The Tucson Show 2009 Mineral Rooms!
Re-Updated January 4th, 2010
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Gorgeous large cabinet specimen of
Aquamarine with bi-color Fluorite!
Both the Aquamarine crystals and large Fluorite sit
atop a matrix of Muscovite and Albite!
One of the more impressive combination plates I brought home from Tucson and
definately
one with the most Aquamarine. This plate is pretty much covered from top to bottom with
the
glassy blue crystals. The upright crystal at top measures over 7 cm in height and the fat
crystals in cluster to the right measures over 6.5 cm in width! These crystals are
rehealed
on the backside and all are perfectly terminated with flat tops. The pink and green
Fluorite
hugs the fattest Aqua termination and also measures nearly 6.5 cm in width. On the far
left
you can see two blocky Albite crystals with a small pink Fluorite. Obviously, this large
plate
has a lot going on and is a real eye catcher! It would make a great centerpiece for any
collection.
From Nagar, Hunza Valley, Gilgit District, Northern Areas
of Pakistan.
Measures 17.5 cm by 18 cm by 11 cm in size.
Ex. Edward David Mineral Collection
Price $25,000
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Impressive specimen of bright,
lustrous Legrandite with matrix!
Superb cluster with glassy sprays and complete
terminations! The brown matrix
actually sits between a good portion of the termination and atop the crystals in the very
front. I would call this specimen competition quality and it would look great in a
display.
From the Ojuela Mine in Mapimi, Durango, Mexico.
Measures 3.1 cm by 2.4 cm in size.
Price $4500
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Gorgeous specimen of red Rhodochrosite
rhombs with purple Fluorite!
These Chinese Rhodos just keep getting better and
better every time they appear at a show.
I think the specimens from this year's Tucson are the best yet. As is the norm, they have
a
slight etching to some of the rhombs but the color and gemminess has improved to the point
where they are close to rivaling the Sweet Home specimens. This plate features a beautiful
arrangement of Rhodochrosite rhombs which are then accented by transparent crystals of
purple Fluorite. The color combination is amazing to say the least! Also with Pyrite
accents.
From the Wuton (Wudong) Mine, Liubao, Wuzhou Prefecture,
Guangxi Zhuang A. R., China.
Measures 6.2 cm by 9 cm in size.
Price $3250
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Stunning specimen of Native Silver
dendrites on matrix!
A superb Silver which the owner named "The
Phoenix". The dendritic growths of Silver
are extremely sharp and well defined and do take on the appearance of a rising bird. The
entire
growth of Silver sits atop a small bit of matrix and takes on a three dimensional
appearance.
From Batopilas, Chihuahua, Mexico.
Measures 5 cm by 5.7 cm by 2.7 cm in size.
Price $3500
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Superbly crystallized specimen of
Native Copper with matrix!
This specimen is solid crystals! Small crystals,
elongated crystals, Spinels, etc.!
There must be close to a hundred crystals in this specimen with a few scattered bits
of matrix to add contrast. One of the more impressive Native Coppers in Tucson.
From the Ray Mine, Pinal County, Arizona.
Measures 7.4 cm by 7.2 cm in size.
Price $3500
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MIN#Tucson2009-86 NEW!
Beautiful bi-color Fluorite cluster with
Chalcopyrite!
This color glows a gorgeous combination of golden-yellow and violet-purple!
From the Annabel Lee Mine, Harris Creek District, Hardin
County, Illinois.
Measures 8.5 cm by 9.4 cm in size.
Ex. Stephen Neely Collection
Price $585
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MIN#Tucson2009-87 NEW!
Rare! Iron-Nickel (IAB) meteorite from the
Campo del Cielo impact with a natural hole!
The small meteorite collection I purchased in Tucson had a number of these rare and
fascinating "Hole" meteorites! Usually these happen during the atmospheric burn
when
the heat actually burns through the meteoritic material but they can also happen if a
carbon nodule pops loose during weathering. Whatever the cause, meteorites with
natural holes are highly prized and very popular with collectors. Here's the first of
four!
Special Note: On January 1, 2008 Argentina implemented a new
law prohibiting the exportation
of meteorites. When the available supply on the market is exhausted, obtaining a specimen
will become extremely difficult. Now is the time to obtain a meteorite for your
collection.
