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Aca TN 1081 - Acanthite - $950
Level 407, San Juan de Reyes mine, Guanajuato, Mexico
Toenail/Large Thumbnail, 3.2 x 2.1 x 1.2 cm
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A remarkable and classic Acanthite featuring sharp, LUSTROUS, somewhat skeletal metallic silvery colored pseudo-cubic crystals in a gorgeous arborescent formation. The piece is in superb condition, and you couldn’t ask for more with regard to aesthetics and quality. Mexican Acanthites remain amongst the finest in the world, and choice thumbnails are not easy to obtain.
Leg TN 1081 - Legrandite - $2750
Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Mun. de Mapimí, Durango, Mexico
Thumbnail, 2.8 x 0.6 x 0.3 cm
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Legrandite is one of the “Holy Grails” of Mexican minerals, and mineral collecting period. The color is rarely matched by any other species, and the sheer visceral attractiveness of the crystals is one of the ultimate combinations of rarity and beauty. This specimen is a fantastic rich canary yellow crystallized “spray” showing gem transparency along the edges. The quality is superb and color is top notch. I would honestly say that only one or two tutstanding Legrandite specimens are available on the market each year, so do not pass this one up.
Carr TN 1081 - Carrollite - $1200 (SOLD)
Kanfundwa mine, Kambove, Katanga Province, Congo
Large Thumbnail, 2.8 x 2.4 x 1.6 cm
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Superb Carrollite thumbnail specimens are difficult to find on the market now, especially since the great find from about 6 years ago has essentially dried up. This particular specimen is a real stunner of a thumbnail featuring MIRROR bright cuboctahedral Carrollite crystals measuring up to 1.2 cm on a beautiful contrasting, lustrous, gemmy Quartz crystal matrix. To find such perfect crystals isolated on matrix like this is a real treat, and this piece is easily competition quality.
Mim TN 1081 - Mimetite - $950
Pingtouling Mine, Liannan Co., Qingyuan Prefecture, Guangdong Province, China
Thumbnail, 2.2 x 2.1 x 1.8 cm
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This Mimetite specimen is an outstanding thumbnail of this contemporary classic material. It features electric orange color, sharp, lustrous, hexagonal crystals with unique “scepter”-like overgrowths and amazing gemminess around the edges. When these Mimetites first came out of China, they were instantly regarded as some of the finest ever found. The amazingly vibrant color along with the razor sharp, highly lustrous faces makes it easy to see why these specimens are so significant.
Ert TN 1081 - Erythrite - $850 (SOLD)
Bou Azzer District, Tazenakht, Ouarzazate Province, Souss-Massa-Draâ Region, Morocco
Large Thumbnail, 2.7 x 2.2 x 2.0 cm
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Nothing quite matches the extraordinary color of Erythrite, and Bou Azzer has provided collectors with the finest specimens for years. This piece, for the overall aesthetics and quality, is the finest Erythrite thumbnail that I have offered for sale. It features dozens of sharp, highly lustrous, translucent, rich rose-plum colored crystals in a beautiful “flower”-like spray. The piece can be displayed from a few different angles, and is very attractive all the way around.
Ars TN 1081 - Arsenopyrite - $125 (SOLD)
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Prefecture, Hunan Province, China
Large Thumbnail, 2.7 x 2.0 x 1.7 cm
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The Arsenopyrites from Yaogangxian are some of the finest crystallized examples of the species that I have seen, yet top notch thumbnails are highly elusive. This piece features a wonderful, highly lustrous, doubly-terminated golden-silver colored monoclinic crystal of Arsenopyrite with a pair of sidecar crystals at the base. A fantastic example of how impressive the Yaogangxian specimens can truly be, even in a smaller size.
CuPs TN 1081 - Copper pseudomorph after Aragonite (“floater”) - $195 (SOLD)
Corocoro, Pacajes Province, La Paz Department, Bolivia
Thumbnail, 2.0 x 1.8 x 1.3 cm
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These are some of the most classic and easily recognizable pseudomorphs in the world. The classic locality of Corocoro has been known for a long time for these highly attractive and unique pseudomorphs of Copper after Aragonite. This piece is an exceptional example of this material because it features several intergrown crystals and not just a single pseudo-hexagonal tabular crystal. It is a “floater” consisting of one long prismatic crystal with a halo of smaller stubbier crystals bursting from the center of the bigger prism. A wonderful example of these hard highly sought after pseudomorphs.
