The Tucson Show 2011 Mineral Rooms!

Updated October 21st, 2011

MIN#Tucson2011-221 New!

Beautiful blue doubly terminated Aquamarine crystal atop Muscovite!
I think the photo speaks for itself but here are the particulars on this stunning specimen.
The Aquamarine is a deep sky blue with super glassy surfaces and perfect terminations
at both ends. It measures 6.7 cm in length with two smaller crystals attached to the backside
which bring the total length to 7.5 cm. The matrix ranges from large Muscovite on the backside
to smaller blades of Muscovite on the front. Actually, the specimen could be displayed from
either side but this is the presentation that I prefer. I might also point out that the tips of
the Aqua are crystal-clear gem and can be seen through all the way to the matrix.
From Nagar, Hunza Valley, Northern Areas of Pakistan.
Measures 9 cm by 7.5 cm by 5.7 cm in size.
From the Kevin Ward Personal Collection
Price $9500

MIN#Tucson2011-222 New!

Huge Spessartine Garnet set atop a Smoky Quartz point with smaller Spessartines!
This is one of the largest Spessartine Garnets I've seen from China. It measures
2.1 cm by 2.2 cm in size or just shy of an inch! The color is a rich reddish-orange
and the crystal faces are super glassy and reflective with no damage whatsoever.
From the Wushan Spessartine Mine, Tongbei, Fujian Province of China.
Measures 3.7 cm by 3.7 cm in size.
Price $1450

MIN#Tucson2011-223 New!

Wonderful specimen featuring a GEM Golden Topaz crystal with Smoky Quartz points!
I love the look of this specimen! The color richness of both the Topaz and Smoky Quartz
is stunning and very obvious in the above photograph! The small white crystal sitting
atop the Golden Topaz is actually a tiny colorless Topaz crystal. The Golden Topaz
is pure perfection with sharp, complete faces. The Smoky is also perfectly terminated.
From Sakangyi, Mogok, Sagaing District, Mandalay Division, Burma (Myanmar)
Measures 7 cm by 6 cm by 5.2 cm in size.
Ex. James Vorpahl Mineral Collection
Price $2850

MIN#Tucson2011-225 New!

Fine miniature featuring an octahedral green Fluorite on Quartz!
Quality Wise Mine Fluorites have all but disappeared from the market these days and
plates with Quartz crystals are even rarer. Note the perfect Quartz scepter at upper right!
From the William Wise Mine, Westmoreland, New Hampshire.
Measures 6 cm by 7.5 cm in size.
Price $385

MIN#Tucson2011-226 New!

RARE! Malachite tubes with Azurite interiors after Selenite!
I love these unusual specimens! The Selenite crystals have been replaced by Malachite and
Azurite hollow tubes or casts from top to bottom. This is one of the better examples I've seen with
two long tubes and one small tube in the middle. Six openings of Malachite and Azurite are present.
From the Apex Mine, St. George, Utah.
Measures 8 cm by 3.7 cm by 2.6 cm in total size.
Ex. Matthew Webb Collection
Price $4500

MIN#Tucson2011-227 New!

Crystallized Native Copper on Calcite and Dolomite!
Crystallized Copper from Tsumeb is pretty rare and this specimen presents both
rarity and excellent aesthetics! The crystals on the right side actually extend above
the white matrix to give a "free standing" appearance. I'm pleased to be offering this
very fine Native Copper for the second time. A rare opportunity has resurfaced!
From the Tsumeb Mine in Tsumeb, Namibia, SW Africa.
Measures 6 cm by 5 cm in total size.
Ex. John Sinkankas, Kevin Ward Collections
From the Hall of Fame Collection
Ex. John Sinkankas, Ferris Mineral Collections
Price $4500

MIN#Tucson2011-228 New!

