Welcome to The Back Room!
This is a showcase of our finest - incredible classics, stunning combinating pieces, aesthetic display specimens. These specimens are not for the faint hearted!
The specimens in our Hall of Fame are stand out pieces that have passed through our hands. Some are sold, and record the high end quality minerals that we deal in. Others are currently for sale in our showroom or will be in our booth at mineral shows. We have a huge inventory, but these are the cream of the crop.
If you would like any information on any of these specimens, are interested to purchase them, or find out if we have similar specimens available, please
contact us here.
Date added: 18th June 2010
No. 65
ZOISITE var TANZANITE
Tanzania » Merelani
4.3cm x 3.1cm x 1.2cm
A gorgeous Tanzanite crystal, almost bladed in form, glassy with desirable violet-blue colour. The crystal is lustrous with interesting rectangular stepped growth surface markings. It shows great pleochroism - viewed from the front it is blue (with faint yellow colour phantoms), viewed sideways it shows a pinkish-purple. Beneath the crystal it can be seen there is a yellow core to the crystal. There is a small parallel crystal growing on the middle rear. Gorgeous, and so gemmy you can read through it!
Date added: 17th June 2010
No. 64
RHODOCHROSITE
South Africa » Hotazel Mine
6.2cm x 5.1cm x 3cm
A stunning Rhodochrosite featuring a Manganese matrix solidly covered by 'wheat sheaf' clusters of gorgeous pinkish-red crystals. The Rhodochrosite is a gemmy and brightly pinkish-red with strawberry milkshake coloured cores. The 'bundles' of crystals measure up to 1cm in length. The bright lustre makes the specimen sparkle constantly as you turn it - just gorgeous!
Date added: 17th June 2010
No. 63
KERMESITE with QUARTZ
Germany » Braunsdorf
7.5cm x 5cm x 2.8cm
Sparkling prismatic Quartz crystals to 3mm line a vug which plays host to luxurious sprays of purplish-red Kermesite crystals. The Kermesite has a bright almost metallic lustre which sparkles over the hairlike crystals which form diverging sprays up to 2cm in length. This is a rich specimen for this location probably dating from 1800s; it is very difficult to find specimens this good from Saxony - a great German classic!
For Sale
Date added: 16th June 2010
No. 62
STRENGITE
Sweden » Leveaniemi Iron Mine
11.5cm x 6.2cm x 4.2cm
Bright violet coloured balls of Strengite, an Iron Phosphate, measuring to 6mm grow within an exposed cavity in a Goethite/Martite matrix. The Strengite is accompanied by velvety black balls of possible Beraunite and small green balls of possibly Rockbridgeite coating Beraunite, or rare Laubmannite. The Strengite balls are formed of radial clusters of acicular crystals, with a sparkling slightly chatoyant lustre. Min Rec Vol 20, no.5 has a short article on the mid 1980s find of Strengite specimens at this Swedish Iron Ore location. This specimen is easily one of the best found, as it is a large display specimen with very rich coverage. Not many specimens were saved, and we have never seen a better one for sale.
SOLD
Date added: 15th June 2010
No. 61
STEPHANITE
Germany » Freiberg District
7.2cm x 5cm x 3.8cm
A superb specimen consisting entirely of well formed Stephanite crystals. The Stephanite is a steely grey colour with 'brushed metal' lustre, forming elongate hexagonal crystals. Individually crystals measure to 2cm in length, and they are intergrown to form quite an aesthetic specimen. Stephanite is a Silver Antimony Sulphide, and this specimen is exceptional for this location because of the sharpness of the crystal form, a real German classic!
RESERVED
Date added: 14th June 2010
No. 60
SPESSARTINE GARNET with GALENA
New South Wales » North Mine
15cm x 8cm x 4.5cm
Brightly metallic, multistepping Galena is studded with deep red Spessartine Garnet crystals. The Garnets measuring to 2cm, are sharply crystallised dodecahedrons, some with modified edges. They are appear deep red with a greasy mirror-like lustre, but are actually a translucent bright orange-red when backlit. From this famous Australian locale, this is the best example of Spessartine we have had. It is virtually impossible to get an undamaged specimen, and this large, and well crystallised specimens is in excellent condition.