Steph TN 1081 - Stephanite - $1450 (SOLD)
Husky Mine, Elsa, Galena Hill, Mayo Mining District, Yukon Territory, Canada
Large Thumbnail, 2.7 x 1.0 x 0.7 cm
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This mine has produced some of the most impressive Stephanite specimens extant. These specimens were collected in 1977 by Joe Weinholtzner, and this mine is now completely non-operational. This uniquely colorful crystal group has a beautiful iridescent coating creating an array of pinks, blues and greens. The overall quality of the Stephanite itself is very good with exceptionally sharp faces and spledent luster. It is very tricky to find ANY of these specimens on the market these days.
FlCh TN 1081 - Fluorite (“phantom”) - $350 (SOLD)
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Prefecture, Hunan Province, China
Small Miniature/Large Thumbnail, 3.0 x 2.1 x 2.1 cm
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It takes a special Fluorite thumbnail to get me excited, and this one definitely caught my eye. This piece really has it all featuring a gorgeous, sharp, lustrous, GEM, blue and purple “phantom” Fluorite cube measuring 1.4 cm which is most aesthetically perched atop a Muscovite and Quartz matrix. The photos honestly do not do the piece justice, as it is virtually water clear in areas, and you can clearly see all the way through the crystal to the matrix. A high class Fluorite thumber to be sure !
CalMes TN 1081 - Calcite - $75
Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico
Small Miniature/Large Thumbnail, 2.6 x 2.1 x 1.8 cm
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A classic Calcite thumbnail specimen from about 25 years ago. It features an intergrown pair of very very light pink color textbook rhombohedra of Calcite associated with a small amount of accenting golden Pyrite. A very attractive specimen from this storied Mexican locality.
FlCh TN 1082 - Fluorite (“phantom”) - $245 (SOLD)
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Prefecture, Hunan Province, China
Small Miniature/Large Thumbnail, 3.1 x 2.9 x 2.1 cm
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I have seen thousands of Yaogangxian Fluorites, and only a very tiny percentage were as distinctive as this one. This piece features a group of elegant, lustrous, GEM/gemmy, multi-“phantom” Fluorite cubes (the largest measuring 1.2 cm) sitting atop gem quality Quartz matrix. The “phantoms” are very striking creating a perfect purple window within a virtually colorless cube. The piece has great balance and displayability, and you could search through every Chinese dealer’s stock for years and not come up with a piece as attractive as this one.
Gro TN 1081 - Grossular - $495 (SOLD)
Lake Jaco, Sierra de la Cruz, Mun. de Sierra Mojada, Coahuila, Mexico
Thumbnail, 2.5 x 1.8 x 1.7 cm
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These classic “Raspberry” Grossular specimens were collected over 10 years ago, and it unfortunately turned out to be a very limited find. This piece for all intents and purposes, is simply one of the finest thumbnails of this material around. You couldn’t ask for more out of one these piece in the a thumbnail. It features a superb, sharp, translucent, VIBRANT “raspberry” color dodecahedron of Grossular measuring 1.5 cm which is associated with a few smaller dodecahedra on a perfectly balanced and contrasting white rhyolite matrix. Just beautiful, and in great shape overall with only a slight indentation on the right side which was left when a previously attached crystal was removed during the extraction process. This is overall the finest quality available in this find, of which most is "ordinary " and this one is of extraordinary quality.
Aeg TN 1081 - Aegirine on Feldspar - $195 (SOLD)
Mt. Malosa, Zomba District, Malawi
Small Miniature/Large Thumbnail, 3.2 x 2.9 x 1.6 cm
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This well known pyroxene is found at hundreds of localities, but surely some of the most famous of all the Aegirine occurrences is Mt. Malosa, where the crystals are truly world-class. I have not seen many thumbnails of Aegirine from this locality (and on matrix!), and this “boxbuster” is certainly one of the best I have handled. It features a beautiful pair of “rabbit’s ear” style crystals with excellent “wet” luster and very sharp faces. To top it off the crystals are aesthetically sitting along the side of a group of off-white, lustrous Microcline crystals. An excellent Aegirine, especially from this classic locality.
