TUCTS-04 - This exquisite miniature specimen from Erongo features an aesthetic spray of gemmy aquamarine crystals perched on the horizon of the piece. Adding contrast of texture and color are several siderite crystals (appear to be pseudomorphs) and cream-colored feldspar.
DSK-04 - With a pleasing yellow color, several gemmy calcite crystals rest on a matrix of crystallized stibnite. The largest calcite crystal is twinned, and each of the calcites contains stibnite inclusions. Superbly lustrous and aesthetic!
DSK-07 - Far more transparent and lustrous than photos indicate, several smoky quartz prisms host rich orange, gemmy spessartine crystals on white microcline feldspar. The specimen has excellent balance and displays well.
Corundum var. Ruby - $1500
Jegdalek, Konar Prov., Afghanistan
2.9 x 2.7 cm
DSK-01 - Boasting surprisingly sharp, vibrant pink ruby crystals on matrix, this fine miniature specimen is well-balanced and eye-catching. The color of the ruby varies strongly according to how it is lit...showing more of a red modifying hue in incandescent light.
TUCTS-01 - Grape purple cubes of inter-penetrating fluorite crystals surround a pair of very transparent quartz prisms along with yellow siderite and black muscovite in this very fine miniature. Both quartz crystals have lustrous faces, especially at the termination (highlighted in the picture to show form) and the larger crystal contains a phantom coated by siderite. Displays well from all angles. Mined 2013
Wulfenite - $695
Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
4.2 x 3.6 cm
DSK-03 - A sharp, translucent wulfenite crystal forms the horizon of this superb miniature specimen from the world-famous Tsumeb Mine. Numerous small crystals of wulfenite are scattered across the surface of the matrix along with tiny spheres of a green mineral (probably malachite).
DSK-06 - A beautiful cluster of highly lustrous, very sharp crystals of primary malachite perch on the horizon of chrysocolla matrix in this competition-level miniature specimen. Displays well from ~ 270º. Act fast on this one!
Copper on Calcite - ON HOLD
Houghton County, Michigan, USA
5.6 x 4.2 cm -Custom lucite base
DSK-12 - Wonderfully aesthetic, this unusual matrix copper specimen features very sharp crystals nestled among sparkling calcite. The piece is three-dimensional and dramatic in person and comes with a custom lucite base for display.
Legrandite - $750
Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico
4.3 x 3.0 cm
DSK-09 - Seven lustrous, vibrant yellow crystals of legrandite, many with gemmy tips, crown the top of this unique and beautiful miniature specimen from Ojuela. The main crystal is particularly gemmy with about half of the crystal showing high transparency.
TUCTS-05 - Accented by lilac lepidolite, this lustrous and gemmy pink tourmaline specimen from the famous Himalaya Mine will not disappoint. Un-repaired and complete all around, the crystal is transparent from end to end. A beauty!
Spessartine on Feldspar - $525
Shengus, Skardu Dist., Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
6.3 x 5.7 cm
DSK-02 - A cream-white, crystallized matrix of feldspar hosts a dozen or more spessartine garnets--many gemmy--along with quartz and aquamarine.
Barite - $195
Nueva Esperanza, Huamalíes, Huanuco, Peru
3.9 x 2.7 cm
TUCTS-02 - Very lustrous, high quality barite crystals, transparent as a window pane, perch on a dark, crystallized matrix (perhaps sphalerite) in this miniature specimen from Peru. Noted as collected from the source in 2009. Be sure to look at the alternate angles of the piece as it displays well from all sides.
Fluorite - $1950
Xianghualing Mine, Hunan Prov., China
8.6 x 6.5 cm
DSK-13 - Displaying the dominant cubic and octahedral crystal forms of fluorite together in the same piece, this superb green fluorite specimen is noted for very high transparency, luster, and contrast with the stark white calcite covering most of the octahedra. Note the alternate photos of the piece, which show how you can see the white-covered octahedral crystals through the modified cubic fluorite. Superb!
Cerussite - $850
Mibladen, Meknés-Tafilalet Region, Morocco
6.7 x 5.3 cm
DSK-10 - Showing an unusual crystal form for cerussite with more equant, pseudo-hexagonal crystals, this piece features high luster and transparency along with a distinct yellow color zone.