Quality specimen featuring Azurite crystal clusters atop Malachite!
One of the better specimens I've seen recently! The crystal clusters are lustrous
and undamaged and sparkle under the faintest of lighting. The Malachite is solid.
From the Big Indian Mine, San Juan County, Utah.
Measures 8.2 cm by 7.5 cm in size.
Price $850

MIN#Tucson2011-229 New!

Classic and pristine specimen of Rosasite on matrix!
Beautiful satiny surfaces of botryoidal Rosasite highlight this specimen.
From the Silver Bill Mine, near Gleeson, Cochise County, Arizona.
Measures 3.6 cm by 2.7 cm in size.
Ex. Harold Michel Collection
Price $285

MIN#Tucson2011-230 New!

Beautiful cluster of raspberryish Spinel crystals on matrix!
The large Spinel crystal in the center measures 4.3 cm in size and is surrounded by at
least a dozen smaller Spinels of at least 1 cm. The surfaces are glassy and brilliant.
From the Sungate Mine, An Phu, Luc Yen, Yen Bai District, Vietnam.
Measures 7 cm by 7.3 cm in size.
Price $1500

MIN#Tucson2011-231 New!

Fine blades of Wulfenite atop matrix!
Here's another old timer from the Gleeson area. The blades are in great condition
with a slight accenting of white Calcite. The color is best described as yellowish-orange.
From the Defiance Mine, Gleeson, Cochise County, Arizona.
Measures 5 cm by 6.5 cm in size.
Ex. Harold Michel Collection
Price $285

MIN#Tucson2011-232 New!

Glassy, green crystals of Dioptase atop Calcite!
Attractive specimen with over a dozen complete Dioptase crystals. The only incomplete
crystals are located along the outer matrix trim and could easily be removed if desired.
From the Altyn-Tyube Deposit, Karaganda Oblast', Kazakhstan.
Measures 7.2 cm by 6.4 cm in size.
Ex. Goings Mineral Collection
Price $385

MIN#Tucson2011-233 New!

Golden-brown cubes of Fluorite with Celestite on sparkling matrix!
From the recent Ohio find, the Fluorites are gemmy and sharp with great luster.
From Clay Center, Ottawa County, Ohio.
Measures 7.5 cm by 10 cm in size.
Price $285

MIN#Tucson2011-234 New!

Brilliant, glassy, emerald-green crystals of Dioptase in cluster!
Fine example of green brilliance. No real damage to speak of on the main crystals.
From the Tsumeb Mine, Tsumen, Namibia, SW Africa.
Measures 3.7 cm by 3.6 cm in size.
Price $850

MIN#Tucson2011-235 New!

Stunning cluster of lustrous and terminated Stibnite crystals!
This specimen looks Chinese but it's actually from the Raura District,
Lima Department, Peru! All but one of the crystals is terminated and the
surface luster is excellent. The aesthetics speak for themselves I think!
From the Raura District, Lima Department, Peru.
Measures 7 cm by 6.2 cm in size.
Price $985

MIN#Tucson2011-236 New!

Lustrous Stalactite of "Bisbee Ice" Calcite!
Unfortunately, many of these beautiful specimens were destroyed by mining operations.
This specimen is actually a Malachite included Calcite Helectite which grew in the old Holbrook
Copper Mine in Bisbee, Cochise County, Arizona. Most were mined through and crushed.
Measures 9.5 by 11 cm in total size.
Price $785

MIN#Tucson2011-237 New!

Perfect crystal of Smoky Quartz with Amazonite and Hematite ps Siderite!
There are actually two perfectly terminated Smoky crystals here but the main
one rises 6.4 cm atop the matrix! At its base are several Amazonite crystals
and attached to its side are crystals of lustrous Hematite ps after Siderite.
There is the usual repair and restoration (crack fill) - both nearly invisible.
From the Blue Marble Pocket, Smoky Hawk Mine, Teller County, Colorado.
Measures 7.5 cm by 4.3 cm in size.
Price $1500

MIN#Tucson2011-238 New!

