THUMBNAIL and MINIATURE SPECIMENS
from the collections of
Desmond Sacco (South Africa & Namibia classics)
&
Jim Mann (Maine classics)

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TNCOLL10-11 - Inesite - CAN$ 1542
Wessels Mine, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa
miniature, 3.6 x 2.9 x 2.6 cm
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ex.  Desmond Sacco

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Inesite from Wessels Mine, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa [db_pics/new2010/de11a.jpg]		CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE:
Inesite from Wessels Mine, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa [db_pics/new2010/de11b.jpg]
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Inesite from Wessels Mine, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa [db_pics/new2010/de11c.jpg]		CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE:
Inesite from Wessels Mine, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa [db_pics/new2010/de11d.jpg]

INTENSE red color saturation makes these beautiful inesites, from a famous mid-1980s series of pockets, still rank among the best of species. This is a compact cluster of several spherical aggregates of radiating crystals, with top color intensity , and overall great aesthetics as a miniature. It was probably found circa 1984-1986. ex Desmond Sacco Collection

TNCOLL10-14 - Cerussite with Chalcotrichite inclusions - CAN$ 2468
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Namibia
thumbnail, 2.1 x 1.5 x 1.3 cm
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Cerussite with Chalcotrichite inclusions from Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Namibia [db_pics/new2010/tz14a.jpg]
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Cerussite with Chalcotrichite inclusions from Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Namibia [db_pics/new2010/tz14b.jpg]		CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE:
Cerussite with Chalcotrichite inclusions from Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Namibia [db_pics/new2010/tz14c.jpg]

Among the rarest of the rare of beautiful Tsumeb mineral combinations, are these gorgeous, blood-red chalcotrichite-included cerussites. I am told that they were only found twice in the mine, for the last time during the early 1970s. Fine specimens that are more than just smears of color are exceedingly rare and hard to obtain, and treasured by the Tsumeb collectors who have them (as a lot, Tsumeb collector specialists being extremely possessive of ANYthing unique and pretty both). This is one of the finest thubmnail-sized examples I have seen amidst handling a number of major Tsumeb and thumbnail collections over the years: It is very elegant; shows classic cerussite morphology whereas most are etched or lumpy in form; and is complete all around 360 degrees. A bit of associated malachite adds contrast and makes this a more attractive thumbnail specimen overall. Although pricey, perhaps, there is nothing like this from any other occurrence on the planet, and these remain a uniquely Tsumeb combination. The rich color and waxy cerussite lustre , taken together, really stands out. ex Desmond Sacco Thumbnail Collection

TNCOLL10-15 - Thaumasite (huge crystal) - CAN$ 2571
N'Chwaning Mines, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa
thumbnail, 2.3 x 1.5 x 1.1 cm
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ex.  Desmond Sacco

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Thaumasite (huge crystal) from N'Chwaning Mines, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa [db_pics/new2010/tz15a.jpg]		CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE:
Thaumasite (huge crystal) from N'Chwaning Mines, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa [db_pics/new2010/tz15b.jpg]

Wow. Quite simply, I never imagined there existed such a big single crystal of this species. It is not only huge, but totally gemmy, complete all around, and almost pristine. In person, it has a straw-yellow color. This is a significant crystal for the species and, by luck, also a full and beautiful thumbnail specimen for somebody who wants a significant rare species addition to their thumbnails. ex Desmond Sacco Thumbnail Collection

TNCOLL10-09 - Amethyst Scepter - CAN$ 257
Hopkinton, Rhode Island, USA
miniature, 3.9 x 2.0 x 1.5 cm
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ex.  Jim Mann

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Amethyst Scepter from Hopkinton, Rhode Island, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz09a.jpg]
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Amethyst Scepter from Hopkinton, Rhode Island, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz09b.jpg]		CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE:
Amethyst Scepter from Hopkinton, Rhode Island, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz09c.jpg]

This extremely sharp and well-developed scepter is from the famous 1985 find at Hopkinton, near the coast in Rhode Island. This find was instantly one of those classics where specimens became treasured like gold among East Coast collectors, and few were seen to trickle out. Today, they are very hard to come by. I have seen many miniatures, a few larger still, but this is a superb, well-balanced thumbnail specimen. From the specialized Maine thumbnail collection of Jim Mann. (although technically a miniature, this squeezes into a TN box when mounted diagonally).