From the Campo del Cielo impact at Formosa, Argentina -
discovered in 1576.
Age is approximately 4000 years old.
Measures 8.1 cm by 8.7 cm by 3.9 cm in size and weighs 577 grams.
Price $850
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Photograph of the newly discovered Kebira Crater in the Sahara Desert. It measures 30 kilometers in diameter!
MIN#Tucson2009-88 NEW!
Prehistoric Meteoritic Impact Glass!
The story behind this glass is amazing. When some of
the pharaoh tombs were discovered in Egypt,
archeologists discovered small figurines carved from a yellowish-green glass. The
Egyptians had
apparently found this glass scattered about in the desert to their west and used the
translucent glass
fragments for their sculptures and small carvings. It was a highly prized
"gemstone" and important
enough to be included in the tombs of their rulers. Jump forward to the 20th century when
in 1932,
scientists exploring the Sahara Desert stumbled across a find of green glass while
searching for
undiscovered ruins. They had accidently rediscovered the source of the Egyptian green
glass.
The glass was tested and found to be impact glass from a prehistoric asteroid impact in
the desert.
The impact was so violent that the desert sandstone was instantly heated and melted into
glass
which was then tossed far and wide from the crater. No crater was evident however until
satellite
images showed a huge impact zone which had been covered by centuries of sand drift and
water
erosion by ancient rivers. See
story. This impact glass is unique in that it is green and lustrous
unlike tektites which are generally dark. It has been scientifically dated by
fission-track methods
to 28.5 million years old and probably occurred at some 2800 degrees melting temperature!
Evidence has also been found indicating that prehistoric man made use of the glass in the
form
of spear tips and various tools. The glass is extraordinarily beautiful material and
displays
the small, thumb-like impressions (regmaglypts) which are common to meteorites. It is also
some of the purest natural silica glass ever discovered and much purer than tektite glass.
The glass frequently comes with small internal bubbles that include various elements. One
of
those elements is Iridium, the presence of which is indictative of an extra-terrestrial
origin.
Recently, the Egyptian government has prohibited the removal of the green impact glass
which has made the material very rare and difficult to obtain. I offer here four of the
finest
gem specimens I purchased as part of a small collection of meteorites while in Tucson.
From the Sahara Desert near the Libyan-Egyptian border.
Age estimated at 28.5 million years old.
Most likely from the recently discovered Kebira Crator.
Measures 6.7 cm by 4 cm by 3.2 cm in size and weighs 79.4 grams.
Price $845
 |
 |
MIN#Tucson2009-89 SOLD!
Rare! Iron-Nickel (IAB) meteorite from the
Canyon Diablo impact with a natural hole!
The small meteorite collection I purchased in Tucson had a number of these rare and
fascinating "Hole" meteorites! Usually these happen during the atmospheric burn
when
the heat actually burns through the meteoritic material but they can also happen if a
carbon nodule pops loose during weathering. Whatever the cause, meteorites with
natural holes are highly prized and very popular with collectors. Here's the second of
four!
From the Canyon Diablo impact (Meteor Crater) near Winslow,
Arizona - discovered in 1891.
Age is between 20,000 to 40,000 years old.
Measures 9 cm by 6.8 cm by 4.9 cm in size and weighs 480 grams.
Price $1250
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|
Photograph of the newly discovered Kebira Crater in the Sahara Desert. It measures 30 kilometers in diameter!
MIN#Tucson2009-90 SOLD!
Huge specimen of Prehistoric
Meteoritic Impact Glass!
The story behind this glass is amazing. When some of
the pharaoh tombs were discovered in Egypt,
archeologists discovered small figurines carved from a yellowish-green glass. The
Egyptians had
apparently found this glass scattered about in the desert to their west and used the
translucent glass
fragments for their sculptures and small carvings. It was a highly prized
"gemstone" and important
enough to be included in the tombs of their rulers. Jump forward to the 20th century when
in 1932,
scientists exploring the Sahara Desert stumbled across a find of green glass while
searching for
undiscovered ruins. They had accidently rediscovered the source of the Egyptian green
glass.
