CATALOG 22106 – Volume XLVIII, No. 6ACANTHITE on FLUORITE- Moldava, Teplice District, Czech Republic
Old material collected many years ago by a Czech geologist, comprised primarily of massive fluorite with lesser
calcite and quartz, upon which small, grey-black aggregates of metallic acanthite are scattered, some with
decent micro potential as well. Some secondary copper arsenate minerals occasionally present as well,
specimens average 6 cm across @ just 45.00 each. Limit one per customer, please.
ALUM-(Na)- Vulcano, Lipari Isl., Sicily, Italy
Old Cureton stock comprised of tiny colorless to white, glassy aggregates sparsely scattered in a 3cm corked
glass vial. Ugly stuff but rarely offered at just 15.00 per vial.
AMBER- Jambi Province, Sumatra, Indonesia
An off-beat locality for this relatively young amber, typically just 20 to 30 million years old, here as dark brown to
orange-brown masses comprising matrix, many still showing elongated inclusions of replace, pale colored wood
texture. We have not found any insects yet, but the material is certainly interesting and brilliantly fluorescent
(blue-white, LW and SW UV) as well. Size range from 2.5cm to 6cm across @ just 10.00, 20.00, and 35.00
each. Neat stuff!
BARITE- Cartersville, Bartow Co.,Georgia
An old lot of greyish barite crystals in typical "spearpoints" on little matrix. A label in the flat indicated
"Centerville, Georgia", but by comparison to other specimens in our inventory, it was clear these were from the
Cartersville Mining District. Vintage is probably 1960s or 1970s, and the crystals are somewhat flat, opaque, but
in decent upstanding groups that make for good reference specimens. Most specimens have 1cm to 2.5 cm crude crystals, overall in the 4cm to 5 cm matrix size range at just 20.00 each, one exceptional, large group, ex-
Mecke Collection, about (x6cm with crystals to 5cm tall @ 95.00. One only of the latter!
BAYLDONITE- Loman Mine, Mineral Co., Nevada
Micro, medium green botryoids of vitreous bayldonite sparsely scattered on matrix, typically with dull, earthy
yellowish masses of a Pb-Sb-oxide that is likely oxyplumboromeite or a similar phase. An obscure locality near
the former Simon Mine in the Bell Mining District, specimens from about 2cm to 4cm @ 8.50, 12.50 and 20.00
each, some with micro potential as well.
CALCITE- Tonglushan Mine, Daye, Hubei, China
Featured in the September 2021 issue of Mineral News, we have an excellent selection of what we consider
among the finest calcite examples China has produced to date. Specimens show large (to 9cm) scalenohedral,
slightly lavender-hued crystals on matrix, some doubkly terminated, or wildly striated, deliciously transparent
equant contact twinned crystals to 7cm, excluding matrix! All are undamaged and very aesthetic, high-end
specimens, sizes from 6cm to 10cm across, not cheap, at 600.00 to 2500.00 each! Check out the article for
images, and specific inquiries invited.
CHALCEDONY pseudo @ ARAGONITE- Rancho Coyamito, Sierra del Gallego Mexico
Among the most famous of Chihuahua agates, the Coyamitos rarely show elongated "bars" of aragonite that
have been replaced by the chalcedony, displaying "fingers" that reach into the agate core. Depending on how
the agates are cut, they can appear as occasional "eyes" as well. We have several very colorful, expertly
polished, end-cut nodular specimens showing the pseudomorphs, sizes from about 7cm wide to 11cm wide @
just 75.00, 100.00 and 125.00 each, others selling these for $150 to $2500! If you prefer smaller, finely banded Coyamitos without the pseudos, we have many polished nodular halves, most with deep red, brown, grey and/or white concentric banding and occasional quartz centers, very attractive and very reasonable for this quality of complete halves, sizes from about 2.5cm to 4.5cm across @ just 15.00, 25.00 and 40.00 each, very far below the $100 to $500 prices elsewhere! Wonderful old stuff, and we can even supply an assortment of five polished halves for just 100.00!
