnail.
Locality: Block C, Merelani Mines, Umba Valley, Lelatema Mountains,
Arusha Region, Tanzania
Specimen Size: 3.5 x 2.7 x 2.0 cm.
Prehnite "Sphere": 1.7 cm. across
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No.
Gal TN 8071
Galena - $95
A striking and rather dramatic large thumbnail size specimen
comprised of steel-grey cubic Galena crystals with minor octahedral
modifications and unique epitaxial overgroths of additional
cuboctahedral Galena crystals all of which are associated with minor
reddish-brown Sphalerite on matrix. The large crystal at the top of the
specimen is complete all the way around and virtually undamaged. This
district has produced some of the most prolific Galena specimens in the
world, and the value of these specimens has steadily been on the rise in
recent years. A piece like this would be very difficult to replace at
any price due to the unique crystals and aesthetic orientation.
Locality: Picher Field, Tri-State District, Ottawa County, Oklahoma
Specimen Size: 3.5 x 2.2 x 1.7 cm.
Largest Galena: 1.3 cm. on edge
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No.
CuFeS TN 8071
Chalcopyrite - $30A very sculptural Chalcopyrite
crystal that almost looks like it was etched, but actually shows sharp
faces on all sides. Associated at the base of the crystal are some small
black Sphalerite crystals and grey cubic Galena crystals. A few people
who haved looked at this piece tell me that it resembles a duck or a
snake depending upon how you view it. No matter how you view it, it has
to be one of the most unique Chalcopyrite crystals to ever come out of
the famous Huanzala mine, and a real bargain considering its unusual
form.
Locality: Huanzala Mine, Huallanca District, Dos de Mayo Province,
Huanuco Department, Peru
Specimen Size: 2.9 x 1.5 x 0.8 cm.
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No.
Whew TN 8071
Whewellite - $200
This is a truly classic example of this material showing a delightful
"fan"-shaped aggregate with accenting sidecard crystals of a snow white
color. The piece shows slight translucency around the edges with an
almost silky appearance on the surface. These specimens are often small
and nearly impossible to find on the market, especially in the United
States. This is one of the most attractive Whewellite specimens that I
have offered and would make a great addition to not only a thumbnail
collection, but any German mineral collection, or an overall European
mineral collection.
Locality: Vein Erma II, East Block 1159, 1575 level, Mine 377,
Hartenstein, Saxony, Germany
Specimen Size: 2.0 x 1.8 x 1.3 cm.
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No. Cu Kaz TN 8071
Copper - $200
Most people are familiar with the extraordinary Copper specimens that
show amazing skeletal forms and dramatic twinning. I consider this to be
one of the most significant Copper discoveries in the last 50 years, and
they have already proven themselves as modern-day classics. The quality,
sharpness and dramatic crystal growth have set these pieces apart from
other crystallized Copper specimens around the world. This piece is an
elegant thumbnail specimen resembling a "feather" in appearance and is
comprised of razor sharp "Spinel"-Law twinned crystals with a fabulous
patina. For the size and aesthetics, I think it is very fairly priced,
especially because it is undamage and complete on all sides.
Locality: Itauz Mine, Dzhezkazgan Oblast, Kazakhstan
Specimen Size: 3.0 x 0.9 x 0.4 cm.
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No.
Cu Kaz TN 8072
Copper - $350Most people are familiar with the
extraordinary Copper specimens that show amazing skeletal forms and
dramatic twinning. I consider this to be one of the most significant
Copper discoveries in the last 50 years, and they have already proven
themselves as modern-day classics. The quality, sharpness and dramatic
crystal growth have set these pieces apart from other crystallized
Copper specimens around the world. This stout specimen is my favorite
piece of those posted in this update showing multiple layered skeletal "Spinel"-Law
twins forming an appealling "arrowhead"-shaped crystal group. The
reddish patina on this specimen gives it an antique appearance, and
truly stands out among many others that I've seen from this classic
locality.
Locality: Itauz Mine, Dzhezkazgan Oblast, Kazakhstan
Specimen Size: 3.0 x 1.1 x 1.1 cm.
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No. Cu Kaz TN 8073
Copper - $200
Most people are familiar with the extraordinary Copper specimens that
show amazing skeletal forms and dramatic twinning. I consider this to be
one of the most significant Copper discoveries in the last 50 years, and
they have already proven themselves as modern-day classics. The quality,
sharpness and dramatic crystal growth have set these pieces apart from
other crystallized Copper specimens around the world. This slender
thumbnail displays some rather sharp Copper crystals in a "herringbone"
arrangement which are capped off by a beautiful "heart"-shaped twinned
crytal at the top. The piece alternates between bright shiny Copper
colored areas and a very dark grey patina which gives it great
character. This is by far one of the most aesthetic Coppers that I've
seen in this size for Itauz.
Locality: Itauz Mine, Dzhezkazgan Oblast, Kazakhstan
Specimen Size: 3.4 x 0.7 x 0.3 cm.
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No. Cu Kaz TN 8074
Copper - $200
Most people are familiar with the extraordinary Copper specimens that
show amazing skeletal forms and dramatic twinning. I consider this to be
one of the most significant Copper discoveries in the last 50 years, and
they have already proven themselves as modern-day classics. The quality,
sharpness and dramatic crystal growth have set these pieces apart from
other crystallized Copper specimens around the world. This is the only
matrix specimen in the update and really catches one's attention. The "Spinel"-law
twinned Copper crystals on this specimen are rather sharp with a bright
reddish hue. The piece is truly aesthetic and it is one of the finest
matrix Coppers that I've seen from this renown mine.
