Sharp, textbook crystals of this intense raspberry-colored garnet measure to 2 cm across on this cabinet piece. Although small pieces and large plates with jumbly masses were around briefly when these came out in the late 1990s, very few larger specimens had quality of aesthetics AND quality of crystals on the same piece. These crystals have a sharp form, saturated color, and are wonderfully isolated on matrix. Few specimens of this quality were found, and fewer still can be had on the market. To this day, these remain a unique, beautiful garnet find that is unlike any found elsewhere. A Mexican classic, but also a very fine and colorful garnet specimen by any standard. ex Dave Stoudt Mexico collection (purchased from me originally in 2007 when it came up to market). Joe Budd Photos.

I LOVE THESE THINGS! WHAT A NEAT EXAMPLE OF INTERESTING MINERALOGY, having talc replace a hard mineral like quartz !?! This is an incredibly rare pseudomorph of talc after quartz, on massive talc, from old Germany. Such large pieces are almost impossible to find. These pseudomorphs are quite old, and this one dates to the collection of Sir Robert Ferguson (1769-1840). He was amember of Parliament and the nobility from Kirkaldy, Scotland (he had stopped collecting by 1810, it is thought). I purchased it in London when hs colleciton was dispersed in 1998, and sold it to a collector at that time. Unique to this location, the crystals are very sharp and have a soft vitreous luster. One of the hardest pseudomorphs to find in any condition and this piece is nearly perfect, AND OF LARGE SIZE. As you can imagine, this is a "must have" for any pseudomorph collector or historic mineral lover - and the two old labels are a bonus. For more on Robert Ferguson, click here: http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1820-1832/member/ferguson-robert-1769-1840 Joe Budd Photos.

This is a significant US amethyst specimen: An exceptional large cluster with grape-juice purple crystals, from major finds of the early 2000s here. This piece is dramatic, complete all around, and just stunning. The major crystals are all gemmy at the tips. While other pockets are deservedly famous from this mine, and feature different styles (generally with less intense purple but on quartz matrix in some cases), this particular pocket was always the most impactful to me. I recall seeing the case on exhibit on the main show floor at tucson around 2000 or 2001, and being blown away. Few were found of this size, and quality. I should mention here that the piece is nearly pristine, and there isn't a ding at all on any major crystals despite its size and 3-dimensionality. I have known about it for a decade and always regaded it as one of my favorite major Amethysts from this locality. It is complete all around. When found in the pocket, as told to me by Terry Ledford, it was "wiggly" and so they dripped glue down the middle and you would consider this stabilised/repaired although it has never come apart, per se. The original owner who bought it from the miners has added a sealant base to the bottom, at the midpoint, to be sure to support the weight and keep the cluster solidly together as an extra precaution. I have followed this piece through 2 collections (from the original miner/owner)  for a decade, and am proud to have it now. Joe Budd Photos.

This is a superb, exceptionally sharp twinned calcite from the famous Leiping Mine (where the more well-known V-twins were found in the late 1990s). This habit is fairly uncommon and usually the crystals are included, off-center, or otherwise marred. This piece is a perfect miniature with symmetry you could only wish for in most calcite specimens. It is gemmy and lustrous, and complete all around. Joe Budd Photos.

A very elegant, yet robust single crystal of pyromorphite showing deep hoppering growth. It is complete all around, and has a waxy luster combined with pleasing grass-green color. From 2010 finds. Joe Budd Photos.