TUCTS-06 - Accompanied by just the right amount of matrix this hematite included quartz (iron quartz = "Eisenkiesel") is complete from all sides and in great condition with a rich, carnelian-like color and good luster. Collected in the 1990's.
Quartz & Pyrite - $175
Berezovskii Mine, Ekaterinburg, Russia
4.6 x 3.4 cm
TUCTS-03 - Pyrite crystals perfectly complement alpine-quality quartz (very high luster and transparency) that has a hint of citrine color to it in this fine miniature specimen from Russia. Certain surfaces of the quartz are selectively coated by drusy quartz (not damage) and make for a nice effect in person. Mined 1990's
Fluorite - SOLD
Riemvasmaak, N. Cape Prov., South Africa
4.1 x 3.4 cm
DSK-11 - This well-balanced miniature fluorite specimen from Riemvasmaak features a vivid green octahedral crystal with minute pyrite inclusions on a bit of white quartz matrix. The fluorite is highly transparent, allowing you to see through to some iron staining in the matrix (less visible in person).
DSK-08 - This specimen has superb balance and a fine aesthetic with a rosette of dolomite in the foreground and a glassy, curving cluster of window-clear barite.
TUCTS-07 - Redefining the standard for the species, these new augelites from the mine famous for hubnerites have not come to market in appreciable numbers. This fine miniature contains five augelite crystals accompanied by water-clear quartz prisms that nicely balance the piece. Contains more quartz crystals than are visible in the photo. Nice!
Hemimorphite - $6000
M'Fouati, Brazzaville, Congo
16.2 x 10.0 cm
VTUC9-34 - Displaying a very pleasing robin's egg blue color, this sizable hemimorphite from the new discoveries at M'Fouati is quite eye catching. Typically a colorless mineral, specimens of this quality can be found in only a few localities around the world. The piece displays well in either orientation shown.
Hemimorphite - $2500
M'Fouati, Brazzaville, Congo
11.3 x 7.3 cm
VTUC1-16 - Robin's egg blue rosettes of hemimorphite with a velvet-like appearance are wonderfully accented by lighter colored crystals that cover every surface of this piece. Well-balanced and more three-dimensional than is apparent from the computer screen, this fine specimen is quite aesthetic.
VTUC2-17 - Boasting a pleasing combination of colors, textures, and species, this specimen features robin's egg blue rosettes of hemimorphite along with lustrous brown and orange willemite crystals. Click on the alternate photo below for a view of the "back" of the specimen which is as equally attractive as the front with its blanketing of hemimorphite.
VTUC3-21 - Complete and aesthetic from all angles, this fine specimen features reticulated cerussite twins on sky blue hemimorphite that nicely contrast with pseudo-stalactites of willemite. A rare and beautiful combo!
VTUC16-11 - Featuring an attractive deep turquoise color with surprising luster, this specimen hosts botryoidal hemimorphite juxtaposed with cream and orange-brown willemite. A few cerussite crystals are scattered about as well. A very attractive and rare combo!
Hemimorphite - $1000
M'Fouati, Brazzaville, Congo
9.2 x 5.1 cm
VTUC12-26 - With unusual luster, this piece displays robin's egg blue sprays of hemimorphite with thin veils of hemimorphite in the middle of the piece that provide an effect of dramatic movement. The specimen is equally attractive from the horizontal aspect as shown in the photo below. Quite nice!
VTUC8-35 - A piece with dramatic "movement", this fine specimen features the rare combo of sky blue hemimorphite on pseudo-stalactites of willemite. Click on the large photo to get a closer look at the tiny, neon-green mineralization (unknown). The piece displays equally well from all angles.
VTUC13-24 - A study in contrasts of color and texture, this very aesthetic large miniature boasts sky blue hemimorphite and vibrant yellow mimetite on red-brown willemite. On the left side, the velvet-like hemimorphite has a subtle white frosting counterposed with the selective coating of black on the other side.
VTUC14-29 - Fine, vibrant yellow crystals of lustrous mimetite contrast very nicely with equally lustrous, gemmy hemimorphite in this attractive large miniature specimen from M'Fouati. Both sides of the piece are richly crystallized. Rare and beautiful!