Date added: 30th April 2010
No. 59
CALCITE twin
India » Jalgaon
12cm x 11cm x 6cm
ex. Gérard Albessart Collection
An extraordinary Calcite twin, one of the finest known from Jalgaon, India. Complexly twinned, each part formed of large gemmy crystal. The Calcite has a subtle hint of yellow, and the strong double refraction can clearly be seen through the transparent crystals. Found in the 1980s, this is a perfectly balanced specimen, one of the best we have seen from anywhere.
For Sale
Date added: 29th April 2010
No. 58
HESSITE and SPHALERITE
Romania » Botes
5.5cm x 3cm x 2cm
An outstanding Hessite from Romania. Matt grey Hessite (a rare Silver Telluride mineral) forms flat growth of crystals as well as an intricate coral-like formation, intergrown with several silvery Sphalerite crystals of bright lustre. The Hessite and Sphalerite are balanced on a matrix of prismatic Quartz crystal to create an aesthetic specimen. This locality has produced the best of species for Hessite, mined in the mid 1800s, with specimens of large well formed crystals. The rich coverage and well formed crystals make this one of the best we have seen for sale in years.
RESERVED
Date added: 26th April 2010
No. 57
PLANCHEITE in QUARTZ
DR Congo (Zaire) » Mashamba West Mine
2cm x 2cm x 2cm
A super sweet miniature of sky blue Plancheite in Quartz. Plancheite is a rare secondary Copper silicate, found as fibrous sprays of crystals. The overgrowth of water clear Quartz as small lustrous prismatic crystals captures the rich blue colour inside, and adds a sparkling lustre to the specimen.
For Sale
Date added: 21st April 2010
No. 56
BARYTE
Germany » Pohla
21cm x 12.5cm x 7.1cm
ex. Paul Busch Collection
Wow! This is one of the finest Barytes ever found at Pohla, and is by far the best and largest that we have seen. The Baryte has a gorgeously warm honey-amber colour that these specimens are famed for, with very bright lustre. The doubly terminated sharply formed crystal rests on the matrix and measures a whopping 17.5cm in length. The Pohla Mine was mined from 1950 up until the end of the 1990s mainly for Uranium (Pitchblende), also with the aim to mine Cassiterite and Scheelite although this never occurred. Baryte was found from the beginning but as massive colourless/grey material, and it was 1975-76 that the fabulous golden Barytes were discovered.
SOLD
Date added: 20th April 2010
No. 55
NATIVE BISMUTH
Germany » Gang Opal
12cm x 9cm x 7cm
Native Bismuth is an incredibly rare element to find on its own , and specimens with crystals of this size are almost never found - so much so, that we have labelled this specimen as 'ridiculous'. Chunky angular Bismuth crystals to 2.5cm are intergrown with pale Dolomite and speckled with tiny pink Erythrite crystals. We know of only one better specimen in a public display, found at the Berlin Humboldt Museum, Germany.
For Sale
Date added: 18th April 2010
No. 54
MANGANITE
Germany » Ilfeld
0cm x 7.5cm x 7cm
ex. Paul Busch Collection
The brilliant lustre and the size of the crystals are the first things that catch your eye in this showy Manganite specimen. The form is aesthetic and very three dimensional as striated crystals radiate in different directions, measuring to 4cm in length! These classic Manganites were mined in the late 1800s at Ilfeld, and the superior form and lustre make this specimen the best of this form that we have ever had.
For Sale
Date added: 16th April 2010
No. 53
VESUVIANITE
Canada » Jeffrey Mine
17cm x 10cm x 5cm
This is one of the best and largest specimens of Vesuvianite that we have seen. A stunning arrangement of elongate prismatic bright green crystals with high lustre create a museum quality specimen. Jeffrey Mine is renowned for the quality of Vesuvianites that it produces, and this must be one of the best.
