This is a competition level miniature of the finest tier, a glassy cluster of the famous bladed Barites from the well-known discovery at the Meikle Mine in Nevada. The luster and gemminess of these crystals is amazing. From the late 90s production, still the best out of all pockets! They are sharp, clear, and strong. The largest of these is about 1.7 cm on edge. In fact, the cluster is so rich and complex, it is hard to get a good visual with the camera. Even more impressive in person.

A sculptural complex of gemmy, colorless Gypsum crystals from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, which is famous for its Gypsum crystals, among many other fine minerals. The luster on the Gypsum is superb, and the crystals form almost a bowl shape. In some ways, the open core reminds me of a ship, in other ways this cluster visually harkens to Superman's crystal fortress. Either way, the aesthetics on the piece are excellent. It is so shiny and well-formed it could almost be a piece of polished acrylic sculpture. It is really unusual and we have all seen so many to make that call from!

Well-proportioned and very attractive, this combination is also representative for the famous Shigar Valley of northern Pakistan. The beautiful and gemmy Fluorite has a complex habit, appealing sea-foam green color, and excellent fluorescence. It is 1.2 cm across. The Fluorite rests perfectly at the base of a lustrous, striated 3 cm Schorl. There are several small Schorls that grow out near the base, creating a very appealing accent to the overall piece. The main Schorl crystal has the classic trigonal 'Mercedes' termination. An excellent, aesthetic piece.

Excellent and intricate grouping of three highly intergrown, pastel blue cubes of Fluorite to 2.1 cm across. The luster is superb, and the clarity is high. On close inspection, you can see a delicate purple zone just below the faces. Sitting on well-formed Quartz crystals, this is a fabulous miniature example of why this mine is known for producing such incredible combination specimens

The Auglaize Quarry has produced many fine Fluorite specimens, but very few more beautiful and sharp than those in this cluster. There are eight transparent, lustrous crystals of nearly colorless Fluorite with rich, violet cores, stacked in a way that all are visible. The coup de grace is the top crystal, which is 1 cm in length and has excellent clarity, very good luster, and a razor-sharp core that gives this, and all the others, a true beauty all their own. Absolutely a world class toenail! These were highly sought after in the Ohio community in the 70's and 80's, and few outside the locals have pieces like this.

Mined about 1990, this excellent combination piece has the classic gemmy Fluorites with dramatic beveled edges that are so indicative of Shang Bao. These are intergrown with sharp, gemmy Quartz crystals, all on top of a layer of Pyrite and matrix. The largest of the Fluorites is 1.7 cm across. What sets this apart from the others, without question, are among the finest sharp purple phantoms that I have seen from this well-known mine. The Fluorites have an octahedral purple phantom in the center of the crystal, and radiating from each corner of the octahedron is a sharp purple line that goes directly to the surface of the crystal. Simply striking.

Bewitching and graceful, this arborescent specimen of wire Silver on a complex and rich Silver base has aesthetics in spades. The picture says it all, really. A fabulous specimen, one of my favorites though I am more a fluorite collector than anything else - and my only major silver that ever floored me enough to purchase. This was from an early find here in 2007. For sheer elegance, it is hard to beat in this size range and anything similar from Germany or Peru costs more, anyways. Photo by Joe Budd

Kuiu Island in Alaska has produced some very fine , though small Fluorites over the years. Some are octahedral or as in this case, sharp very distinct cubes. This line of crystals snakes along an attractive, drusy Quartz matrix, and the largest crystal is about .7 cm. The luster is silky and beautiful, giving the gemmy crystals a definite, eye-catching pearly glow. Definitely the best of the Kuiu Island Fluorites that I have seen over collecting fluorites for several decades