|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
of intense blue Aurichalcite in Calcite from the Ojuela Mine, in Mexico
Now posted, a selection of 3 dozen of the top specimens from a few small pockets found in May and July of 2009, featuring calcite so thickly invested by Aurichalcite inclusions that they are a riveting, neon blue color, many with aurichalcite needles visible within. A few small pockets produced lesser specimens in 2008, but this was the first find of larger size, resulting in some 200 specimens of which these are the majority of top pieces. These were brought to market just before the Denver show; and I have held them since that time awaiting more to be found, just in case. So far, though, no more has been found to my knowledge (as of the end of November, 2009). The Ojuela has experienced a renaissance in the last 2 years, producing more mineral specimens of more varieties (...many of novel habit or color such as these), than in the previous 2 decades. We hope that a renewed sense of the value of such finds will lead to more mining here for specimens. It is a feedback cycle, even at old mines such as this which produced much material 20 or more years ago. Even though "old classics" are now being found here again, such as adamite and calcite, still there are differences from the old material, reminding us that each lucky find is a slice through the horizon of time in a given mine; and no two are alike.
AURC-01 - Aurichalcite in Calcite - € 3448 SOLD Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico large cabinet, 15.6 x 7.7 x 4.5 cm
Few large specimens of any quality were recovered from this find, or rather trickle of small pockets over this past summer. Here is a rare, dramatic large specimen that is so colorful it looks fake. Emplaced on a vein portion of limonite matrix are intergrown crystals of glassy and translucent,rombohedral calcite, to 1.25 cm across. What really makes this special are the rich inclusions of aurichalcite investing into the calcite rhombs, resulting in the most beautiful teal color. Some aurichalcite remains free of the calcites, as bunches of tightly packed crystals amidst the rhombs. When closely examining the calcite, it is possible to see the fibrous aurichalcite crystals preserved inside, thus showing that this is intergrowth, as much or more so than simple inclusions. Some crystals of calcite may be more aurichalcite than calcite now! The color is , truly, mesmerizing! Because they are also lustrous, this is hard to photograph and I assure you the color and lustre both are better in person because we had the camera compromise to try to get each in some degree.
AURC-02 - Aurichalcite in Calcite - € 1111 SOLD Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico small cabinet, 5.8 x 4.5 x 3.9 cm
2 well-formed rhombs of calcite, to 1.75 cm across, which are heavily invested with fibrous aurichalcite, site nicely in this vug! The crystals are glassy and translucent to transparent, with an exceptional teal color. Since the rhombs are large, showy, and colorful, this specimen exhibits all the characteristics of a fine competition level specimen.
AURC-03 - Aurichalcite in Calcite - € 958 SOLD Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico miniature, 4.7 x 3.6 x 2.2 cm
Perched on a small amount of limonite matrix is a cluster of intergrown, glassy and translucent, calcite rhombs, to 1.35 cm across. They are heavily included by fibrous aurichalcite, giving the specimen a super, teal color. Very minor peripheral contacting has occurred at the edges where removed from the pocket, easily overtaken by the outstanding coloration and not a distraction. This is one of the richest overall paltes of solid colored crystals from the find. When closely examining the calcite, it is possible to see the fibrous aurichalcite crystals preserved inside, thus showing that this is intergrowth, as much or more so than simple inclusions. Some crystals of calcite may be more aurichalcite than calcite now! The color is , truly, mesmerizing! Because they are also lustrous, this is hard to photograph and I assure you the color and lustre both are better in person because we had the camera compromise to try to get each in some degree.
AURC-04 - Aurichalcite in Calcite - € 919 SOLD Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico miniature, 4.4 x 2.8 x 2.0 cm
In the center of this matrix specimen is a large, rather equant, rhomb of glassy and translucent, calcite, measuring 1.9 cm across.It has been mostly included by fibrous aurichalcite, exhibiting a spectacular, teal blue color. The top left termination is gemmier due to a smaller amount of aurichacite and thus more transparency to the calcite. This is a stark and dramatic miniature! When closely examining the calcite, it is possible to see the fibrous aurichalcite crystals preserved inside, thus showing that this is intergrowth, as much or more so than simple inclusions. Some crystals of calcite may be more aurichalcite than calcite now! The color is , truly, mesmerizing! Because they are also lustrous, this is hard to photograph and I assure you the color and lustre both are better in person because we had the camera compromise to try to get each in some degree.
AURC-05 - Aurichalcite in Calcite - € 345 SOLD Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico miniature, 4.1 x 3.2 x 2.7 cm
Fibrous aurichalcite has partially included this matrix specimen of rhombohedral calcite, giving it a two-tone color effect. Most crystals of this find are slightly included or fully included, making this unusual. The rhombs reach 1.8 cm across, and are glassy and translucent. Both major rhombs are complete, though with very minor edge wear on rear corners; but the smaller white crystal in front-middle is probably a cleave (perhaps in the pocket), and so the price is reduced. Where the aurichalcite inclusions are most present, the crystals exhibit a rich, teal color. Where they are less present, the crystals are nearly colorless. Very aesthetic!