SOLD
Date added: 22nd March 2010
No. 52
Primary MALACHITE
DR Congo (Zaire) » Mashamba West Mine
15.2cm x 12.7cm x 7.2cm
Bright green primary Malachite has grown in radiating clusters of fibres. The coral-like growth creates a very organic and lively specimen, and the way the chatoyant lustre glides across the silky surface is incredibly eye-catching. As Malachite goes, this is quite a sexy piece!
SOLD
Date added: 19th March 2010
No. 51
RHODOCHROSITE with TETRAHEDRITE and QUARTZ
USA » Sweet Home Mine
6.1cm x 8cm x 4.1cm
Very little needs to be said about Rhodochrosite from Sweet Home Mine, the specimens and their reputations speak for themselves. Large, gemmy pinkish-red rhombohedral crystals with a glassy lustre grow from a matrix of needle Quartz, golden Pyrite and silvery Tetrahedrite. The Rhodochrosite crystals measure to 16mm, and are sharply formed. Just gorgeous, a top end specimen from the now closed Sweet Home Mine.
For Sale
Date added: 4th March 2010
No. 50
PYROMORPHITE
USA » Bunker Hill Mine
7.5cm x 6.4cm x 5.1cm
Pyromorphite specimens from Bunker Hill do not get much better than this. Highly lustrous crystals measuring to 1.4cm cover the matrix, in curved barrel shaped crystals. The specimen is a burst of citrus, with crystals of juicy lime colour, becoming orange where they meet the matrix. The lustre is a glossy wet-look. Just gorgeous!
For Sale
Date added: 3rd March 2010
No. 49
BERYL var AQUAMARINE on ALBITE
Pakistan » Shigar Valley
10cm x 9cm x 6.5cm
ex. Brian Lloyd Collection
Beautiful transparent to translucent Aquamarine crystals grow from a large Albite crystal. Two Aquamarine crystals intersect each other across the front of the Albite creating a magnificent sky blue display against the pearly white backdrop, with one crystal doubly terminated and measuring to 8.1cm in length. A stunning example of just how aesthetic Pegmatite minerals can be.
For Sale.
Date added: 5th February 2010
No. 48
RHODOCHROSITE
South Africa » N'Chwaning Mines
4cm x 3cm x 2cm
A GORGEOUS Rhodochrosite from N'Chwaning Mines. Vivid red colour, bright almost silky lustre, sharply formed scalenohedral crystals intergrown in a very aesthetic arrangement. (please note the crystal on the right shows a v-shaped termination, and is not cleaved).
Sold
Date added: 4th February 2010
No. 47
NATIVE SILVER
Norway » Kongsberg Mine
11cm x 6.2cm x 3cm
An impressive Native Silver from Kongsberg, Norway. A very large and very aesthetic wire weighing 115g, with very minor Calcite. Wires of this size are rare, and there is no better known location for spectacular Silvers than Kongsberg. This is an old specimen, mined most likely more than 200 years ago. Superb.
Date added: 4th February 2010
No. 46
MIMETITE and QUARTZ
Namibia » Tsumeb Mine
6cm x 5cm x 4cm
A stunning Tsumeb Mimetite with large gemmy and lustrous golden-brown crystals perched on matrix with prismatic Quartz, which for a common mineral is rare for Tsumeb. The Mimetite crystals are doubly terminated, which is not common, and are very large, forming a lovely intergrown group.
Sold
Date added: 4th February 2010
No. 45
UVAROVITE GARNET
Finland » Outokumpu Mine
9.4cm x 7.5cm x 2.8cm
This is an exceptional Uvarovite Garnet specimen, with great colour, a very rich covering of large crystals, and in superb condition. It is rare to find large crystals of Uvarovite, however this location is renowed for its rare but quality specimens.
Date added: 4th February 2010
No. 44
ANGLESITE
Morocco » Touissit Mine
7.7cm x 4cm x 2.4cm
A spectacular specimen of Anglesite featuring three very large gemmy crystals in slightly diverging arrangement. The crystals are highly lustrous, striated along their length, and well terminated. The deep golden colour is natural and is the most desirable colour for Anglesites, and is rarely seen!