The glass was tested and found to be impact glass from a prehistoric asteroid impact in
the desert.
The impact was so violent that the desert sandstone was instantly heated and melted into
glass
which was then tossed far and wide from the crater. No crater was evident however until
satellite
images showed a huge impact zone which had been covered by centuries of sand drift and
water
erosion by ancient rivers. See
story. This impact glass is unique in that it is green and lustrous
unlike tektites which are generally dark. It has been scientifically dated by
fission-track methods
to 28.5 million years old and probably occurred at some 2800 degrees melting temperature!
Evidence has also been found indicating that prehistoric man made use of the glass in the
form
of spear tips and various tools. The glass is extraordinarily beautiful material and
displays
the small, thumb-like impressions (regmaglypts) which are common to meteorites. It is also
some of the purest natural silica glass ever discovered and much purer than tektite glass.
The glass frequently comes with small internal bubbles that include various elements. One
of
those elements is Iridium, the presence of which is indictative of an extra-terrestrial
origin.
Recently, the Egyptian government has prohibited the removal of the green impact glass
which has made the material very rare and difficult to obtain. I offer here four of the
finest
gem specimens I purchased as part of a small collection of meteorites while in Tucson.
From the Sahara Desert near the Libyan-Egyptian border.
Age estimated at 28.5 million years old.
Most likely from the recently discovered Kebira Crator.
Measures 10.3 cm by 11 cm by 6.6 cm in size and weighs a heavy 396 grams.
Price $2750
 |
Rare! Iron-Nickel (IAB) meteorite from the
Campo del Cielo impact with a natural hole!
The small meteorite collection I purchased in Tucson had a number of these rare and
fascinating "Hole" meteorites! Usually these happen during the atmospheric burn
when
the heat actually burns through the meteoritic material but they can also happen if a
carbon nodule pops loose during weathering. Whatever the cause, meteorites with
natural holes are highly prized and very popular with collectors. Here's the third of
four!
Special Note: On January 1, 2008 Argentina implemented a new
law prohibiting the exportation
of meteorites. When the available supply on the market is exhausted, obtaining a specimen
will become extremely difficult. Now is the time to obtain a meteorite for your
collection.
From the Campo del Cielo impact at Formosa, Argentina -
discovered in 1576.
Age is approximately 4000 years old.
Measures 8.7 cm by 7 cm by 5.2 cm in size and weighs 523.6 grams.
Price $850
 |
|
Photograph of the newly discovered Kebira Crater in the Sahara Desert. It measures 30 kilometers in diameter!
MIN#Tucson2009-92 NEW!
Prehistoric Meteoritic Impact Glass!
The story behind this glass is amazing. When some of
the pharaoh tombs were discovered in Egypt,
archeologists discovered small figurines carved from a yellowish-green glass. The
Egyptians had
apparently found this glass scattered about in the desert to their west and used the
translucent glass
fragments for their sculptures and small carvings. It was a highly prized
"gemstone" and important
enough to be included in the tombs of their rulers. Jump forward to the 20th century when
in 1932,
scientists exploring the Sahara Desert stumbled across a find of green glass while
searching for
undiscovered ruins. They had accidently rediscovered the source of the Egyptian green
glass.
The glass was tested and found to be impact glass from a prehistoric asteroid impact in
the desert.
The impact was so violent that the desert sandstone was instantly heated and melted into
glass
which was then tossed far and wide from the crater. No crater was evident however until
satellite
images showed a huge impact zone which had been covered by centuries of sand drift and
water
erosion by ancient rivers. See
story. This impact glass is unique in that it is green and lustrous
unlike tektites which are generally dark. It has been scientifically dated by
fission-track methods
to 28.5 million years old and probably occurred at some 2800 degrees melting temperature!
Evidence has also been found indicating that prehistoric man made use of the glass in the
form
of spear tips and various tools. The glass is extraordinarily beautiful material and
displays
the small, thumb-like impressions (regmaglypts) which are common to meteorites. It is also
some of the purest natural silica glass ever discovered and much purer than tektite glass.
The glass frequently comes with small internal bubbles that include various elements. One
of
those elements is Iridium, the presence of which is indictative of an extra-terrestrial
origin.