TNCOLL10-08 - Albite (rare gem crystal) - CAN$ 257
Bennett Mine, Buckfield, Maine, USA
thumbnail, 2.5 x 1.3 x 0.7 cm
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ex.  Jim Mann

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Albite (rare gem crystal) from Bennett Mine, Buckfield, Maine, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz08b.jpg]		CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE:
Albite (rare gem crystal) from Bennett Mine, Buckfield, Maine, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz08c.jpg]

This really surprised me! In fact, I was not able to guess what it was without seeing the label. It is a SHARP, GEMMY, TRANSPARENT, albite crystal. In person it is much sharper and gemmier, as its hard to photograph both the shape and transparency at the same time so we had to aim the light to frost part of the crystal, in order to get all edges to show up on the photo. One almost never sees gemmy, euhedral crystals of albite, and it look sfor all the world like a colorless spoduemen. Found in 1996 in the Bennett Mine. From the specialized Maine thumbnail collection of Jim Mann.

TNCOLL10-06 - Quartz - CAN$ 103
Tammenin Mine, Greenwood, Maine, USA
thumbnail, 3.2 x 1.1 x 1.1 cm
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ex.  Jim Mann

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Quartz from Tammenin Mine, Greenwood, Maine, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz06a.jpg]		CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE:
Quartz from Tammenin Mine, Greenwood, Maine, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz06c.jpg]
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Quartz from Tammenin Mine, Greenwood, Maine, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz06e.jpg]		CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE:
Quartz from Tammenin Mine, Greenwood, Maine, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz06f.jpg]

A very unusually grown quartz crystal showing twisted growth and a strange termination. Some minor dings. From a small find in 1981. From the specialized Maine thumbnail collection of Jim Mann.

TNCOLL10-03 - Tourmaline - CAN$ 1285
Dunton Gem Pit, Newry, Maine, USA
thumbnail, 2.7 x 1.5 x 0.8 cm
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ex.  Jim Mann

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Tourmaline from Dunton Gem Pit, Newry, Maine, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz03a.jpg]		CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE:
Tourmaline from Dunton Gem Pit, Newry, Maine, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz03b.jpg]
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Tourmaline from Dunton Gem Pit, Newry, Maine, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz03c.jpg]		CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE:
Tourmaline from Dunton Gem Pit, Newry, Maine, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz03d.jpg]

This is a classic steeply terminated crystal from the famous 1972 glory hole at Dunton, collected by Mann and friends at that time (1972-1974). It is very gemmy and exceptionally symmetric as most of these skew into lumpiness. In fact, I cannot say as I have seen a more pointed termination, so sharp and steep, on one of these. It is also, for the lucky thumbnail collector, a perfectly sized FULL thumbnail from a find which produced many larger pieces and few choice thumbnail specimens. Lastly, it is extremely gemmy and totally transparent. Note the classic green hue with a sligh hint of blue, as well. So again, this is a classic, representative example for these finds; and frankly quite rare in thumbnail size. From the specialized Maine thumbnail collection of Jim Mann.

TNCOLL10-16 - Duftite pseudo. After Wulfenite - CAN$ 617 SOLD
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Namibia
thumbnail, 3.3 x 2.0 x 1.4 cm
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ex.  Desmond Sacco

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Duftite pseudo. After Wulfenite from Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Namibia [db_pics/new2010/tz16a.jpg]

This is a robust, complete-all-around crystal of wulfenite that has been totally replaced by duftite, a unique occurrence found only at Tsumeb in good specimens. And there, it is still rare. I have seen numerous small, flimsy examples, but this is a robust crystal, nearly 2 cm across and very thick (several mm). It is on a beautiful rolling matrix of duftite and replaced wulfenite. Large thumbnail or toenail sized specimen, ex Desmond Sacco Thumbnail Collection

TNCOLL10-17 - Olivenite - CAN$ 2057 SOLD
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Namibia
thumbnail, 2.6 x 1.5 x 1.2 cm
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ex.  Desmond Sacco

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Olivenite from Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Namibia [db_pics/new2010/tz17b.jpg]		CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE:
Olivenite from Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Namibia [db_pics/new2010/tz17a.jpg]