Sold
Date added: 4th February 2010
No. 43
Primary MALACHITE
DR Congo (Zaire) » Mashamba West Mine
6.4cm x 7.4cm x 4.3cm
Primary Malachite forms an intriguing specimen of stalactites of fibrous crystals, with rounded tops. The fibrous texture creates a gorgeous chatoyant lustre, which gives a halo effect to the tops of the stalactite. The whole specimen takes on a strange alien-like formation.
Sold
Date added: 2nd February 2010
No. 42
CRONSTEDTITE
Romania » Herja Mine
4.1cm x 5cm x 2.1cm
A very aesthetic Cronstedtite from the classic Romanian locality. Hemispherical clusters of very lustrous black crystals of Cronstedtite are arranged on a reddish-brown botryoidal Siderite matrix, with smaller individual crystals dotted between. Specimens of Cronstedtite of this quality are super rare.
Date added: 1st February 2010
No. 41
AZURITE rose
Morocco » Oumjrane Mine
5cm x 3.6cm x 4cm
A gorgeous 'rose' formed of Azurite blades, on matrix! The Azurite is bright to deep blue and very lustrous, and well crystallised. Azurite roses from Morocco are normally found as floater specimens, and it is rare to see a rose of this quality on matrix. – super sweet!
Sold
Date added: 31st January 2010
No. 40
BENITOITE on NATROLITE
USA » San Benito Co.
10cm x 7.7cm x 4.7cm
An impressive specimen of Benitoite featuring many large triangular crystals of Benitoite scattered through white Natrolite matrix. The Benitoites show colour from bright sky blue to grey-blue to frosty, and have excellent lustre. Benitoite is the state gemstone of California and is only found at one location (The Dallas Gem Mine) in this quality of specimen. This is a particularly rich specimen with so many crystals of Benitoite together in one specimen.
Date added: 30th January 2010
No. 39
TOPAZ and QUARTZ
Pakistan » Hindukush-Gerbirge
8cm x 7.5cm x 6cm
A large sherry coloured Topaz crystal is aesthetically placed with a smaller Topaz and slightly Smoky Quartz crystal. The main crystal measures 4.5cm, is well formed and lustrous, and the specimen is in superb condition.
Date added: 15th January 2010
No. 38
Native PLATINUM nugget
Russia » Konder Massif
3.5cm x 2.3cm x 1.4cm
Native Platinum is as rare as the proverbial hen's tooth, and this nugget weighing in at 112g is a more than substantial specimen. The nugget has a smooth rounded form, with signs of cubic crystallisation seen within the pits on the surface. The nugget has a tactical form, and really is surprisingly heavy.
Sold.
Date added: 1st January 2010
No. 37
SPODUMENE var KUNZITE with ELBAITE and APATITE
Afghanistan » Mawi Pegmatite
13cm x 10cm x 9cm
Happy New Year! And what a better way to start the new year than with an explosion of colour!
Kunzite specimens do not get much better than this - the unusually rich lilac-pink colour indicates the crystal are high in Lithium, creating a stunning specimen. The two partially translucent, well formed crystals in parallel growth are perfectly arranged, bordered on each side by Quartz, Clevelandite, Apatite and Elbaite Tourmaline. The striations along the length of the Kunzite crystals highlight their lustre, and their exceptional size. What more can be said - the specimen speaks for itself.
For Sale
Date added: 21st December 2009
No. 36
NATIVE SILVER
Norway » Kongsberg Mine
11cm x 7.7cm x 4.5cm
The snow is falling outside, but all clouds have a silver lining at Christmas. Waking on Christmas morning to find the gift left under the tree - could that be silver tinsel twinkling under the lights, or is it a glittering precious metal from the homeland of Father Christmas.....
This is no ore-dinary Christmas, this is a Crystal Classics Christmas!