CHALCEDONY pseudo @ RHIZOLITHS- Central Java, Indonesia
Weird stuff, here as stalactitic fingers of chalcedony, all with hollow centers often purported to be pseudomorphs
after fossil bamboo wood. Colors tend to be pale cream to light brownish, and these are lightly tumbled polished,
most showing interesting external ridges and forms with varying sizes of the columnar central voids. We've seen
them offered simply as "stalactites", as well as pseudos after fossil bamboo, but they are likely after earlier
cores of iron oxide rhizoliths. These range from about 2.5cm to 6cm in length with varying thickness and weight,
specimens priced at 30.00, 40.00, 50.00 and 75.00 each.
CLINOBISVANITE- Linka Mine, Lander Co., Nevada
This uncommon bismuth vanadate occurs here a brightly colored yellowish orange masses scattered on rock
matrix, occasionally with other secondary bismuth minerals. Both chemically and structurally confirmed, we have
a modest supply of specimens from about 2cm up to nearly 4.5cm across @ 15.00, 25.00, 45.00 and 65.00
each, depending on richness.
DIAMOND - Macle Twin- Oranjemund, Orange River, Namibia
After combing through our extensive inventory of diamond crystals, we have located several gemmy,
transparent white macle twins from this prolific area that borders South Africa. These transparent crystals have
the shape of an equilateral triangle, rather flat in aspect, but all quite clean and gemmy. Good examples of these
interesting crystallographic habits are on hand, the best one illustrated in the October, 2021 issue of Mineral
News, a gemmy 1.43 cts, 8x6x3mm @ 745.00. Also one smaller: 0.81 cts 7x6x2mm @ 480.00
DOMEYKITE variety MOHAWKITE- Mohawk Mine, Keeweenaw Co., Michigan
Mohawkite is a complex mixture of copper arsenides that are primarily domeykite, algodonite, rarely paxite and
As-rich copper that form rich metallic masses in exceptionally dense matrix specimens, occasionally with
potential rammerlsbergite and other phases. Rarities such as jeankempite and others have not (yet) been
confirmed in the few specimens we have studied, but "hope springs eternal." Small but heavy specimens first
acquired prior to 1959, ranging from about 2cm to 5cm across @ just 10.00, 20.00 and 35.00 each from this
classic locality for which the mixture assemblage was named.
DUMORTIERITE in QUARTZ xls- Vaca Morta Quarry, Boquira, Bahia, Brazil
Excellent, bright blue needles and sparys of dumortierite included in transparent, terminated quartz crystals.
Specimens range from 1cm mounted micros to 2.5cm thumbnails, all with fine color and crystal form. An
interesting and uncommon inclusion, these first hitting the market in 2015 and now disappearing. Mounted 1cm
micros @ 30.00 and 35.00 each, thumbnails @ 35.00 and 45.00 each, all depending on aesthetics. Pretty stuff,
and one source claims these are blue dravite crystals, but we are sticking with dumoretierite!
FLUORLUANSHIWEIITE IMA 2019-053- Shuk-Byul Peg. Sangilen Uppland,Tuva Russi
This NEW SPECIES presnts as rich, pale pink to lavender micaceous platy lamellar aggregates on greyish
quartz matrix. Formula: KLiAl1.5(Si3.5Al0.5)O10F2 - monoclinic, a new member of the mica group, IMA #2019-
053, the fluorine analogue of luanshiweiite. Second world occurrence, rich specimens average 2.5cm across @
95.00 each.
FORMANITE-(Y)- Cooglegone, Western Australia, Australia
This rather non-descript mineral occurs here as dull brownish masses richly scattered in and comprising matrix.
Very old material from the original find at the type locality, specimens average about 2-3mm @ 25.00 each. Rare!
