CATALOG 21707 – Volume XLIV, No.7ANDRADITE- Ocna de Fier, Banat (ex-Hungary), Romania
An old specimen comprised of desnsely intergrown dodecahedral crystals of murky, brownish green andradite to 6mm richly scattered on the surface of a massive garnet-rich matrix. The piece is ex-Czech National Museum and is accompanied by their label, the locality a significant producer with over 100 species known, many discovered when the region was an active gold mining region and part of Hungary. The specimen measures about 8x5cm @ just 65.00.
(Admin edit) This should be Ariegilatite
https://www.mindat.org/min-51569.html)
ARIEGILAITE (IMA #2016-100)- Hatrurim Basin, Negev Desert, Israel
This NEW SPECIES occurs as minute white crystals scattered in spurrite/brownmillerite matrix, offered here as superbly documented, polished section sample just over 1cm across, accompanied by a color image of the section and a pair of labelled SEM images that pinpoint the species. Full quantitative chemistry is also provided for the specimen; formula BaCa12(SiO4)4(PO4)4F2O - trigonal - IMA #2016-100, the phosphate analog of dargaite. Author's holotype specimen @ 325.00. List alternates!
AZURITE- Chessy, Le Bois d'Oingt, Rhone, France
An old and classic specimen, here as small miniature of thickly tabular, very dark azurite blades densely intergrown and fully comprising matrix, with a trace of green malachite evident as well. Samples from this TYPE LOCALITY may not be as gemmy as those from Tsuemb and elsewhere, they are, nonetheless,
among the most sought-after specimens among collectors. It is reported that the azurites from Chessy were largely mined out by 1845! The piece is ex-Paterson Museum and is accompanied by their rather ratty label, overall size about 3.5cm x 2.5cm @ 225.00.
BABINGTONITE with THOMSONITE- Kouragahana, Shimane Prefecture, Japan
A single specimen comprised of black, highly lustrous micro babingtonite crystals nicely isolated on matrix, associated with several small greyish balls of thomsonite over drusy epidote-encrusted rock. This unusual locality is near the city of Matsue on Honshu Island, and overall specimen size about 4 x 3.5cm @ 30.00. One only, and with modest micro potential as well!
BARICITE- Rapid Creek, Yukon Territory, Canada
From an old hoard, thick micaceous masses of pale "metallic blue" baricite richly comprising matrix. Type locality material, obtained in the 1970s after the species was first described, sizes from single 1cm plates @ 15.00 to larger 2cm to 5cm matrix specimens of high purity @ 25.00, 45.00 and 65.00 each.
BERYL variety AQUAMARINE- Mangochi District, Malawi
Pale blue, translucent vitreous aggregates and masses of aquamarine fully comprise these specimens, a few with trace mica evident. The gem region in this landlocked country (formerly known as Nyasaland) borders Mozambique to the east, but specimens have previously been largely limited to the Zomba region.
Only a few massive samples on hand, sizes from about 2.5cm to 8cm across @ 5.00, 10.00, 20.00 and 35.00 each. One large crystal section about 12x9x7cm on hand @ 100.00.
BETA-ROSELITE with ERYTHRITE- Bou Azzer, Tazenakht, Morocco
An excellent micro specimen, ex-Lou Perloff/Julius Weber collection, nicely mounted in a 2.5cm micro box and showing richly scattered, divergent deep purple platy crystals of erythrite, with a columnar group of lighter pink beta-roselite crystals perched amount the erythrite blades. The piece measures about 2cm
across and is a handsome example of a great association of these two cobalt-rich arsenates. Only one available @ 65.00. Very attractive under the scope!
BRINDLEYITE- Victorio, Luna Co., New Mexico
Rather ugly greenish to brown masses of this rarely recognized mineral, a nickel-rich member of the kaolinite-serpentine group. We have brindleyite as small masses and flakes packed into capsules, varying from tiny aggregates slightly masses, at 35.00 per capsule. Ex-Dr. Sidney Williams, the late mineralogist and manager at Phelps-Dodge's Research Laboratory who described many rare species during his career.
