A sparkling specimen composed of a thin layer of bright orange pyromorphite draped, smothering, an earlier generation of classic, barrel-shaped crystals> This was a particularly uncommon and rare style, found in the mid-1990s. This would be considered a fairly large example, as well, for the style. It is colored orange due to a high arsenic content as the crystals formed. The combination of sparkle, color, and sharp geometric crystals is particularly striking on this cabinet specimen. It is from the personal collection of mine owner and collector, Bob Hopper - I obtained the highlights of this collection in 2007.

This is one of the largest crystals of the species, so far as I know. I have never personally seen one so elongated and complete. Not only is it big, it is miraculously pristine - which if you have seen a number of these, you know how rare that fact is. The large crystals spray up vertically from a thin shard of matrix at the base. Overall, this is extremely aesthetic AND important, for the species. It is not the typical example , by any means, and I was enormously impressed when I first saw this in a collection nearly a decade ago.

This is an oldtimer, showing classic twinned sphalerites with a dark but translucent yellow-brown color. The intersecting sphalerite twins are perched on quartz, and accented with sharp and brassy golden chalcopyrite crystals. A fine display quality specimen from this very old mining district, long in the Gene Meieran sulfide collection (his label dates it back more than 30 years).

This is a very elegant cluster of cuprites, that have been partially replaced by malachite. This is a classic, ancient locale. Few old specimens are available. My understanding is that specimens like this are still found in small pockets, from time to time - but usually singles and small crystals, not a big piece like this. You can tell by the weight that the replacement is only partial, and cuprite remains at the core of the specimen. But on the surface, it is solid malachite. A rare, interesting locality piece!

People underestimate truly fine prehnites, I think. They are thought of as common,perhaps. But well crystallized pieces are not, and this piece is not only well crystallized, but aesthetically arranged in interconnected clusters like bubbles. It is complete all around and pristine. I LOVE it! I do not say that often about the species, either. The sparkling luster, and pleasing pastel color, plus the 3-dimensionality, make this a special piece. it is especially good for this region, though, where although much prehnite is found, most is just secondary to the amethysts and other minerals here. This piece, though, would would not be out of place at all alongside fancier and more expensive species such as the Erongo aquamarines and amethysts. Comes with custom display base

This stunning, sky-blue aquamarine measures 9 x 3 x 2.5 cm in size. It has a superior glassy lustre and a totally gem upper half , that is transparent. I love the little "button" sticking out the top! The aqua is NOT repaired, which is miraculous given its perch on the side of a crystallized feldspar matrix. The feldspar crystals (over an inch in size) are unusually blocky and geometric, adding to the appeal of the specimen by their contrast. Overall, one of the most stylish and impressive, unrepaired matrix aquamarines I have been able to sell without breaking the $10,000 mark, and one I am proud to offer without having to...though it could easily look more expensive, on a shelf, I feel.