GEARKSUTITE- Skunk Mine, Jamestown D, Boulder Co. Colorado
A obscure locality not present in Mindat, gearksutite occurs here as dull, greyish-white masses lightly scattered
in an argillaceous granodiorite matrix. We acquired these sometime prior to 1980, and just stumbled across
them here in the warehouse. Distressingly unappealing but interesting nonetheless for the locality, sizes from
1cm to 5cm @ just 7.50, 15.00 and 30.00 each. If someone has a very old edition of Minerals of Colorado,
perhaps it can be found therein, but the modern hardcover notes several mines in the Jamestown District, but
not this one!!
GEDRITE- Skisshyttan, Dalarna, Sweden
From a well known locality for the species, gedrite occurs here as black, radiaiting aggregates well-scattered in
matrix. The material is known for the metavulcanite rock matrix, reported to be 1.7 billion years old! Specimens
range in size from 2cm to 6cm across at just 10.00, 20.00, 35.00 and 50.00 each, all with relatively good
coverage.
GISMONDINE-Ca- Osa Quarry, Roma, Italy
White to colorless gismondine-Ca crystals (1-3mm), some occurring with tiny spheres of phillipsite in small but
attractive specimens. These have had some great micro potential due to the potential presence of ludwigite and
aschcroftine found in some examples after trimming (but not found in these, unfortunately)! Specimens from
2cm to 4cm @ 20.00, 30.00 and 45.00.
HELVITE- Discovery Gulch, Sierra Co., New Mexico
Dark brownish, glassy crystalline aggregates and masses of richly scattered helvite in matrix from this well
known Iron Mountain No. 2 District. Once cited as "far more abundant here than in any other locality so far
reported in America" when discovered in 1941; we have a few old specimens likely collected from the 1942
USGS excavations, ranging in size from about 2cm to nearly 6cm across @ 15.00, 25.00, 45.00, and 60.00,
priced according to richness.
KAERSUTITE- near Hoover Dam, Mojave Co., Arizona
One of the few titanium bearing amphibole minerals, kaersutite occurs as greenish black glassy crystals frozen
in camptonite rock matrix, with occasional prism faces evident. First described from the area around 1950,
these are reasonably priced specimens with moderate coverage, 3cm to nearly 6cm @ 15.00, 20.00, 30.00 and
45.00 each.
KELLYITE w/ ALLEGHANYITE- Bald Knob, nr. Sparta, Alleghany Co North Carolin
Moderately rare, tiny yellow-brown micro platelets of kellyite, variously admixed with pinkish alleghanyite,
sonolite, and galaxite as typical assocaitions. Author's material and type locality for both kellyite and
alleghanyite, lean but quite good for the species, samples measuring 1.5cm to 3.5cm @ 20.00, 30.00, and 45.00
each.
LAURIONITE- Pacha Limani area, Lavrion, Attika, Greece
Excellent millimeter or smaller sized crysals of laurionite, colorless and transparent, as individuals and groups in
vugs in the ancient slag this locality is famous for. Good micro material, and may be associated with phosgenite,
aragonite etc. In matrix sizes from 2.5cm to early 4cm @ 35.00, 55.00, and 75.00 each, depending on quality.
MAGNESIOFERRITE- Langban, Varmland, Sweden
Minute, sharp black octahedral micro crystals and aggregates richly scattered in fluorescent (SW=hot pink)
matrix, possibly with other phases. Old material from this classic locality, matrix sizes from 2cm to nearly 5cm @
35.00, 55.00 and 80.00 each, with a copy of our confirming EDS analysis.
MANGANOBADALOVITE IMA 2020-035- Arsenatnaya Fumerole, Kamchatka, Russia
Yet another NEW SPECICES from the remarkable Tolbachik volcano, here as minute, reddish-brown to
yellowish-brown coarse crystals, often associated with black, platy hematite. Formula: Na2Mn(MgFe3+)(AsO4)3
-monoclinic, IMA # 2020-035. A new member of the alluaudite supergroup, very tiny crystal groups from the
type (and only) occurrence, offered in a capsule @ 150.00 each.