Date added: 11th December 2009
No. 35
RED BERYL
USA » Violet Claims
3.6cm x 5cm x 5cm
A gorgeous rich raspberry-red, lustrous crystal of Red Beryl, sits proudly in a Rhyolite matrix, its colour beautifully highlighted by the pale background. The crystal measures 13mm high by 10mm wide, and is gemmy and vibrant. As one of the most intensely coloured Beryls, and found at very limited locations (of which the Wah Wah Mts is the most important source) Red Beryl is highly sought after by collectors, and this is an exceptional crystal due to its size, bright colour, lustre and sharp form.
For Sale
Date added: 2nd December 2009
No. 34
FLUORITE
England » Blue Bell Pocket
9.5cm x 7cm x 6.3cm
The Fluorites from the Rogerley Mine in England are world famous, and amongst the most desirable for collectors. Their vivid green colour, and strong blue-violet daylight fluorescence make for stunning displays. This exceptional specimen was discovered during the summer of 2008, in the Blue Bell Pocket, which was a continuation of the Jewel Box pocket - one of the most successful pockets found. The larger Fluorite cubes are free from the white internal frosting (commonly seen at Rogerley) which gives them a really gemmy deeply coloured appearance. The crystals are all super sharp and lustrous - just gorgeous!
For Sale
Date added: 17th November 2009
No. 33
BERYL var HELIODOR
Brazil » Itatiaia Mine
11.2cm x 2.5cm x 2.1cm
A gloriously coloured Beryl crystal from Brazil, with waves of rich colour from pale mint green to golden yellow. The crystal is well formed, and terminated, with excellent lustre along the striated crystal body. Gorgeous and gemmy, and of very decent size!
For Sale
Date added: 4th November 2009
No. 32
AZURITE
France » Chessy-les-Mines
10.1cm x 9cm x 6.2cm
Chessy-les-Mines is a famous location in France for Azurite, as it is the type location, and the specimens found here can be exceptional, and are hence highly desirable. This specimen does not disappoint with huge Azurite crystals of greater than 3cm, forming an aesthetic cluster with stepped growth. Alternation to fine green Malachite adds interesting detail, highlighting the bright lustre of the Azurite.
Sold
Date added: 4th October 2009
No. 31
ADAMITE
Mexico » Ojuela Mine
10cm x 7cm x 4cm
Mexican minerals are well known for their colourful forms, and Adamite is one of the classic minerals. This large specimen has a very rich coverage of highly lustrous, well terminated crystals in radiating bursts of lemon-lime colour.
Sold.
Date added: 25th September 2009
No. 30
NATIVE SILVER
Norway » Kongsberg
10.9cm x 4.4cm x 3cm
Kongsberg, Norway is famous for its Native Silver, and this specimen is the perfect example of why - a solid weighty specimen of thick ropy Native Silver with fantastic natural patina, and very attractive form - we think it looks like a dragon. And with a size of nearly 11cm height, this specimen will not go unnoticed!
Sold
Date added: 18th September 2009
No. 29
FLUORITE and QUARTZ
Morocco » El Hamman Mine
15.4cm x 12.5cm x 7.5cm
A gorgeous Fluorite from El Hamman of stunning deep sea green colour, bejewelled by Quartz crystals. This large specimen is a partial Fluorite cube, the sharp crystal edges of one face can be seen in this photo. The colour is superb, translucent with a bright lustre. The prismatic Quartz crystals range from larger internally frosty crystal to smaller water clear crystals, scattered over the specimen like glittering diamonds.
Sold.
Date added: 29th August 2009
No. 28
REALGAR on CALCITE
China » Jiepaiyu Mine (Shimen Mine)
13.2cm x 12cm x 9cm
ex. Keith Hammond Collection
A gorgeous, gemmy, ruby red Realgar crystal is clasped by translucent Calcite scalenohedrons, held like a precious jewel. The transparency, deep rich colour and silvery mirrored lustre alone make this crystal something special, until you consider the size - 6.5 x 4 x 1.9 cm! We have seen few Realgar crystals this large, and also in such good condition for such a soft mineral. Just gorgeous.