Impressive cluster of pearly Danburite crystals with Quartz and Chlorite accents!
A very attractive cabinet specimen with full terminations and practically no contacts!
The luster is pearly and glassy while the crystals are milky-white and flashy!
From Charcas, Mun. de Charcas, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
Measures 11 cm by 16 cm by 11.2 cm in size.
Ex. Marvin D. Rausch Collection
Price $1450

MIN#Tucson2011-239 New!

Pretty cluster of gemmy pink Cobaltian Calcite crystals with Kolwezite!
Kolwezite is a rare, olive-green mineral which occasionally appears on these pink Calcite specimens!
Chemical formula - (Cu,Co)₂[(OH)₂|CO₃]
From the Mashamba West Mine, Kolwezi, Katanga (Shaba), Dem. Republic of Congo (Zaire).
Measures 3.3 cm by 4.4 cm in size.
Price $385

MIN#Tucson2011-240 New!

EXCEPTIONAL TOURMALINES with LEPIDOLITE!!
A stunning specimen of multi-colored Tourmaline crystals rising some 11.3 cm above a Lepidolite
covered base! The crystal surfaces are literally flawless with a glassy vibrance I rarely see in
Tourmaline specimens. Both crystals are perfectly terminated with emerald-green tips that evolve
into a bluish-green coloration which then changes over to a lighter green near the bottom. The lower
portion of the actually becomes "watermelon" in that the interior is red while the exterior is green.
The pinkish Lepidolite crystals are the perfect accent to this amazing, UNREPAIRED Tourmaline!
Circa 2001 from the Rocket Pocket, Pederneira Mine, São José da Safira, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Measures 11.3 cm by 2.5 cm in total size.
Price $25,000

MIN#Tucson2011-241 New!

Cute miniature featuring gemmy crystals of purple Creedite perched atop Quartz!
These are isolated crystals of Creedite and all are doubly terminated! They're also
completely transparent and shine like glass. The Quartz is accented by Pyrite and Calcite.
From the Santa Eulalia District, Chihuahua, Mexico.
Measures 3.8 cm by 4.1 cm in size.
Price $285

MIN#Tucson2011-242 New!

Gorgeous specimen of glowing bi-color Fluorite!
The lavender Fluorite came second and overgrew the green it appears. The specimen is very translucent
and glows when given back lighting. The habit is octahedral with a myriad of light reflecting crystal faces.
From the Xianghualing Mine, Chenzhou Prefecture, Hunan Province of China.
Measures 10.3 cm by 12.8 cm in size.
Ex. Revelle Mineral Collection
Price $2500

MIN#Tucson2011-243 New!

SHIPWRECK SPECIAL!!
Complete 1744 Pillar Dollar stuck in conglomerate with pieces of colored glass and brass!
Ok, I know this isn't really a mineral specimen but it's pretty amazing as well as aesthetic and was part
of an Atocha Bar purchase. This specimen is from the Reijgersdaal which sunk off the coast of South
Africa on October 25th, 1747. The ship had been anchored between Robbin and Dassen Islands so the
crew could capture rock rabbits for food. Along came a gale which broke the anchor line and the rest
is history. Almost nothing from the wreck was salvaged due to the dangerous conditions of the area.
Apparently, when this Mexican Pillar Dollar (1744-MF) tumbled down through the depths, it became
embedded in the mud and debris of the wreck. Over the course of 250+ years, the conglomerate
hardened and locked the coin in place along with pieces of colored glass and a small round object
made of brass that may be a crotal bell. There's also the hollow remains of a piece of wood or iron.
From the 1747 Reijgersdaal (Reygersdahl) Shipwreck, Off the coast of South Africa.
Recovered in 1979-1980. Measures 8.5 cm by 7.2 cm by 4.5 cm in size.
Comes with certificate of authenticity
Price $4500

MIN#Tucson2011-244 New!