VTUC17-10 - Attractive columns of botryoidal, sky blue hemimorphite host reticulated cerussite twins in this surprisingly three-dimensional vug-like specimen. Also present are tiny neon-green crystals of an unidentified species. A rare and beautiful combo!
VTUC6-37 - A study in contrasts, this piece features a rich array of cerussite crystals on hemimorphite, with many reticulated twins interspersed. The robin's egg blue hemimorphite counterposed with white botryoidal mineralization is quite attractive.
VTUC4-15 - Fine light blue radial sprays of hemimorphite complement five pseudo-stalactite "fingers" of willemite appearing like a hand with fingertips touching. The piece truly displays well from all angles and is more attractive than photos can indicate.
VTUC5-14 - Lustrous reticulated cerussite twins on sky blue hemimorphite cover the surface of willemite pseudo-stalactites from the lead-zinc-copper deposit at M'Fouati. The piece displays well from all angles and is quite dramatic in person.
VTUC18-2 - This beautiful miniature specimen is crowned with yellow mimetite crystals accompanied by sky-blue sprays of hemimorphite on tiny fingers of willemite pseudo-stalactites. The back of the specimen is well crystallized as well with the mimetite included by willemite.
VTUC15-30 - Lustrous reticulated cerussite twins on sky blue hemimorphite cover the surface of willemite pseudo-stalactites from the lead-zinc-copper deposit at M'Fouati. The piece displays well from all angles and is quite dramatic in person.
VTUC10-36 - Featuring lustrous hexagonal (trigonal) willemite crystals to 7mm, this rare combo piece also hosts sky blue balls of hemimorphite, many of which cling to the barrel-shaped willemite. The color and texture contrast in the piece is appealing to be sure.
VTUC7-38 - Showing multiple shades of blue, this piece features a rich array of cerussite crystals on hemimorphite, with reticulated twins interspersed. Many of the cerussite crystals are quite gemmy, and the varying sizes of the hemimorphite "balls" works together for nice effect. A rare combo piece!
VTUC11-39 - This superb cabinet-sized specimen of the rare combination of cerussite, hemimorphite, and pseudo-stalactites of willemite has much to commend it. The piece is richly covered with lustrous, gemmy cerussite crystals (up to 10mm), many twinned, on hemimorphite that ranges from sky blue to velvet-like turquoise. It displays well from all angles.
MMT-702 - A study in contrasts, this small cabinet specimen boasts a smoky quartz crystal (6.8 cm) covered on all sides with transparent, rich orange spessartine crystals. The white matrix provides an ideal setting. The quartz crystals are transparent, and the specimen is in ideal condition.
Fluorite - $1250 Shangbao Mine, Hunan Prov., China
7.2 x 6.1 x 3.7 cm
MMT-704 - The glassy faces of this lovely cuboctahedral fluorite crystals allow you to peer into the crystal to admire the interplay of purple and pale green inside. The crystal is pristine and quite transparent. Note the small cubic crystal that accompanies the larger, isolated crystal.
Apatite on Albite - $1250
Sapo Mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil
7.8 x 5.6 x 6.2 cm
MMT-705 - In this sculptural piece, several hexagonal apatite crystals perch on the horizon of an albite matrix. The basal faces are glassy and the crystals possess a dark core with a forest green translucent layer on the outside. Again, what makes this piece unique is the positioning of the interpenetrating crystals at just the right place on the matrix. One tiny contact is present on a corner. Better in person...you won't be disappointed.
TYP-002 - A vivid, eye-catching combination piece features several different species hosted on a stalactitic matrix, including needles of blue-green rosasite, colorless hemimorphite, and pseudo-octagonal adamite. I expect conichalcite is present here too, along with other (as yet) unlabelled species.
NY2-330 - Razor sharp, superbly lustrous crystals of arsenopyrite (to 3.4 cm) are accompanied by numerous quartz crystals all on a tan matrix of what appears to be cookeite. Photos do not correctly reveal the quality of these arsenopyrite crystals...they are just spectacular and aesthetic with their stepped growth patterns and interlocking arrangement.