For Sale
Date added: 28th August 2009
No. 27
PYROMORPHITE
USA » Bunker Hill Mine
8.8cm x 12.2cm x 4.4cm
ex. Keith Hammond Collection
Pyromorphites from Bunker Hill Mine are renowned for their quality, and are amongst the best in the world. The range of vibrant colours, the shiny bright lustre, the variety in crystal forms make them mouth wateringly desirable, and this specimen does not disappoint. The rich mustard to buttercup yellow colouration of the barrel shaped crystals forms a very pleasing specimen with a myriad of crystal sizes, the largest measuring 1.6 x 0.9cm in size. The silvery lustre is so shiny - a real juicy specimen!
For Sale
Date added: 27th August 2009
No. 26
CUBANITE
Canada » Henderson No.2 Mine
10cm x 8.3cm x 3.8cm
ex. Keith Hammond Collection
A large sixling-twinned silvery-gold Cubanite crystal, accompanied by a smaller twinned crystal, is nicely positioned on matrix. The Cubanite crystal measures 2.2 x 1.8 cm by 6mm thick with super sharp form and glossy metallic lustre, and this is one of the finest we have had due to its perfection and size! Henderson No.2 Mine has produced the best of this rare species in the world, with specimens periodically found during the 1980 until the mine closed in 1988. A superb, hard to find classic!
For Sale
Date added: 23rd August 2009
No. 25
DIOPTASE and CALCITE
Namibia » Tsumeb Mine
16.5cm x 12.5cm x 6.5cm
ex. Gerhard Grude Collection
Dioptase and Calcite, one of the most revered mineral combinations from the revered location of Tsumeb. Lustrous cream rhombs of Calcite appear to have been liberally sprinkled with the sparkling emerald green glitter of Dioptase. The crystals of Dioptase have grown preferentially on the Calcite prism faces and are partly included, giving that classic blue-green glow through the transparent Calcite. This photo does not do this specimen justice, nor does it give the true feeling of its majestic size!
For Sale
Date added: 19th August 2009
No. 24
KOLWEZITE on COBALTOAN CALCITE
DR Congo (Zaire) » Mashamba West Mine
4.5cm x 3.4cm x 2.5cm
ex. Keith Hammond Collection
What an absolute sweetie! This Cobaltoan Calcite crystal exhibits vividly intense hot pink colour, with bright lustre, becoming slightly milkier towards the base. But to make it more intriguing, the Calcite is studded with perfect round hemispheres of rare Kolwezite, creating a very beautiful combination.
Sold
Date added: 18th August 2009
No. 23
CUPRIAN SMITHSONITE
Namibia » Tsumeb Mine
11cm x 16cm x 7.5cm
ex. Gerhard Grude Collection
Intense sea foam green Cuprian Smithsonite forms a rolling ocean of glistening crystals. This huge specimen has crystals to 1.5cm which are perfect condition. The size, rich colour and lustre make this an important Tsumeb specimen and one of the best Cuprian Smithsonites that has passed through our hands.
Sold.
Date added: 14th August 2009
No. 22
Boulder OPAL
Queensland » Eromanga Opal Field
7cm x 8.5cm x 1.6cm
ex. Gerhard Grude Collection
A simply stunning play of colours entrance your eyes in this Opal masterpiece. The Boulder Opal is thick and transparent in this large rich specimen, which creates the effect of shimmering as the colours dance within. Beautiful!
Sold
Date added: 6th August 2009
No. 21
SELENITE "Ram's Horn"
Morocco » Bou Bekker Mine
14cm x 16cm x 11.5cm
Selenite may not be the most colourful or rarest mineral, but this specimen wins points for size and sheer craziness! Sparkling Selenite has sprouted in a flower on the matrix and growing from its heart is a curling 'Ram's Horn' measuring 13.5cm in size! It is exceptional for such a soft mineral, in such a delicate form, to have survived and this specimen is damage free. Just fabulous.
Sold.