Fine doubly terminated crystal of Beryl var. Aquamarine with Albite!
This beautiful specimen exhibits a misty-blue, almost cat's-eye appearance in the
center portions and caps off with a crystal clear termination. Upon closer inspection,
it appears that a smaller, translucent Aquamarine crystal was overgrown by a larger,
more transparent crystal creating one heck of a phantom in the middle and at the top!
From Darra-i-Pech, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.
Measures 8.7 cm by 3.8 cm in size.
Ex. Charles Leavitt, Revelle Mineral Collections
Price $2850

MIN#Tucson2011-246 Sold!

Super lustrous specimen of gray-blue-pink Smithsonite!
There are hints of multiple colors in these glistening botryoidal surfaces!
From the El Refugio Mine, Choix, Sinaloa, Mexico.
Measures 6.7 cm by 6 cm in size.
Price $485

MIN#Tucson2011-247 New!

LARGE tabular crystals of Golden Barite on Calcite blades!
The largest crystal laying horizontally across the matrix measures a whopping 14.5 cm in length!
It's perfectly terminated and glassy with a good bit of transparency near the tip! The other
crystals measurss 4.3 cm and 3.6 in size with the smallest being completely gemmy and clear!
The Barites sit atop a matrix covered from end to end by yellow Calcite. A gorgeous large cab!
From the Meikle Mine, Bootstrap District, Elko County, Nevada.
Measures 10 cm by 18 cm by 11 cm in total size.
Price $4500

MIN#Tucson2011-248 New!

Rare plate of Forsterite var. Peridot crystals on stabilized matrix!
This plate is from Burma and is loaded with gemmy green Peridots which grew inside a matrix
seam that stretches from front to back. There are well over a dozen crystals here and most
are terminated outside the matrix. This is the first and only Peridot plate I've seen from Burma.
From Bernardmyo, Mogok, Sagaing District, Mandalay Division, Burma (Myanmar).
Measures 10 cm by 12.6 cm in size with a see-through seam of crystals!
Price $2450

MIN#Tucson2011-249 New!

Stunning specimen of Rhodochrosite on needle Quartz with Hubnerite!
This is one of the finest Hedgehog miniatures that I've seen! The largest rhomb
measures 2.2 cm in size and displays a vibrance of color that you usually don't find
in Hedgehog Pocket specimens. All the Rhodochrosite surfaces are glassy and complete
with some natural facial stepping on the left corner. The rhomb is completely pristine!
From the Hedgehog Pocket, Main Stope Drift, Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado.
Measures 5 cm by 4.8 cm in size.
Price $6500

MIN#Tucson2011-250 New!

Amazing specimen featuring a large 1 inch Native Silver spinel on Calcite!
There are numerous spinel twins scattered all over the white Calcitic matrix. This is one
of the most impressive Batopilas Silvers I've seen or owned and I'm happy to be able to
offer it in this update. The entire specimen is crystalline with a beautiful antiquish patina.
From Batopilas, Andres del Rio District, Mun. de Batopilas, Chihuahua, Mexico.
Measures 6 cm by 4.9 cm in size.
Ex. Richard Heck, Bergmann Mineral Collections
Currently in the Kevin Ward Personal Collection
Price $6500

MIN#Tucson2011-251 New!

UNIQUE!! Multi-colored Smithsonite with orange caps!
I call this the "Mushroom Smithsonite" because the orange caps over the surface growth
look like the tops of mushrooms. Actually, you have three distinct layers of growth on this
unique looking specimen. The first is a misty-blue layer which covers the matrix. The second
is a more lustrous white layer. The third and final is the most lustrous yet - the orange colored
top layer of Cadmium Smithsonite which only appears draped atop the other two layers. One
must wonder if the Cadmium layer appeared last and never completed its growth or were the
sides etched away leaving only the caps? I see evidence of both possibilites but the former seems the
most likely explanation. Whatever the cause, it resulted in a specimen that is both odd and beautiful.
From the El Refugio Mine, Choix, Sinaloa, Mexico.
Measures 6.8 cm by 12 cm by 4.4 cm in size.
Price $2850

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