Locality: Itauz Mine, Dzhezkazgan Oblast, Kazakhstan
Specimen Size: 3.1 x 1.8 x 0.5 cm.
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No.
Cav TN 8071
Cavansite - $150
Cavansite is one of my favorite "new" species of the last 30 years
and one of the most beloved from the Deccan Trappe in India. The color
of this species is what attracts collectors, and Cavansite from India
does not receive nearly the appreciation it deserves, considering that
it does not get any better from any locality. One day, more people will
not take Cavansite for granted and will appreciate it for how great it
truly is. This piece features a great isolated, superb, sharp, lustrous,
totally crystallized, intense blue spherical aggregate of Cavansite
sitting on bladed Heulandite matrix. The piece displays beautifully from
either side, but like the other miniatures in this update, this piece
could possibly be trimmed down to create a very attractive thumbnail. I
know these specimens are rather common nowadays, but one day there won't
be any more, and you'll be paying a premium to get an decent one.
Locality: Wagholi, (near Pune), Maharashtra State, India
Specimen Size: 4.2 x 3.5 x 3.3 cm.
Largest Cavansite Aggregate: 2.0 cm.
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No.
FL Ch TN 8071
Fluorite - $50
Yaoganxian Fluorites have quickly become some of the most easily recognizable
and abundant Fluorites on the market. These pieces seem to be everywhere
lately, but they will one day no longer be available. This specimen is a
nice little Fluorite showing SUPERB gem clarity (virtually water clear throughout)
and cubic diagonal twinning. The color varies depending upon the lighting
but shows shades of green or blue-green around the edges, and fairly dark
purple "phantoms" near the edges. The piece has some slight damage, thus
the reduced price, but one could have a superb quality gem cut from this
crystal, that's how gemmy it is.
Locality: Yaogangxian mine, Chenzhou, Chenzhou Prefecture, Hunan Province,
China
Specimen Size: 2.8 x 2.6 x 2.2 cm.
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No. Sphal CO TN 8072
Sphalerite - $150
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 a few dramatic, complexely crystallized/twinned, sharp,
semi lustrous, greenish-golden color crystals on a mound of Galena and Chalcopyrite
matrix. When the crystals are backlit, they show rich color and are 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: 3.0 x 2.6 x 1.7 cm.
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No. Dol Br TN 8071
Dolomite (GEM Twin !) with Uvite and Magnesite - $600
Not that I have made it a point to devote a great deal of attention to
Dolomite thumbnails I have seen over the years, but I will say that this
piece is the finest Dolomite thumbnail that I have handled. I must stress
that this specimen looks much better than the photos indicate, and would
thrill any thumbnail collector to own it. Dolomite simply should not get
this good folks. The piece features a spectacular GEM quality twinned crystal
with sharp, glassy faces and an eye-catching cognac color. The Dolomite
is sitting atop a very dark red tabular Uvite crystal with accenting rhombohedra
of colorless Magnesite. I have seen some rather crude Dolomites from this
mine over the years, and until this piece, never once did I consider even
owning one of them. This is the kind of specimen that would fit into any
collection because the quality transcends anything else that I have encountered
from Brumado. A very impressive thumbnail of a species that most collectors
do not often consider a "must have" for their collections.
Locality: Brumado mine, Bahia, Brazil
Specimen Size: 2.4 x 1.5 x 1.2 cm.
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No.
Ves TN 8071
Vesuvianite - $100
This specimen actually hails from the same locality as the famous "Raspberry
Grossulars" from about 10 years ago. This is the only thumbnail of these
Vesuvianites that I have handled, and it would make a great addition to
any Mexican suite, or perhaps a good reference specimen to accompany a "Raspberry
Grossular" you might already own. The specimen hosts a few greenish-brown,
lustrous nearly equant Vesuvianite crystals on matrix. The main crystal
is doubly-terminated and very aesthetically sitting at the top of the specimen.
Locality: Sierra de la Cruz, Mun. de Sierra Mojada, Coahuila, Mexico
Specimen Size: 2.5 x 2.0 x 1.4 cm.
Largest Vesuvianite: 7 mm.
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No. CuFeS TN 8072
Chalcopyrite with Sphalerite and Quartz - $75
This specimen is about 10 years old and is a good full sized thumbnail
for this material. It features a striking sharp Chalcopyrite crystal with
matte luster which is associated with gemmy needle Quartz and black Sphalerite
crystals. A very representative thumbnail of this well known material.
Locality: Nikolaevsky mine, Dal'negorsk, Primorskiy Kray, Russia,
Specimen Size: 2.8 x 2.7 x 1.8 cm.
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No. Sid MSH TN 8071
Siderite - $75
A beautiful cluster of sharp, lustrous, greenish-tan Siderite rhombohedra
from this famous find a few years ago. The Siderite crystals are sitting
on a small pedestal of matrix making for a very nice touch. The edges of
the rhombs are translucent and nearly colorless. It appears that all of
the Siderite crystals are undamaged and I must say this is the best thumbnail
of this material that I have seen. A superb quality specimen of this well
known material.
Locality: Poudrette quarry (Demix quarry), Mont Saint-Hilaire, Rouville
County, Quebec, Canada
Specimen Size: 2.2 x 2.0 x 1.8 cm.
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