Date added: 15th July 2009
No. 20
PYROMORPHITE
China » Daoping Mine
9cm x 10.1cm x 6.2cm
Pyromorphites from Daoping Mine in China do not get much better than this. Glistening crystals in bright luminous green form a densely packed specimen. The crystals exhibit a hoppered growth, forming hexagonal almost tubular crystals measuring to 1cm in size. The specimen is in really good condition, and the fantastic colour and lustre is what make this specimen so desirable.
For Sale
Date added: 20th May 2009
No. 19
TOPAZ with SMOKY QUARTZ and CLEAVELANDITE
Pakistan » Shigar Valley
10.3cm x 10.5cm x 7.4cm
A deliciously coloured pale-sherry Topaz crystal is beautifully offset by a cluster of transparent smoky Quartz crystals and white Cleavelandite. The Topaz is a huge crystal, with glassy sharply formed crystal faces, transparent and gemmy to translucent with silky web of inclusions and internal reflections. Stunning!
For Sale
Date added: 8th May 2009
No. 18
AZURITE
Namibia » Tsumeb Mine
9.5cm x 9cm x 6.5cm
A stunning Azurite from the famed Tsumeb Mine, amongst the best we have seen. Large, sharp, tabular crystals of Azurite are interlocking to form an aesthetic cluster, featuring a dark dark blue colour with flashes of electric blue, and a super glossy lustre. Highlights of silky pale green alteration to Malachite. Beautiful!
Date added: 11th March 2009
No. 17
BERYL var AQUAMARINE
Brazil » Medina
20cm x 6cm x 5cm
Wow - Aquamarines don't get much better than this! This specimen is from the famous find of 1997 in Medina, Brazil, where a pocket of superb Aquamarines were found, all gemmy with glowing deep blue colour. This huge single crystal measures 20cm in length, is completely clear and gemmy and of course exhibits the deep deep blue. The crystal has interesting etchings on its surface along the length and the crystal termations which is typical for this find, with tapering towards each termination. Just magnificent.
Sold
Date added: 20th February 2009
No. 16
CALCITE
USA » Elmwood Mine
17cm x 14cm x 8cm
A gemmy sharply formed doubly terminated Calcite crystal is aesthetically perch on matrix, display the rich honey colour that this mine is so famous for. The lustre and deepening colour towards the terminations add to its beauty, and it is beautifully balanced by the cluster of smaller crystals to one side. What more could you want in an Elmwood Calcite.
Sold
Date added: 26th January 2009
No. 15
SPINEL
Burma (Myanmar) » Pein Pyit
11cm x 10cm x 4cm
A luscious gem specimen from Pein Pyit, featuring a big juicy Spinel crystal surrounded by a sea of snow white marble. The Spinel is deep red and gemmy, with sharp octahedral form and bright lustre, measuring 3.5 x 4 cm in size.
Sold
Date added: 14th January 2009
No. 14
DIOPTASE
Namibia » Tsumeb Mine
6.5cm x 4.4cm x 2.8cm
One of the most gorgeous Dioptase specimens we have had in a while - luscious brilliant green crystals scattered over a sparkling palest green background of Calcite. The gemmy doubly terminated crystals are sharp with glass-like lustre, and almost all are pristine. The Dioptase crystals range from 3mm to 18mm in size. The photo does not do this specimen justice. Showy yet understated, like all classics should be!
Sold
Date added: 6th January 2009
No. 13
TOURMALINE var ELBAITE
Brazil » Pederneira Mine
8cm x 6cm x 3cm
ex. Martin Zinn Collection
A super aesthetic specimen featuring three eye-catchingly arranged Tourmaline crystals, lustrous, gemmy and richly coloured from grass green through emerald green to white tips. Contrasting accents of pink Lepidolite are studded around the base of the specimen - beautiful!
For Sale
Date added: 11th December 2008
No. 12
RHODOCHROSITE on MANGANITE
South Africa » N'Chwaning Mines
12cm x 5cm x 4cm
A gorgeous Rhodochrosite from N'Chwaning, featuring balls of intense red crystallised Rhodochrosite, aesthetically perched on a matrix of black Manganite, providing a wonderful background and contrast to the rich red. Stunning!