CALCITE (Rare Scepter)- St. Andreasberg, Harz Mts., Germany
A highly unusual crystal from this historic locality, a sharp rhombohedral crystal forms the base for a steeplelike scepter growth comprised of several joined and elongated prisms. A similar sample is pictured in Mindat (ex-Kay Robertson Collection and noted as from an 1800's find). This sample shows a distinctive, rosybrown hue at its core, and it nicely translucent. It also displays a pleasing, dull red fluorescent response as well, under both SW and LW UV. The sample is ex-E.W. Heinrich, famous geologist and mineralogist, and is accompanied by his label. Overall size of this truly superb thumbnail is about 2.5 x 1.5 cm @ 150.00. A highly unusual and excellent TN!
CALEDONITE with LINARITE- Los Azules, Zapallar, Copiapo, Chile
A fairly uncommon Pb-Cu-carbonate-sulfate mineral, the caledonite occurs here as delicate, pale sea-blue micro crystals and aggregates scattered in seams and vugs, associated with striking, dark purplish-blue linarite and potentially other phases in pale rock matrix. Most samples will have good micro potential as well, and specimen sizes range from about 2cm to nearly 5cm across @ 35.00, 50.00 and 65.00 each, depending on coverage.
CLINOZOISITE- Ward Mine, White Pine Co., Nevada
As featured in the September, 2017 issue of Mineral News, this is the first confirmed clinozoisite to be found at this prolific locality. The mineral occurs as pink micro crystals lying flat on a pale grey, cherty matrix. Coverage is relatively lean but obvious, and some have modest micro potential. XRD data is supplied with each sample, and matrix sizes are commensurate with coverage, ranging from about 2cm to 8cm across @ 8.50, 15.00, 30.00 and 45.00 each.
DARAPSKITE- Pampa del Toro, Antofagasta, Chile
A rather ugly mineral, a sodium-nitrate-sulfate-hydrate, occurring here as relatively pure, colorless to tan crusty aggregates comprising matrix. From the type locality, old Gunnell material offered as tiny fragments in a 2cm vial @ 35.00 each. Limited availability!
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 include one of each of the following: 0.81 cts 7x6x2mm @ 480.00; 1.16 cts 8x6x2mm @ 600.00; 1.43 cts 8x6x3mm @ 745.00. List alternates!
ECLOGITE- Newberry, Newberry County, South Carolina
Yes, its a rock, not a mineral, but what a rock! Eclogites are often quite striking in appearance and useful indicators for some diamond occurrences as they represent high-pressure, densely metamorphosed mafic igneous source rocks from mantle depths. These show richly scattered red garnet grains, omphacitic
pyroxene, darker amphiboles and possibly other phases. Specimens from this relatively unexploited locality make superior thin sections and polished sections as well, or you can just study their complexity in hand specimens or under the 'scope! Sizes range from about 3cm to 7cm across, very reasonably offered at just 10.00, 20.00, 30.00 and 45.00 each.
EPIDIDYMITE w/ SERANDITE- Mont St. Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Somewhat blocky, pseudohexagonal opaque white crystals of this uncommon beryllium mineral to 6mm nicely perched on matrix, the rear of the specimen showing bright pinkish, translucent crystals of serandite covering about 75% of the back of the piece! An aesthetic miniature that stands about 3.5cm tall with an
adhered and unobtrusive flexible base @ 175.00. One only!
FLUORITE- Fluorite Ridge, nr. Deming, Luna Co. New Mexico
An old E. W. Heinrich specimen and accompanied by his label, comprised of massive, color-zoned fluorite that ranges from the predominant sea-green to white to red-brown included areas, all quite vitreous and showing interesting fluorescent color zones under LW and SW UV as well. The piece weights just over four
(4) pounds(!!) and measures a hefty 12x9x9 cm @ just 45.00.