NATROJAROSITE with JAROSITE- Jean Baptist Mine, Kamariza, Lavrion Greece
Rich crusts of drusy, honey-yellow lustrous crystals to 1mmscattered on gossan matrix, all moderately zoned
and disclosing natrojarosite (Na>K) as well as jarosite (K>Na) in atomic proportions. An interesting locality from
an analytically confirmed find of about 10 years ago, specimens with good micro potential ranging from about
2cm to 4cm across @ 20.00, 30.00 and 45.00 each.
ONORATOITE- Cetine Mine, Siena Prov., Tuscany, Italy
Unusually well crystallized specimens consisting of a small, white radiating spray of needle-like crystals of
onoratoite perched on a dark greyish matrix. Type locality material, collected in the to early 1970s. An
uncommon Sb8Cl2O11 phase, average sizes from 2.5cm to 3.5cm @ 25.00 and 45.00 each.
PENFIELDITE with PSEUDOBOLEITE- Margarita Mine, Sierra Gorda, Chile
Older material collected over 20 years ago at this prolific lead-producing mine, penfiledite occurs here as
aggregates and rarely elongated micro crystals perched on matrix, typically with blue pseudoboleite, galena and
possibly other species. The specimens are quite rich regardless of degree of crystalization, as evidenced by the
wide coverage seen under SW UV in which the penfieldite fluoresces bright yellow-orange. Only a few samples
on hand, sizes from about 2cm to 7cm across @ 25.00, 45.00, 75.00 and 100.00 each, priced according to
quality, not necessarily size.
PROUSTITE etc.- Freiberg, Saxony, Germany
An old specimen, ex-Krantz, ex-Thurston, ex-Cilen collections, comprised of a heavy hand specimen of typical
Freiberg ore, here with several tiny areas of deep red proustite aggregates, associated with massive native arsenic, calcite and likely other phases. We have pinpointed (our usual copper arrows) a few areas on different
sides of the speicemsn to help viewing under the 'scope, and the specimen is about 7x6x3.5 cm @ 125.00, with
a bunch of old labels, too.
RHABDOBORITE-(Mo) IMA 2019-114- Arsenatnaya Fumerole, Kamchatka, Russia
This NEW SPECIES, occurs here at the type locality as minute aggregates of acicular prismastic crystals,
sometimes with colorless to white anhydrite. Formula: Mg12Mo6+1.33O6(BO3)6F2 - hexagonal, IMA # 2019-
114. A microscopic companion to the (V) and (W) dominant species from the same locality, tiny crystals
mounted on 1cm adhesive disks @ 165.00 each. The only known mineral with essential boron and
molybdenum!
RHODESITE- nr. Trinity River, Trinity Co., California
This uncommon species occurs here as white, somewhat pearly fibrous compact masses and veinlets in and on
volcanic rock matrix. Associations at the locality include mountainite and possibly other phases, specimens
weakly fluorescent (blue-white) with sizes from about 1cm to 7cm @ 20.00, 40.00 65.00, 95.00 and 125.00
each. Old stock, ex-Cureton, from near the east fork of the Trinity.
RICHELSDORFITE- Burrus Mine, nr. Reno, Washoe Co., Nevada
Excellent neon-blue, spongy crystalline aggregates and stacked tabular crystal aggregates of richelsdorfite
scattered in vugs and in matrix, typically with malachite, chrysocolla and possibly other species. Old material
collected many years ago from this now-sealed silver mine. Fine for the species, good micro potential on the
better pieces, and matrix sizes from 1.5cm to nearly 5cm @ 10.00, 15.00, 25.00 and 35.00 each.
RYABCHIKOVITE - IMA 2021-011- Arsenatnaya Fumerole, Kamchatka, Russia
Another NEW SPECIES from the prolific Tolbachik volcano, a unique occurrence of the first copper pyroxene!
The mineral occurs as minute, epitaxial crusts on grey diopside, typically with micro black, platy hematite as
well. Formula: CuMgSi2O6, monoclinic, IMA # 2021-011. The diopside crystals as vey small (~1mm) and are
offered in a 2cm screw-top vial; you will need your microscope on these, and only a few available, author's
material, @ 195.00 each. Type locality, of course!
