A rare find of PURPLE scheelite, seen only very seldom in all the world of minerals over the years, occurred here in early 2012 (I believe the pocket was hit in march). This is a superb, aesthetic specimen from that one time find, with a sharp 2 cm crystal balanced above matrix with sphalerite. The matrix is actually more scheelite, covered by a thin layer of sparkling white calcite crystals. From the one side, it presents as an ultimate balanced association piece. . . From the other side, it presents as a more rich scheelite specimen, and looks different entirely as you can see here. Fluorescent shots are also shown

A gorgeous , very gemmy fluorite that has to be seen in person to be appreciated. It is STUNNING in person, with sublteties of form and texture on the outside like a rind, around a totally gemmy interior that shines through. It is pristine and complete all around, on a minimal matrix at base. The piece has luster like glass, and sparkles. I was aware of only this piece and one other with two such clusters on matrix, found in early April and offered to me privately at the Shanghai show - the other piece had two crystals admittedly, but was otherwise similar, and was priced beyond even my will to reach. I think these were highly treasured at the mine, and rightfully so.

This was apparently a very small find recently (April-early May , 2012) from metallic deposits near the famous Xikuangshih fields. This is a sharp specimen with a single, beautiful, isolated ball of 8 mm in size. It is pristine, perfect, and totally free of damage as it is protected in a pocket. For sheer beauty, these unusual radial balls of acicular valentinite crystals stand out dramatically, regardless of the interesting chemistry. They are quite different from the sort of crystals you usually see. This piece is a full miniature as I would orient it for display

The lollingites (a species related to arsenopyrite) from this mine are being hailed as best of species material. This dramatic display piece is in remarkably good condition - complete all around save only a small contact or damage notch on the lower-right-front. It features spear-shaped, lustrous, silvery crystals to approx. 3 inches, decorated with small quartz crystals). A neat combo specimen from recent finds of mid-2012 (found in April). Unlike most such pieces found, this has dramatic 3-dimensional aesthetics and clearly shows the bladed crystals standing up: Many are either damaged, or flat-laying. This is a gorgeous display sized example of a very rare species from other metallic deposits. Now that this material is recognized as valuable, I would honestly have very difficult trouble to replace a piece like this at this price, again...the prices have shot up in China , during the last 2 months.

A superb large thumbnail/small miniature from this new find! Spherules of gibbsite form solid coverings on a bit of matrix here, and they are lustrous and translucent. Beautiful new find of this rare species. Although most of the display face is intact, there are a few small spots of damage. Surprisingly lightweight, in person. This is a gorgeous, larger example from this find

Spherules of gibbsite form solid coverings on a bit of matrix here, and they are lustrous and translucent. Beautiful new find of this rare species. Although most of the display face is intact, there are a few small spots of damage. Surprisingly lightweight, in person. This is a gorgeous, larger example from this find

Spherules of gibbsite form solid coverings on a bit of matrix here, and they are lustrous and translucent. Beautiful new find of this rare species. Although most of the display face is intact, there are a few small spots of damage. Surprisingly lightweight, in person. This is a gorgeous, larger example from this find

A vuggy matrix is host to spheres, up to 5 mm across, of lustrous and translucent, rich, sky blue gibbsite, a relatively uncommon aluminum hydroxide. From a new pocket in summer 2012

This new find is possibly the world's best of species for intensity in coloration. Very pretty material! Very lightweight. This is one of the most aesthetic pieces from a summer 2012 pocket, which I saw for sale laid out at the Shanghai show in April 2012. A thin layer of spheres, to 7 mm across, of lustrous and slightly translucent, rich, sky blue gibbsite, an uncommon aluminum hydroxide, aesthetically cover its matrix. Some small areas seem to have a thin layer of a glossy, clear mineral (clear gibbsite , aragonite, or maybe hyalite opal) coating some spherules. Beautiful display specimen!