GALENA- Sullivan Mine, Kimberley, B.C., Canada
Fine-grained, massive galena with admixed sphalerite and pyrhottite result in an odd, banded metallic ore sample in these rich specimens. Old material, acquired with the unrealized thought of preparing neat polished sections, we offer specimens from 5cm to 7cm @ just 15.00 and 20.00 each. Heavy!
GANOMALITE- Jacobsberg Mine, Varmland, Sweden
Exceptionally rich granular white aggregates of ganomalite intergrown with brilliantly fluorescent (redorange) calcite comprising matrix, most with minor dispersed biotite and possibly other species. The larger pieces are perhaps the richest specimens we've ever offered, sizes from about 1.5cm to an astounding 12cm long @ 15.00, 25.00, 45.00, 65.00, 100.00 and 150.00 each.
GAUDEFROYITE- N'Chwaning II Mine, Kuruman, Rep So Africa
Superb groups of handsome, brilliantly lustrous small black elongated hexagonal crystals of gaudfroyite perched on and covering black manganese ore matrix, some with minor calcite and/or hematite as well. Excellent for the species, these are half the price of similar material of 20 years ago. Only a few specimens on hand, sizes range from TNs @ 25.00 to 4cm specimens @ only 55.00 each! List alternates!
GAYLUSSITE- Lake Amboseli, Rift Valley Province, Kenya
Excellent single crystals and strangely distorted hoppers of translucent gaylussite without matrix. All are at least singly terminated, some better are doubly terminated, and the hoppers are quite sharp and elongated. Only a few mounted TNs @ 20.00 each. Old material from a great locality!
GEDRITE- Skisshyttan, Dalarna, Sweden
From a well known locality for the species, gedrite occurs here as black, radiating 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.
INYOITE with MEYERHOFFERITE- New Pit, Boron, Kern Co., California
From a classic U.S. locality, these are glassy, greyish white aggregates of inyoite richly scattered in matrix, typically with white, opaque meyerhofferite. Specimens range from about 1.5cm to nearly 12cm across @ 12.50, 20.00, 35.00, 50.00 and 75.00 each. Excellent Kazakhstan material also available - inquire!
JOHANNSENITE- Black Hole Prospect, Aravapai Dist. Arizona
Brownish radiating columnar sprays and divergent aggregates of johannsenite richly comprising matrix, originally from the first discovey of the species in Arizona in the early 1960's by the USGS. Specimens range from about 2cm to 6cm across, a few larger, occasionally with minor admixed magnetite, at just 10.00, 17.50 and 25.00 each.
KOGARKOITE- Mt. Princeton Hot Spring, Chaffee Co., Colorado
This uncommon species occurs as minute crystal aggregates and relatively pure cellular masses to 0.5mm intergrown in epsomite matrix, offered as crude fragments in a capsule. The material was once mistakenly identified as schairerite, but subsequent XRD work showed it to be this rare Na-F-sulfate mineral. Originally obtained from Adolf Pabst (pabstite) via Forrest Cureton, only a few available @ just 25.00 each.
LEADHILLITE w/ CALEDONITE- Mammoth-St Anthony Mine, Tiger, Arizona
Rich, pale blue masses of leadhillite comprising about half of this rich specimen, also associated with richly scattered, glassy micro cerussite, paralaurionite and possibly other phases, including an area of intense green micro caledonites! There appear to be other unknowns in this vuggy sample, but we don't have the heart to break it up for further analytical work. A neat, representative leadhillite with moderately good color, overall size about 5x4cm @ 250.00. One only!