NY4-500 - A surprisingly aesthetic silver pseudomorph, this specimen features a dramatic spray of thick silver needles that preserve the form of the dyscrasite that they have replaced. In addition, the matrix contains a high silver content with an attractive silver streak drawing the eye toward the silver crystals on top. The piece comes from old material from a classic European locality that was mined first by Celtic inhabitants many centuries ago.
Calcite with Barite - $1750
Elmwood Mine, Smith Co., Tennessee, USA
7.1 x 5.7 cm –custom lucite base
NY3-447 - This truly gorgeous specimen from the Elmwood Mine features a jewel-like calcite on sphalerite along with barite crystallized in the form of a snowflake. With its wonderful aesthetics and great condition, this piece would make a glowing addition to any suite of fine minerals.
NY2-387 - Thick steel-gray blades of löllingite are absolutely covered by super lustrous epitaxial arsenopyrite in this aesthetic small cabinet from new material coming out of Inner Mongolia. Calcite rhombs and quartz prisms add contrast. See the video below for a better view of the three-dimensional nature of the piece.
NY2-325 - Perhaps my favorite piece right now from the new update is this gorgeous cabinet specimen from Greece that simply glitters with thousands of drusy quartz crystals that cover the surface of the specimen. The pink coloration is from rhodochrosite which is included within the quartz in selective areas. On the left of the specimen is a radiating cluster of quartz prisms that bring a nice size contrast and another shape in addition to the rhombs of calcite(?) on the right side of the piece. Well-balanced and beautiful!
NY2-308 - Mirror bright and glistening, this fine Swiss miniature is a true classic, featuring deep red rutile crystals and white adularia on sharp blades of hematite. Displays well from all angles.
MMB-893 - With a silky luster and a pleasant pink color, this cobaltian smithsonite would make a great addition to a Tsumeb suite (or worldwide collection). The back of the specimen is likewise covered in crystallized smithsonite. A galena crystal crowned with pink crystals displays a metallic shimmer. Great condition.
MMB-883 - Radial sprays of vibrant turquoise aurichalcite formed atop balls of cuprian austinite in this small cabinet specimen. Colorless calcite wafers form the top layer of mineralization.
MMT-707 - A thick (3.8 cm) band of rose quartz rises from the top of a smoky quartz crystal in this lovely small cabinet specimen. While not as transparent as the specimen above, the pink color is slightly more saturated. This piece also features a transparent gem on the horizon of the specimen.
Prehnite on Quartz - $395
Brandberg, Erongo Region, Namibia
9.9 x 6.0 x 6.4 cm
MMB-842 - Rising from a bed of transparent, crystallized quartz are two prehnite pillars of surprising translucency...the piece glows with even subtle lighting. Small epidote crystals also make an appearance. This unusual combination from the locality displays equally well from all angles.
NY-106 - This American classic features sharp-edged, criss-crossing crystals of chrysocolla pseudomorphed after azurite. The piece displays well from front or back and has a nice balance to it.
Cobaltoan Calcite - $625
Bou Azzer Dist., Tazenakht, Morocco
12.2 x 9.5 cm
MMB-856 -Translucent pink cobaltoan calcite crystals cover the surface of this colorful cabinet specimen. The well-terminated pink crystals (to 1.7 cm) stand out in nice relief against the pale--almost colorless--crystals that form the bed of the specimen.
Calcite - $950
Sarbaiskoe deposit, Kostanay Prov., Kazakhstan
6.6 x 5.7 x 3.5 cm
MMB-795 - A cluster of golden-yellow, twinned calcite crystals rests on a matrix coated with small, pale yellow calcites. The transparency of the specimen is quite nice...better than photos can show. There are no cleaved edges. Each crystal is complete and wonderfully formed with curving lines, selective frosting and light striations.
Copper and Calcite - $695 Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
7.6 x 6.3 cm
MMB-847 - Dendritic copper crystals extend from a matrix of crystallized calcite in this small cabinet specimen from Tsumeb. Natural copper crystals from Tsumeb are quite rare, and this is a fine combination piece for any Tsumeb suite or worldwide collection.
