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Fine Mineral Specimens - Recently Sold
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Pyromorphite - SOLD
Bunker Hill, Kellogg, Idaho, USA
3.5 x 2.6 x 2.2 cm
MMS-238 - This pristine, lustrous cluster of yellowish-green pyromorphite crystals is simply world-class in quality and aesthetics. The specimen is complete all around and equally attractive however you wish to display it. A classic Bunker Hill pyromorphite with the vibrant color characteristic of a find in the mid 1980's.
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Topaz on Smoky Quartz - SOLD
Murzinka, Ekaterinburgskaya Oblast', Russia
5.1 x 4.5 x 3.0 cm
MMS-225 - A complexly terminated topaz crystal (2.7 cm) perches on a smoky quartz matrix. This classic locality in the Ural Mountains has provided gem topaz specimens since the early 1800's, but specimens of high quality are now difficult to find. Very nearly flawless internally! The topaz is pristine, and we can confirm that the piece has not been repaired.
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Malachite ps. after Azurite - SOLD
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
8.1 x 4.3 x 2.5 cm
MMB-603 - A gorgeous specimen of malachite pseudomorphed after azurite has unusually sharp edges along with the chatoyant patterns loved by all. The specimen is equally exciting on the back, showing a complex pattern of crystals. Note the vertical striations on the c-axis, still visible though the azurite has oxidized and changed form to malachite.
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Azurite - SOLD
Liufengshan Mine, Anhui Province, China
9.2 x 7.3 x 7.2 cm
MMB-607 - A very aesthetic, three-dimensional cluster of azurite balls ranks among the finest from China. There are 6+ distinct rosettes, or balls, in this piece each showing great luster and deep royal blue color. Very dramatic in person!
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Tourmaline w/ Lepidolite - SOLD
Himalaya Mine, San Diego County, California
10.0 x 3.8 x 3.0 cm
MMY-1206 - A unique masterpiece...gemmy purple lepidolite clusters accent a doubly terminated pair of pink tourmaline crystals from the famous Himalaya Mine in San Diego County, California. In the photo, the bottom termination of the large crystal is flat and glassy. The crystal on the left side of the piece has a pyramidal termination on the bottom. Superb! A terminated sidecar crystal juts out from the left. No repairs...wonderful from any angle.
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Fluorite on Matrix - SOLD
Walworth Quarry, Walworth, New York, USA
5.0 x 5.0 x 4.6 cm
MMB-604 - A gem of a fluorite crystal (1.7 cm) rises from a matrix coated with tiny dolomite rhombs in this lovely specimen from the classic locality of Walworth, New York. Specimens of this quality are highly sought after and truly do rival the treasured fluorites from Dal'negorsk, Russia.
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Fluorite with Dolomite - SOLD
Shangbao Pyrite Mine, Hunan Prov., China
11.8 x 10.7 x 10.7 cm
MMB-557 - This exceptional cabinet specimen showcases modified cubic fluorite crystals (to 3.8 cm) that are truly water clear and contain phantoms that provide a purple "blush" to the whole specimen. Dolomite, quartz, and small pyrite crystals add appeal to the piece and make it a treat to examine in your hands. A "knob" of matrix hosts the mineralization, making this a specimen that is equally attractive from 360 degrees. Custom Lucite Base
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Ferberite with Quartz - SOLD
Yaogangxian, Hunan Prov., China
7.7 x 6.4 x 4.9 cm
MMB-559 - A large and lustrous, striated ferberite crystal with fine termination is accented by a contrasting white quartz crystal (also terminated). Calcite crystals cover the back, along with minor arsenopyrite and muscovite. Complete and undamaged.
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Tourmaline - SOLD
Barra da Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
3.5 x 2.4 x 2.3 cm
MMS-267 - Crowned with a green cap or "scepter," this zoned tourmaline transitions from deep blue to a lighter blue then to a pink layer showing chatoyancy. The green layer at the termination is gemmier and has fewer striations. A unique piece!
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Silver - SOLD
Yunnan Province, China
10.7 x 3.2 x 1.2 cm
– ex Gene & Roz Meieran Collection
MMY-1204 - A curl of smoke headed to the sky...A thick, sturdy wire of native silver with excellent patina. This silver specimen has grace and elegance similar to the famous Kongsberg pieces so desired by advanced collectors. A great silver from any locality but superior from China.