LEVANTITE (IMA #2017-010)- Har Parsa, Hatrurim Basin, Negev, Israel
This NEW SPECIES occurs as microscopic crystals and rims in 2cm polished ore sections in a complex matrix of unusual species. Formula: KCa3Al2(SiO4)(Si2O7)(PO4) - monoclinic - IMA #2017-010. Author's holotype and co-type specimens, elegantly presented with a pair of labeled SEM images, a color image of the section and full quantitative chemistry for each individual specimen. A new member of the latiumite group from the west slope of Mt. Parsa @ 285.00 each. Only a few available!
MIMETITE- Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
From an old hoard of material originally supplied by the late Scott Williams some years ago, these are excellent, bright yellow groups and of sheaves of mimetite crystals to 4mm nicely radiating and free-standing on matrix, most mounted in Scott's classic pedestal style in standard TN boxes. Quite attractive, most reach 2.5cm across, and these were prepared more than 25 years ago by one of the more prolific dealers of that time. Fewer than a dozen available @ just 25.00 each. Attractive and most with fine MM potential as well; don't miss these from the heyday of Tsumeb material!
OLIVENITE- Tin Stope, Majuba Hill, Pershing Co. Nevada
From an old-time hoard, we have a half dozen specimens of excellent Tin Stope olivenite, here as sharp and highly lustrous dark green to nearly black micro crystals scattered on dense, rhyolitic matrix. Expertly prepared, most with a saw-cut base, these display well and are priced according to overall quality/size. Specimens range from about 5cm to nearly 10cm across @ 50.00 and 75.00 each. Nice!
PELLYITE- Esquire #8, Big Creek, Fresno Co., California
Dark brown masses of pellyite in matrix, occasionally with other rare barium minerals. An unusual species, these from the most prolific of the few localities we have in stock, matrix sizes from about 1.5cm to 3cm @ 15.00, 25.00 and 40.00 each, depending on richness.
PHURCALITE- Posey Mine, San Juan County, Utah
Phurcalite is available in moderate to richly covered specimens of bright yellow crusts intermixed with sharp acicular tufts of minute crystals. Fluorescent green as well, these make both good hand specimens and fine micromounts. Available as TN's @ 20.00 or larger sized matrix specimens from 5cm to 9cm @ 45.00, 65.00 and 80.00 each.
PYROMORPHITE on BARITE- Machacamarca Mine, Potosi, Bolivia
An unusual locality and occurrence, here as small hexagonal crystals of greyish to dull green pyromorphite lightly scattered over platy, opaque white barite crystals comprising matrix. Collected nearly 20 years ago and recently uncovered in our warehouse, only three specimens are on hand, averaging about 5cm across @ just 35.00 each, all with modest micro potential as well.
RHODOCHROSITE- Camp Bird Mine, Ouray Co., Colorado
We are excited to offer this old material, originally purchased circa 1968 and rarely seen on the market today from this famous Colorado locality. The rhodochrosite occurs as delicate pink druses fully covering the concave side of calcite-rhodochrosite molds, presenting pleasing, dimpled specimens with virtually no rock matrix. The convex side of the samples shows paler rhodochrosite with more prolific white calcite that is brightly fluorescent (red SWUV), these as relatively thin drusy aggregates. Excellent for the locality, originally acquired about 50 years ago, sizes from about 2cm to 6cm across @ 15.00, 30.00, 45.00 and 60.00 each. See one of ours pictured on Mindat; fewer than two dozen available from this old find!
RICHELSDORFITE- Burrus Mine, nr. Reno, Washoe Co., Nevada
Excellent neon-blue, spongy crystalline aggregates and stacked tabular crystals of richelsdorfite scattered in vugs in matrix, typically with malachite, chrysocolla and possibly other species. Old material recently uncovered in our warehouse, fine for the species, good micro potential on the better pieces, and matrix sizes from 1.5cm to nearly 4cm @ 10.00, 15.00, 25.00 and 35.00 each.