AURC-06 - Aurichalcite in Calcite - € 192 SOLD Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico small cabinet, 5.7 x 3.7 x 2.7 cm
Nestled in a vug of limonite are intergrown clusters of rhombohedral calcite, to .7 cm across, heavily included by fibrous aurichalcite. The rhombs are glassy and translucent with a great teal blue color due to the rich investment by aurichalcite.
AURC-07 - Aurichalcite in Calcite - € 345 SOLD Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico miniature, 4.5 x 4.1 x 3.2 cm
A thin crust of light green aurichalcite on limonite gives way to glassy and translucent rhombs of calcite, to 1.0 cm across. Most of the rhombs are included by fibrous aurichalcite, which, in turn, emits a glowing, rich teal, color. A few rhombs have not been included by aurichalcite, and these are basically colorless, a nice accent.
AURC-08 - Aurichalcite in Calcite - € 192 SOLD Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico miniature, 4.4 x 3.0 x 2.5 cm
Aesthetically perched on limonite matrix, are a cluster of , rather equant, glassy and gemmy rhombs of calcite, to 1.3 cm across. Partially included by fibrous aurichalcite, the rhombs exhibit a pastel teal color.These rhombs are far more gemmy than those that are heavily included. Lovely!
AURC-09 - Calcite on Aurichalcite - € 306 SOLD Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico small cabinet, 6.8 x 5.3 x 2.8 cm
An unusual piece in this lot! Intergrown, thin, disc-like crystals of glassy and gemmy, colorless calcite are aesthetically perched high on a thin drapery of teal blue aurichalcite. All of this is on a sliver of limonite matrix. They are to 1.5 cm across and really super sharp, and gemmy clear. The contrast is striking and unusual!
AURC-10 - Aurichalcite in Calcite - € 192 SOLD Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico miniature, 3.5 x 2.9 x 2.5 cm
Jauntily perched on smaller crystals as well as limonite matrix, is a large, glassy and translucent rhomb of calcite, measuring 2.3 cm across. It has been transformed to a rich teal color by fibrous aurichalcite investing and enriching it. Superb miniature! The large crystal is very dramatic, in particular.
AURC-11 - Aurichalcite in Calcite - € 345 SOLD Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico miniature, 3.4 x 2.8 x 1.6 cm
Rather equant, glassy and translucent, rhombs of calcite, to 1.5 cm across, have been infused by fibrous aurichalcite, resulting in an intense teal coloration. Very minor edge wear is present but insignificant in context as this has sharp geometry and the most intense color of any here but perhaps 2 other pieces. This is one of the richest overall paltes of solid colored crystals from the find. When closely examining the calcite, it is possible to see the fibrous aurichalcite crystals preserved inside, thus showing that this is intergrowth, as much or more so than simple inclusions. Some crystals of calcite may be more aurichalcite than calcite now! The color is , truly, mesmerizing! Because they are also lustrous, this is hard to photograph and I assure you the color and lustre both are better in person because we had the camera compromise to try to get each in some degree.
AURC-12 - Aurichalcite in Calcite - € 115 SOLD Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico miniature, 4.7 x 4.1 x 2.3 cm
Rhombs of intergrown, glassy and translucent, calcite, to .8 cm across totally cover a limonite matrix. The rhombs are infused with fibrous aurichalcite, resulting in a lovely teal color. VERY GLASSY lustre!
AURC-13 - Aurichalcite in Calcite - € 192 SOLD Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico miniature, 4.3 x 2.7 x 1.8 cm
Sitting high on a limonite matrix are tabular rhombs of glassy and translucent, calcite, to 1.2 cm across. These rhombs have been heavily include by fibrous aurichalcite resulting in a beautiful, rich teal coloration. Very aesthetic!
AURC-14 - Aurichalcite in Calcite - € 38 SOLD Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico miniature, 3.2 x 2.7 x 1.8 cm
An intergrown cluster of glassy and translucent, calcite crystals, to .7 cm across. The rich teal color is the result of included fibrous aurichalcite.
AURC-15 - Aurichalcite in Calcite - € 96 SOLD Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico miniature, 3.5 x 2.2 x 1.6 cm
Rich, blue, fibrous aurichalcite has invaded intergrown, lustrous, calcite rhombs, to 1.25 cm across. The rhombs are emplaced on a sliver of limonite matrix.
All Content and Design ©1996-2010 The ArkenstoneBy-species Galleries | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