Recently, the Egyptian government has prohibited the removal of the green impact glass
which has made the material very rare and difficult to obtain. I offer here four of the
finest
gem specimens I purchased as part of a small collection of meteorites while in Tucson.
From the Sahara Desert near the Libyan-Egyptian border.
Age estimated at 28.5 million years old.
Most likely from the recently discovered Kebira Crator.
Measures 5.2 cm by 6.6 cm by 2.5 cm in size and weighs 76.4 grams.
Price $785
 |
Rare! Iron-Nickel (IAB) meteorite from the
Campo del Cielo impact with a natural hole!
The small meteorite collection I purchased in Tucson had a number of these rare and
fascinating "Hole" meteorites! Usually these happen during the atmospheric burn
when
the heat actually burns through the meteoritic material but they can also happen if a
carbon nodule pops loose during weathering. Whatever the cause, meteorites with
natural holes are highly prized and very popular with collectors. Here's the first of
four!
Special Note: On January 1, 2008 Argentina implemented a new
law prohibiting the exportation
of meteorites. When the available supply on the market is exhausted, obtaining a specimen
will become extremely difficult. Now is the time to obtain a meteorite for your
collection.
From the Campo del Cielo impact at Formosa, Argentina -
discovered in 1576.
Age is approximately 4000 years old.
Measures 6 cm by 5.5 cm by 6 cm in size and weighs 447.5 grams.
Price $750
 |
|
Photograph of the newly discovered Kebira Crater in the Sahara Desert. It measures 30 kilometers in diameter!
MIN#Tucson2009-94 NEW!
Prehistoric Meteoritic Impact Glass!
The story behind this glass is amazing. When some of
the pharaoh tombs were discovered in Egypt,
archeologists discovered small figurines carved from a yellowish-green glass. The
Egyptians had
apparently found this glass scattered about in the desert to their west and used the
translucent glass
fragments for their sculptures and small carvings. It was a highly prized
"gemstone" and important
enough to be included in the tombs of their rulers. Jump forward to the 20th century when
in 1932,
scientists exploring the Sahara Desert stumbled across a find of green glass while
searching for
undiscovered ruins. They had accidently rediscovered the source of the Egyptian green
glass.
The glass was tested and found to be impact glass from a prehistoric asteroid impact in
the desert.
The impact was so violent that the desert sandstone was instantly heated and melted into
glass
which was then tossed far and wide from the crater. No crater was evident however until
satellite
images showed a huge impact zone which had been covered by centuries of sand drift and
water
erosion by ancient rivers. See
story. This impact glass is unique in that it is green and lustrous
unlike tektites which are generally dark. It has been scientifically dated by
fission-track methods
to 28.5 million years old and probably occurred at some 2800 degrees melting temperature!
Evidence has also been found indicating that prehistoric man made use of the glass in the
form
of spear tips and various tools. The glass is extraordinarily beautiful material and
displays
the small, thumb-like impressions (regmaglypts) which are common to meteorites. It is also
some of the purest natural silica glass ever discovered and much purer than tektite glass.
The glass frequently comes with small internal bubbles that include various elements. One
of
those elements is Iridium, the presence of which is indictative of an extra-terrestrial
origin.
Recently, the Egyptian government has prohibited the removal of the green impact glass
which has made the material very rare and difficult to obtain. I offer here four of the
finest
gem specimens I purchased as part of a small collection of meteorites while in Tucson.
From the Sahara Desert near the Libyan-Egyptian border.
Age estimated at 28.5 million years old.
Most likely from the recently discovered Kebira Crator.
Measures 5.5 cm by 6.2 cm by 3.8 cm in size and weighs 106.7 grams.
Price $985
 |
Beautiful Iron-Nickel (IAB) meteorite from
the Las Palmas (pending) impact!
A new find of meteorite which is still pending certification! Research is being done to
determine
if this is a continuation of the Campo del Cielo meteorite fall or a separate occurance.
Both are
located at Formosa, Argentina but there are some subtle differences. This particular
specimen
is incredibly attractive with a rich coverage of well proportioned regmaglypts! The
structure
appears to flare out like a flower and both sides carry a beautiful grayish-silver patina.