ROBERTSITE- Tip Top Pegmatite, Custer Co., South Dakota
This phosphate mineral, named for the well known mineralogist and author Willard Roberts, occurs as medium to dark brown crystalline coatings scattered over a phosphate rock matrix. The robertsite is distinguished by its radiating structure, and is associated with the typical group of secondary phosphates this locality is well known for. Sizes from 2.5cm to 6cm @ 15.00, 25.00, 35.00, and 50.00 each. Similar material from the White Elephant Mine also available - inquire!
RODALQUILARITE- Joe Shaft, Tombstone, Cochise Co., Arizona
Pale yellowish green flattened aggregates of this rare tellurium mineral scattered on rock matrix, occasionally with other species. From the famous discovery of about 45 years ago, then only the third world locality for the species. We have specimens from 1.5cm to 6cm across @ 10.00, 20.00, 35.00, 50.00, 75.00.
ROSASITE with HEMIMORPHITE- Nevada Superior Mine, Pershing Co., Nevada
This little-known locality first produced a smattering of Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu minerals in 1905, and this material is the first reported occurrence for rosasite, as well as hemimorphite from the mine! Rosasite forms tiny, latestage blue botryoids and isolated balls in a brown, quartz-rich gossan matrix, some with tiny sheaves of radiaiting, clear hemimorphite as well. Specimens are primarily TNs with good micro potential, and the locality will be featured in an upcoming Mineral News article. Matrix sizes from about 2cm to 3cm across @ 8.50 and 12.50 each, depending on quality.
SHARYGINITE (IMA # 2017-014)- Bellerberg, Casper Quarry, Eifel, Germany
Another NEW SPCIES from this prolific Rheinland-Palatinate volcanic deposit, here as minute brown crystalline aggregates scattered in typical Eifel matrix, mounted in 2cm polished sections. Formula: Ca3TiFe2+Fe3+O8 - orthorhombic, IMA # 2017-014. Author's holotype material elegantly presented with a colorsection image and three SEM images with full quantitative chemistry for the species. The Fe-analog of shulmanite, and only a few documented samples on hand @ 295.00 each.
SIDORENKITE- Mont St. Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Minute, reddish-brown crystalline aggregates of very tiny sidorenkite very sparsely scattered in typical aegirine-rich MSH matrix, these originally obtained from Dr. George Chao at Carleton University many years ago. Only three specimens available, averaging about 4cm across @ 150.00 each. List alternates!
SPHALERITE var: SCHALENBLENDE- La Calamine, Vervier, Belgium
An old specimen showing multiple banded layers of shpalerite and wurtzite in varying shades of tan to brown, resulting in the "schalenblende" variety from this well-known locality known as modern day Kelmis, the type locality for willemite and a couple of other species. The sampel is very dense and heavy despite its diminutive size, donated by W.A. Blomstran to the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum. Overall size about 4x3cm @ 45.00. One only.
STRACHERITE (IMA 2016-098)- Arad, Hatrurim Basin, Negev Desert, Israel
This NEW SPECIES occurs as microscopic crystals to 0.4mm in spurrite, offered as polished samples averaging about 1cm across and expertly prepared, presented with accompanying color sample image plus two (2) SEM images and full micrprobe chemical data. Formula: BaCa6(SiO4)2[(PO4)CO3)]F - trigonal, IMA
#2016-098. Author's studied co-type material with a wide array of unusual associated species, the first phosphate-carbonate member of the nabimusaite group. Only a few prepared and documented specimens on hand @ 295.00 each.
TOPAZ- Tanakami Mine, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
A single crystal of transparent topaz without matrix, here displaying good prism faces with a typical pyramidal termination and minor damage at the rear of the specimen. The locality was mined for centuries, and many topazes were apparently uncovered in the late 1800s. Only one crystal available, stands upright
at 2.8cm tall by 2.1cm wide @ 75.00. Ex-F. Mecke Collection.