Sold
Date added: 28th November 2008
No. 11
CALCITE Twin
Madagascar » Sambava
9cm x 6cm x 3cm
A beautiful twinned Calcite from Madagascar, one of the nicest we have seen. Super gemmy, champagne coloured, and with aesthetic form with mirrored twinning.
Sold.
Date added: 6th November 2008
No. 10
COBALTOAN CALCITE with MALACHITE
DR Congo (Zaire) » Dikuluwe Mine
5cm x 5cm x 4cm
A gorgeous specimen featuring a pale pink doubly terminated scalenohedron of Cobaltoan Calcite, presented on a tan matrix, studded with dark green velvety balls of Malachite and smaller gemmy Calcites.
For Sale
Date added: 2nd October 2008
No. 9
FLUORITE on SIDERITE with CHALCOPYRITE
England » Carn Brea Mine
7cm x 6cm x 5cm
ex. Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, Pennsylvania
An exceptional Fluorite from Carn Brea, with beautifully subtle colouring, overgrowing tan lenticular Siderite dotted with Chalcopyrite and Hematite crystals.
Sold
Date added: 28th August 2008
No. 8
TOURMALINE
Brazil » Pederneira Mine
16cm x 13cm x 10cm
A stunning large cabinet Tourmaline specimen from Brazil. Elongate crystals grow in all directions from the white matrix. The colour of the gemmy Tourmalines is gorgeous, with 'watermelon' colouring at the base of the crystal of deep red centre and blue-green outer rim, changing to an apple green at the tips of the crystals.
Currently on display in The Vault at the Natural History Museum in London.
Date added: 24th August 2008
No. 7
PROUSTITE
Chile » Chanarcillo
7cm x 10cm x 5cm
A historical specimen mined in the late 1800s. This specimen was once in the Harvard mineral collection, and has been properly cared for during its life, as it has retained the fantastic bright red gemminess, and silvery lustre. The crystals are well formed in radiating clusters. A magnificent specimen.
Sold
Date added: 23rd August 2008
No. 6
PYROMORPHITE
USA » Bunker Hill Mine
10cm x 13cm x 8cm
One of the world's finest Bunker Hill Pyromorphites ever found. The form, colour and lustre are exceptional.
Sold
Date added: 22nd August 2008
No. 5
SPESSARTINE GARNET on ALBITE with BERYL
Pakistan » Shengus
6cm x 10cm x 7cm
An unusually large and super lustrous Spessartine Garnet on Albite, measuring nearly 5cm across. The Garnet is sharply formed, its deep red colour highlighted by the snow white backdrop of the Albite. Several smaller Garnet accompany it, as well as a slender pale blue Beryl crystal. Stunning.
For Sale.
Date added: 20th August 2008
No. 3
MIMETITE
China » Pingtouling Mine
7.5cm x 9cm x 5cm
An absolutely exceptional Mimetite, with sharp hexagonal Mimetite crystals of superb mirror-like lustre. The colour just glows from a bright yellow-orange to burnt orange. The crystals exhibit the slightly hoppered growth typical of the occurence. This is possibly the world's best cabinet size Mimetite specimen from Pingtouling.
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Date added: 19th August 2008
No. 2
CASSITERITE on MUSCOVITE
China » Mt Xuebaoding
10cm x 12cm x 5cm
One of the finest Cassiterite specimens that we have ever seen . We have handled many fine Cassiterite specimens, and this one stands out as an exceptional piece. The Cassiterite is characteristic of the occurence, featuring a single large twinned crystal on a bed of Muscovite.
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Date added: 18th August 2008
No. 1
COBALTOAN SMITHSONITE
Namibia » Tsumeb Mine
15cm x 13cm x 5.5cm
ex. Gerhard Grude Collection
A sizeable specimen of Cobaltoan Smithsonite from Tsumeb, with the matrix almost completely covered by bright pink rhombohedrons. The Smithsonite crystals are translucent with excellent lustre.
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