Special Note: On January 1, 2008 Argentina implemented a new
law prohibiting the exportation
of meteorites. When the available supply on the market is exhausted, obtaining a specimen
will become extremely difficult. Now is the time to obtain a meteorite for your
collection.
From the Las Palmas impact (pending) at Formosa, Argentina -
discovered in 2007.
Age is yet to be determined.
Measures 10 cm by 8 cm by 4.2 cm in size and weighs 522.6 grams.
Price $985
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|
Impressive meteorite from the
world famous Canyon Diablo impact!
Superb meteorite with excellent form and
aesthetics! Most Canyon Diablo specimens
don't do much for me but this one has well formed regmaglypts and two large impressions
on the front which most likely were Carbon nodules which either burned out or weathered
loose. Whatever the reason, the specimen certainly benefitted from the process and also
sits upright without the aid of a base or stand. Silver-grey surfaces with orange accents.
From the Canyon Diablo impact (Meteor Crater) near
Winslow, Arizona - discovered in 1891.
Weighs 1,450 grams.
Age is between 20,000 to 40,000 years old.
Measures 10.3 cm by 10 cm by 6 cm in size.
Price $2500
 |
Beautiful Iron-Nickel (IAB) meteorite from
the Las Palmas (pending) impact!
A new find of meteorite which is still pending certification! Research is being done to
determine
if this is a continuation of the Campo del Cielo meteorite fall or a separate occurance.
Both are
located at Formosa, Argentina but there are some subtle differences. This specimen is
incredibly
sculptural with mountains and deep valleys throughout! Regmaglypts cover the surface front
and back and there are also two natural holes! The wild structure is very suggestive of
just how
incredibly violent the impact was. A very aesthetic meteorite with a dark
silver-grey patina.
Special Note: On January 1, 2008 Argentina implemented a new
law prohibiting the exportation
of meteorites. When the available supply on the market is exhausted, obtaining a specimen
will become extremely difficult. Now is the time to obtain a meteorite for your
collection.
From the Las Palmas impact (pending) at Formosa, Argentina -
discovered in 2007.
Age is yet to be determined.
Measures 12.5 cm by 16 cm by 13.3 cm in size and weighs 3,990 grams.
Price $2500
 |
 |
MIN#Tucson2009-98 SOLD!
Large Iron-Nickel (IAB)
meteorite from the Odessa, Texas Impact!
Superb meteorite featuring a beautiful
structure full of large regmaglypts and horns!
This is one of the finest specimens I've seen from the 1922 discovery near Odessa, Texas.
Not only is it large cabinet in size, but it's also quite lustrous and balanced with a
beautiful
silver-gray patina. Add a little bit of orange iron oxide color and you have the makings
of a great centerpiece! Despite the fact that the Odessa impact is not as well known as
the crater near Winslow, Arizona, it was still a sizable impact and one of the most
unusual
in that it came in at a very shallow angle and was more of a ricochet than a direct
impact.
The end result was a crater measuring around 175 yards in width and 33 yards in depth.
First
discovered in 1922, near Odessa, Ector County, Texas.
Weighs 5,926 grams.
Age is approximately 25,000 years old.
Measures 14.3 cm by 18.3 cm by 13.8 cm in size.
Price $3500
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Golden crystals of Chalcopyrite on a
bed of Galena and Quartz!
Stunning Chalcopyrite specimen featuring crystals up
to 2.2 cm in size!
All are bright and golden with a brilliant luster and a good amount of relief above
the Galena matrix. The largest crystals near the center actually stand upright.
From the Borieva Mine, Madan Ore Field, Rhodope Mountains,
Bulgaria.
Measures 6.3 cm by 12.5 cm in size.
Ex. Edward David Mineral Collection
Price $1500
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MIN#Tucson2009-100 NEW!
Lustrous plate of botryoidal Hematite with
sparkling micro-crystals of Hematite in the center!
From Egremont, Cumberland, Cumbria, England.
Measures 9 cm by 12 cm in size.
Price $585
For More Tucson 2009 Specimens, Follow this Link to Room 6!
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quality mineral specimens!
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