TROEGERITE- 40 mi. so. Green River, Emery Co., Utah
Lemon yellow platelets and crusts of this uranyl arsenate on sandstone/conglomerate matrix. Not particularly attractive but fluorescent bright green! An uncommon member of the autunite group. Sizes from 1.5cm to 3.5cm @ 20.00, 35.00, and 55.00 each.
URANOCIRCITE- Bergen, Vogtland, Germany
Small platy greenish yellow crystals of uranocircite sparsely scattered on matrix, the largest group about 5mm across. An old, classic material, sizes from 2cm to 6x3cm @ 40.00, 60.00 and 95.00.
VAUQUELINITE- Moon Anchor Mine, Maricopa Co., Arizona
Colorlful secondary material, vauquelinite occurs as bright yellow to greenish-orange coatings, with moderate coverage, contrasting nicely against a dark matrix, and associated with bright orange to yellow mimetite, occasionally as microcrystals, and possibly ajoite. From 2cm to 4cm @ 10.00, 20.00, and 35.00
each, depending on size, coverage and associations.
WOLSENDORFITE- Wolsendorf, Bavaria, Germany
Dark orange-red masses of this unusual uranium mineral richly scattered on matrix, often associated with uraninite and possibly fourmarierite and other species. Classic locality material, TN sizes to 1.5cm @ 40.00 each.
YANOMAMITE- Mangabeira Mine, Mt. Alegre de Goias Brazil
This rare indium mineral occurs as extremely small micro balls in vugs, often associated with minor scorodite in a quartz/topaz matrix. One of the few indium minerals available anywhere, specimens with one or more arrows from about 1cm to 3cm @ 75.00, 100.00 and 150.00 each, depending on coverage, not size. Type locality material, ex-Luis Menezes.
ZINKENITE with BERTHIERITE etc.- Sterling Mine, Ogdensburg, Sussex Co New J
A pair of large, greyish calcite masses, each lightly embedded with pale red-orange realgar grains, accomapnied by very tiny, thin metallic streamers of elongated berthierite and zinkenite scattered in several areas of each specimen. Occasional platy molybdenite, as well as small masses of arsenopyrite and pyrite have also been observed in these samples, and the literature reports seligmanite and baumhauerite, which I have not been able to verify as yet. Rare at the locality, these large specimens are about 13cm across @ 200.00 each. List alternates!
BOOK
EARLY MINING HISTORY OF THE HIMALAYA PEGMATITE MINE by Mark Jacobson
This is the full-length, authorized reprint of the lengthy serialized article from past issues of Mineral News, here as a 29 page booklet, center stapled and with plastic cover in an 8.5x11 inch color format. Fascinating reading with numerous citations from original texts going back to the 1890s, it is available for just 15.00 postpaid in the USA, 19.00 for Canadian addresses, and 22.00 overseas customers!
COLLECTIONS
POLISHED AGATES- Minas Gerais, Brazil
We stumbled across a flat of hand-polished Brazilian agate slices recently, these imported some years ago before the craze to dye everything began. These are choice slices with a range of excellent banding, colors and patterns, polished on both sides and ranging from 8cm to 10cm across. Old stuff in an ideal size, offered as mini collections of three different at just 25.00 per lot. Limit two per customer, please; all suitable for framing, and seen elsewhere at three times our price!
UNITED KINGDOM PHARMACOSIDERITE- Various Mines in the United Kingdom An interesting lot of six (6) mounted micromount specimens of pharmacosiderite, each from a different mine in the UK, the majority from various Cornwall localities. The tiny cubic crystals range from green to brown, and it is an unusual offer due to the diversity of localities in the lot. The collection of six different locality specimens is just 35.00 for the lot!
GEM
ANDALUSITE- Brazil
A highly unusual gemstone, here as excellent, sherry colored 6x4mm ovals that are nicely faceted and are eye-clean gems! While these are likely from one of the Bahia mines, we are uncertain of the exact locality beyond Brazil. Rarely offered in this quality and clarity, these well-cut ovals are just 30.00 each. Limit two per customer, please!