SAPOZHNIKOVITE IMA 2021-030- Mt. Karnasurt, Lovozero, Kola, Russia
This NEW SPECIES occurs as colorless to white equant grains to 2mm scattered in massive nepheline syenite
matrix. Associations include alkal feldspars, aegirine etc. The mineral is Na8(Al6Si6O12(HS)2, cubic, IMA #
2021-030. The mineral is strongly fluorescent (bright orange) under LW UV fluorescent, weakly yellow-orange
under SE-UV. Specimens average 1-1.5cm @ 135.00 each.
SCHEELITE- Chashan Mine, Linwu, Hunan, China
Attractive, transparent to cloudy white tetragonal crystals and groups of scheelite to 1cm are richly scattered
over the surface of a dense limestone matrix. The crystals are well-formed and undamaged, and all are
brilliantly fluorescent (blue-white, SW UV) as well. Excellent specimens, sizes from about 2.5cm to nearly 7cm
across @ 100.00, 150.00 and 350.00 each, all pictured on our website in the "More Best of China" section. List
alternates!
SHUISKITE-(Cr) - IMA #2019-117- Glavnoe Saranovskoe,Sarany,Perm Krai Russia
The NEW SPECIES occurs as very tiny prismatic crystals without matrix, presented in a 2cm screw-top vial.
This is the richest chromium member of the pumpellyite group, and it shows an interesting color change as well.
Formula: Ca2CrCr2[SiO4][Si2O6(OH)](OH)2O, monoclinic, IMA # 2019-117.The crystals are green under
daylight, and greyish purple under incandescent light, much like alexandrite. Sizes average <1mm @ 165.00
each, and you will need magnification on these!
SODDYITE- Musonoi, Katanga, (ex-Shaba, Zaire) Dem Rep Congo
Old specimens comprised of deep yellow soddyite richly scattered in seams and exposed vugs in/on uraniferous
rock, occasionally with minor malachite and/or other uranium species, most from the collection of uranium
expert Eric Quinter. Classic material from this prolific uranium-producing locality, these good quality specimens
range from 2.5cm to 5cm across @ 125.00 and 250.00 each. Hot stuff!
STELLERITE- Malmberget, Gallivare, Norbotten, Sweden
Attractive, orange-hued balls of radiating stellerite crystal groups on matrix, comprised of pinkish microcline,
shot through with a number of black, iron-rich veins and masses. Moderately attractive material, specimens from
3cm to 6cm across @ 20.00, 30.00 and 45.00 each; one larger but leaner 10x7 cm specimen @ 65.00. List
alternates.
STEPHANITE with POLYBASITE- Champion Mine, Deer Lodge Co., Montana
From an old locality, we offered these more than 20 years ago and promptly lost them in our old warehouse in
New York. Recently relocated, these had been analytically confirmed, although still quite ugly as thin metallic
grey intergrowths and disseminated masses of these two unusual silver-antimony sulfides in a quartz-rich
matrix, occasionally with pyrite and possibly other phases. Matrix sizes from about 2.5cm to 6cm across @
20.00, 35.00 and 50.00 each, priced according to richness, not necessarily overall size.
VUONNEMITE- Poudrette Q., Mont St. Hilaire, Que. Canada
This uncommon mineral occurs here as tiny, pale yellowish crystals and aggregates sparsely scttered in matrix,
occasionally with steenstrupine or possibly other species. Old material from the Van Velthuizen find of the 1980s
at this prolific locality, all specimens with arrows, overall sizes from about 2.5cm to 6cm @ 30.00, 55.00 and
85.00; one 11x7cm specimen @ 200.00.
WAVELLITE- Milina, Olesna, Beroun District, Czech Republic
From another relatively obscure phosphate locality, these wavellites form translucent to pearly white, very thin
flattened sprays on exposed seams on sedimentary rock matrix. Representative material, generally pleasing in
appearance, priced according to quality, larger matrix sizes from 4cm to 9cm @ only 15.00, 30.00, and 55.00
each. Nice older stuff from a Czech geologist!