A stunning olivenite specimen - not the words you normally expect to see in the same sentence, I admit. But this piece features an olivenite crystal so thick and so robust, it looks like another species entirely. It has sick, wet lustre and shine to its surface, and is actually slightly curved, thus very elegant. IN PERSON, this is more dramatically 3-dimensional. It is , simply, a WORLD CLASS example of the species and stands out dramatically from almost any other I have seen. A larger, miniature sized version of this rare euhedral habit sold recently for nearly $50,000. This is the same quality, but in a full thumbnail size; and not just "small" but elegant and well proportioned with matrix, as well. A true competition-level beast of a thumbnail, ex Desmond Sacco Thumbnail Collection

TNCOLL10-18 - Cuprian Adamite - CAN$ 1851 SOLD
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Namibia
thumbnail, 3.2 x 1.8 x 1.5 cm
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Cuprian Adamite from Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Namibia [db_pics/new2010/tz18c.jpg]		CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE:
Cuprian Adamite from Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Namibia [db_pics/new2010/tz18a.jpg]

As with the above olivenite specimen, this adamite is SO FAR BEYOND the norm, and so off the charts in quality, and so proportional as a thumbnail, that it transcends from being a "small rock" to another level entirely; and is in fact a competition-level trophy winner. Few adamites from Tsumeb attain this color saturation, lustre, and aesthetic. The crystals, to 1.2 cm, are sharp and glassy instead of the usual dull finish many have. The green color here is the most saturated green color you can ask in a cuprian adamite from Tsumeb. Although not quite pristine, all the major crystals are fine and the overall impact is high. The piece can be vertical or horizontal as you wish to display it, to equal effect. ex Desmond Sacco Thumbnail Collection

TNCOLL10-13 - Brazilianite - CAN$ 1234 SOLD
Conselheiro Pena, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil
miniature, 3.4 x 2.9 x 2.2 cm
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Brazilianite from Conselheiro Pena, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil [db_pics/new2010/tz13a.jpg]		CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE:
Brazilianite from Conselheiro Pena, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil [db_pics/new2010/tz13b.jpg]

This is an outstanding , glassy, gemmy, and richly colored brazilianite crystal from the famous 1940s-1950s find sat the TYPE LOCALITY for the species. However, thumbnails seemingly were not saved as often as we would wish, and are quite rare today, as are examples in any size for that matter. THis specimen is complete all around, all sides, contacted on the bottom only. It has glassy lustre in the top percentile, and is simply gorgeous. For those who hav enot seen one of these origianl find brazilianites in person to compare it to modern material of the species from Linopolis, the two are like apples and oranges - totally different critters. THIS is , bluntly, another planet for color saturation and lustre compared to new finds , which have a totally different crystal morphology as well. These remain distinct, and unique, and desirable, now 65 years after they were found. A superb large thumbnail or small miniature, ex Desmond Sacco Thumbnail Collection

TNCOLL10-12 - Poldervaartite - CAN$ 3599 SOLD
Wessels Mine, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa
small cabinet, 6.5 x 5.1 x 3.4 cm
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Poldervaartite from Wessels Mine, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa [db_pics/new2010/de12a.jpg]
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Poldervaartite from Wessels Mine, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa [db_pics/new2010/de12c.jpg]		CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE:
Poldervaartite from Wessels Mine, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa [db_pics/new2010/de12d.jpg]

TYPE LOCALITY. This mineral was discovered in the 1980s but only recognized later as a new species, and then named in 1992. Specimens were always extremely rare and hard to obtain. In fact, a good example was considered a hallmark and a token of any "sophisticated" Kalahari collection and they were traded like gold. This one, from the noted collection of Desmond Sacco, should be regarded as an important (and large) specimen of some rarity. It was worth perhaps much more back in the day before a few years ago when "Poldervaartite gold" was struck at the nearby NChwaning Mine. Then, these "old style" polders were reduced in value and desirability... However, as luck has it, all of the "new" poldervaartite turned out to actually be a related but different and new species now called Olmiite, thus re-enthroning these older specimens on their throne of rarity. Literally, these genuine older examples of the species are among the ultimate rarities to collectors of Kalahari material; and no more has been found since the original discovery , apparently ! I am told that, probably (according to Charlie Key), such specimens are co-type with the material used to describe the species, all from the same pocket. This is the LARGEST and showiest, least ugly (in a relative sense) specimen of the species I have ever seen for sale. It is actually attractive - VERY sugary and sparkly; and splayed in its presentation. We value it highly, yes, but it blows away any other I have seen on the market , and it comes from the ultimate pedigree in Kalahari collections, through a recent deaccession to me of some thumbnails and rarities from the Sacco collection.