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Powellite on Stilbite - SOLD
Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India
6.7 x 5.3 x 4.5 cm
MMB-587 - An extraordinarily transparent and lustrous powellite crystal formed among crystals of stilbite. Measuring 1.3 cm, the amber-colored powellite is lightly striated and gorgeous. If you've been looking for a superb example of this Indian mineral, wait no longer. Pictured in Lapis magazine
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Tourmaline w/ gemstone - SOLD
Himalaya Mine, San Diego County, California
10.2 x 3.0 x 2.8 cm
MMB-578 - Purple lepidolite accents the rich pink and olive green hues of this especially gemmy tourmaline from the famous Himalaya Mine. The specimen is doubly-terminated and damage free, aside from the expertly done repair to reattach the two pieces nature tore asunder. Paired with the specimen is a gorgeous bi-color gemstone (10.22) with a fantasy cut that adds visual impact and appeal to the display. Custom lucite base
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Selenite - SOLD
Red River Floodway, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
8.0 x 6.9 x 5.2 cm
MMB-576 - Several lustrous, golden yellow selenite twins radiate from a ball of smaller selenite crystals in this very aesthetic, affordable cabinet specimen. Drawn from the clay of the Red River in Winnipeg years ago, these specimens rarely make it to the market in any quality. Superb!
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Barite with Calcite - SOLD
Elk Creek, Dalzell, Meade Co., South Dakota, USA
6.6 x 6.3 x 4.5 cm
MMB-588 - Multiple root-beer colored barite crystals to 5.7 cm rise from a matrix with yellow calcite crystals. Lustrous and very transparent, barite specimens from Elk Creek rank among the world's best and most recognized. This specimen was among the fine barites from Elk Creek displayed at Tucson in 2008 for the American Mineral Treasures exhibit. Custom lucite base.
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Spodumene "bi-color" - SOLD
Resplendor, Minas Gerais, Brazil
5.5 x 1.8 x 0.5 cm
MMB-573 - Though etched spodumene crystals are not rare, bi-color specimens with unusual forms are highly sought after by collectors. This piece features a lilac base transitioning to a light golden yellow. Characteristic triangular etch patterns add an appealing texture.
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Hematite with Quartz - $1250
Brumado, Bahia, Brazil
5.7 x 4.6 x 1.7 cm
MMB-571 - Mirror-bright hematite crystals are accompanied by quartz crystals that have grown around some of the hematite blades, making for a very attractive miniature specimen. The geometric patterns of the hematite find their parallel in diamond-shaped features on the surface of the middle quartz crystal. Two gemmy magnesite rhombs add a third shape and texture. Custom lucite base
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Wulfenite - $6950
Ruoqiang Co., Xinjiang-Uygur A.R., China
11.4 x 8.3 x 6.8 cm
MMS-171 - This plate of reddish-orange, translucent wulfenite crystals has the look of a piece from the San Francisco mine and color approaching those from Red Cloud. With concentric zoning and chisel point terminations, the crystals reach 2.3cm. Very three-dimensional with some minor damage on the peripheral. From a remote area in China, it is apparent that these specimens are not found in appreciable numbers.
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Beryl var. Aquamarine - SOLD
Shigar Valley, Baltistan, Pakistan
8.6 x 2.7 x 1.9 cm
- ex Irv Brown Collection
MMS-111 - This piece is so sharp and so water-clear that it comes as close to a natural gemstone as nature has blessed us with from her generous depths. Muscovite blades attached near the base add contrasting color and texture. From the remote northern areas of Pakistan, high in the Himalayas, aquamarines of this quality are certain to become even more scarce given the current state of the region.
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Cumengeite, Boleite, Pseudo-Boleite - SOLD
Amelia Mine, Santa Rosalía, Boleó Dist., Mexico
3.0 x 2.1 x 1.7 cm
- ex John Barlow Collection
MMS-143 - Geologic splendor on display...a boleite crystal hosts several cumengeite pyramids growing off its cubic faces. On one of the pyramids, a 1-mm thick pseudo-boleite formed, adding a third dimension to this very rare combination piece. Illustrated in The F. John Barlow Mineral Collection, Plate #10-25.
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Cobaltoan-Calcite - SOLD
Bou Azzer, Morocco
3.5 x 2.9 x 2.4 cm
MMB-505 - Rarely does vibrant pink cobaltoan-calcite form in prismatic crystals of this size (to 1.8cm), especially given their translucency. Careful trimming has isolated the damage-free main crystals to make this a high-quality miniature specimen.
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Scapolite - SOLD
Badakshan Province, Afghanistan
6.1 x 3.6 x 3.0 cm
MMS-148 - Purple scapolite on matrix. What else is there to say? Note the lustrous, striated faces and the angled termination, the saturated purple color...this piece will draw attention from even the most jaded of collectors. The termination has some minor damage visible on the right side of the photo, but this is more than compensated by the overall appeal of the piece.
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