WEEKSITE- Anderson Mine, Yavapai Co., Arizona
Bright yellow masses of minute, drusy weeksite scattered in seams and on chalcedony matrix, some with minor
carnotite or other admixed secondary uranium minerals. Colorful material, matrix sizes from 2.5cm to 6cm @
12.50, 20.00, 35.00 and 50.00 each.
WULFENITE- San Francisco Mine, Cucurpe, Sonora Mexico
From an old hoard, we have located a colorful lot of translucent to transparent, butter-scotch yellow tabular
wulfenite crystals to 1.5cm scattered on matrix in colorful and reasonably attractive groups. Many have micro
yellow mimetite associated as well, and these modern classics range from about 3cm to 6cm across @ 20.00,
35.00 and 55.00 each, depending on quality. Expect some bruising despite being packed in soap powder for
more than 40 years!
BOOKS
Geology of the Gogebic Iron Range of Wiscosin by H.R. Aldrich
A hard cover edition of Wisconsin Geology and Natural History Survey Bulletin No. 71, over 275 pages and
complete with all fold out maps, some in color, as originally issued, plus plates, tables and township maps. An
uncommon, bound but worn copy of this important 1929 publication @ 85.00. One only!
Copper Range Company - Annual Reports - Michigan
We have an assortment of 29 different annual reports of the Copper Range Company that operated in
Michigan's copper country, also owning at various times the Champion Copper Company, Copper Range
Railroad Company, Baltic Mine, White Pine Mine etc. The reports are generally soft-cover and range between
1902 and 1954, and a few have b/w images of properties. One of the founders of Paine-Webber (William A.
Paine) was among the many presidents, and there is a load of interesting reading in these reports. Take the
lot of 29 different for just 75.00 plus postage!
Geology of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan by Paull & Paull
A rebound softcover edition of this scarce publication, well indexed and with black & white images covering this
area, including parts of adjacent staes when geologically significant. Over 200 pages of text in a 9x7.5 format,
with much useful information @ just 40.00. Quite uncommon!
GEMS
CAT'S EYE CABOCHONS- Manmade
The fiber optics industry has spawned many interesting artifacts, and these cat's eye (aka "fiber eye")
cabochons are an outgrowth of the technology. All are precision cut 25x18 mm ovals, and they were produced
in variety of attractive, translucent colors, each showing excellent chatoyancy in the form of a longitudinal line.
We have seen these for silly prices passed off as genuine stones, but we offer a set of six different colors for
just 25.00 a set! Kinda cool....
ELBAITE TOURMALINE- Minas Gerais, Brazil
A wonderful selection of deep green, fully transparent faceted tourmaline, these primarily in free-form elongated
baguette shapes, varying in size from about 8x2mm to 12x4mm, weighing from about 0.5 carats to 1.3 carats
each. We have assembled a few choice lots of 8 stones, averaging a little over 6 carats in total weight, at just
55.00 per lot - less than 10.00 per carat!
RUBELLITE TOURMALINE- Minas Gerais, Brazil
Attractive, pinkish-red tourmaline (elbaite variety rubellite) in faceted 8x6mm calibrated ovals. These average
about 1.3 carats each and are offered at a bargain price of just 20.00 per stone, or three nicely boxed and
matched for just 50.00 per lot! Limited stock, so order early.
UVITE TOURMALINE- Brumado, Bahia, Brazil
Excellent, honey colored to root-beer brown transparent faceted uvite tourmalines, these as well-cut and fairly
clean trillion shapes. Excellent transparency, these are likely heat treated (as are most commercial stones these
days) and the sizes range from about 5mm to 9mm, weights in the 1 carat to nearly 3 carat range at just 15.00,
30.00 and 50.00 each. A few matched pairs at two times the single stone price are available
NEW ARRIVALS ON WEBSITE-
www.excaliburmineral.comWe have added many specimens with photographs to our website in the "Best of China", "More Best of China"
and Photo Gallery "New Arrivals" sections. There are a wide range of modestly attractive specimens with prices
that range from 15.00 to 4000.00, most well under 500.00. Check them out at
www.excaliburmineral.com.