TNCOLL10-19 - Rhodochrosite - CAN$ 1851 SOLD
N'Chwaning Mines, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa
thumbnail, 2.2 x 1.5 x 1.2 cm
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Rhodochrosite from N'Chwaning Mines, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa [db_pics/new2010/tz19e.jpg]		CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE:
Rhodochrosite from N'Chwaning Mines, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa [db_pics/new2010/tz19c.jpg]
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Rhodochrosite from N'Chwaning Mines, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa [db_pics/new2010/tz19d.jpg]		CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE:
Rhodochrosite from N'Chwaning Mines, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa [db_pics/new2010/tz19a.jpg]

From the major finds here of circa 1980, this is a gorgeous, complete-all-around, stalactite of crystallized rhodochrosite in sheaf-like clusters. This particular style has long been highly prized among collectors, and fine thumbnails of this quality are thus rare on the market today. They come up only from old collections. This is a pristine, 360-degree specimen with cherry-red color and brilliantly glassy lustre. It could not be bettr, for this size range, I think. Stalactitic growths like this also are quite uncommon. ex Desmond Sacco Thumbnail Collection (and he owns the mines, and has teh best collection of rhodos from their heyday, so that pedigree here really says something).

TNCOLL10-07 - Rose Quartz Scepter on Quartz - CAN$ 1234 SOLD
Mt. Mica, Paris, Maine, USA
thumbnail, 2.3 x 2.0 x 1.5 cm
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ex.  Jim Mann

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Rose Quartz Scepter on Quartz from Mt. Mica, Paris, Maine, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz07b.jpg]
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Rose Quartz Scepter on Quartz from Mt. Mica, Paris, Maine, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz07c.jpg]		CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE:
Rose Quartz Scepter on Quartz from Mt. Mica, Paris, Maine, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz07d.jpg]

From a superb pocket of unusually intense rose quartz for this classic old locality, found in 2009, this is perhaps the best thumbnail specimen. And, for my taste, frankly the most aesthetic and interesting rose quartz i have EVER seen form the USA (and for pedigree, this locality long predates the modern Brazilian material as the historic locale of choice for rose quartz). This specimen hosts a flowing scepter of rose quartz, VERY pink, atop a core of white quartz. It is striking. You could simply not ask for a better rose quartz in thumbnail sized specimen, taking into account the aesthetics, symmetry, full TN size, and import of the locality. From the specialized Maine thumbnail collection of Jim Mann, and perhaps my favorite piece in the small lot I obtained after he sold a number of pieces to yet another thumbnail collector recently. Honestly, I'm tempted to go greedy and double the price. It is a SUPERB thumbnail, and just floored me when I realized it was from Maine, when i instinctively went to it thinking it was Brazilian.

TNCOLL10-05 - Amethyst and Smoky Quartz - CAN$ 103 SOLD
Deer Hill, Stow, Maine, USA
miniature, 3.8 x 1.4 x 1.3 cm
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ex.  Jim Mann

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Amethyst and Smoky Quartz from Deer Hill, Stow, Maine, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz05b.jpg]		CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE:
Amethyst and Smoky Quartz from Deer Hill, Stow, Maine, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz05c.jpg]
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Amethyst and Smoky Quartz from Deer Hill, Stow, Maine, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz05d.jpg]		CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE:
Amethyst and Smoky Quartz from Deer Hill, Stow, Maine, USA [db_pics/new2010/tz05e.jpg]

A very pretty, very bright and lustrous, bicolored quartz with both amethyst and smoky zoning. From a small pocket in 1968. From the specialized Maine thumbnail collection of Jim Mann (although technically a miniature, this squeezes into a TN box when mounted diagonally).


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Rob Lavinsky, rob@irocks.com

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