Kes TN 1081 - Kesterite with Mushistonite - $750
Mt Xuebaoding, Pingwu District, Mianyang Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China
Thumbnail, 1.4 x 1.3 x 1.3 cm
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For quality, this is a smoker of the super rare combination of Kesterite/Mushistonite from Xuebaoding ! First off, it does not have that “dingy” dirty brown color to it, but rather the Kesterite is coated with elegant green Mushistonite. The underlain Kesterite is actually a black metallic color, and is totally enveloped by the layer of Mushistonite. There appears to be a tiny spot of Malachite on the specimen as well. One does not often have the opportunity to view such textbook quality Kesterite, and these crystals are classic disphenoids, and are well isolated so they can be examined with ease. Overall, this is a primo thumbnail of this exceptionally rare association.
Ameth TN 1081 - Quartz (var: “Amethyst”) - $325 (SOLD)
Piedras Parado (Las Vigas), Mun. de Profesor Rafael Ramirez, Veracruz, Mexico
Small Miniature/Large Thumbnail, 2.7 x 2.4 x 1.6 cm
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A pristine and highly aesthetic Amethyst specimen from this classic locality that produced some of the finest Amethysts extant. The piece is comprised of five, razor-sharp, highly lustrous, GEM/gemmy fine purple color hexagonal prisms (one is actually doubly-terminated) and is an ideal thumbnail for this material. If you have ever wanted one, this is about as good as it gets for quality and aesthetics. For a thumbnail cluster, i cannot imagine better Priced premium, but worth it...
Nep TN 1081 - Neptunite - $750
Dallas Mine (Gem Mine), New Idria District, San Benito Co., California
Small Miniature/Large Thumbnail, 3.2 x 1.7 x 1.3 cm
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What a superb Neptunite thumbnail featuring a group of highly lustrous, sharp, deep red color, prismatic crystals on a contrasting layer of massive white Natrolite on matrix. It is so aesthetic and virtually damage free, I cannot imagine a more ideal Neptunite thumbnail from the Gem Mine. Get these specimens while you can because this historic U.S. locality is now completely defunct and will never produce these specimens again. Do not let this one get away, as it is truly outstanding.
Ax TN 1081 - Ferro-axinite - $600 (SOLD)
Puiva (Pouyva) deposit, 75 km from Saranpaul, Polar Urals, Tyumenskaya Oblast', Siberia, Russia
Small Miniature/Large Thumbnail, 3.1 x 2.2 x 0.7 cm
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These Ferro-Axinite crystals came out of Russia for a short time in the late 1990s-early 2000s, and they are regarded amongst the most impressive examples of the species ever found. This “boxbuster” thumbnail is certainly a prime example of how fine the quality of these specimens can be. It is an absolutely superb, highly lustrous, GEM/gemmy, trichroic smoky purple, red and brown color, DOUBLY-TERMINATED crystal cluster. The biggest problem that faced many of these specimens was micro “chipping” along the edges of the crystals which was a big distraction. I have never seen a single crystal of any significance from this locality that was 100% pristine, and this piece is about as close to perfect as it gets. There is only the slightest of “chipping” in a few tiny spots, but otherwise the piece is unblemished. Certainly a competition quality Axinite, worthy of any collection.
Vaux TN 1081 - Vauxite cast after Wavellite - $750
Siglo XX mine, Llallagua, Bustillo Province, Potosi Department, Bolivia
Thumbnail, 2.1 x 2.1 x 1.6 cm
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These “spherical” Vauxite specimens came out in late 2000 and the find was quite limited (less than 40 pieces). Brian Kosnar brought back the majority of these pieces and was quick to note that unusual habit for the species: they are more than likely “casts” after Wavellite, which is very practical considering the two phosphates are found together in many parts of Siglo XX. This piece is one of the largest “spheres” from this find and is very complete compared to most that came out. It consists of beautiful sky-blue color Vauxite crystals forming a “cast” after spherical Wavellite, and is associated with minor black Cassiterite and gemmy prismatic Quartz crystals. A very unusual and distinctive Vauxite specimen from this most significant Bolivian locality.
Aca TN 1082 - Acanthite - $200
Level 580, Santa Elena vein, Praoño Mine, Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico
Thumbnail, 2.8 x 1.6 x 1.2 cm
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Despite our efforts, this piece simply would not photograph the way we wanted it to. It is actually more attractive in person than the photos might indicate. It has HIGHLY metallic luster, which is part of the reason why it was such a chore to photograph. The piece is comprised of silvery pseudo-cubic crystals in an almost aroborescent form. A lovely Fresnillo Acanthite, especially in a thumbnail.
Sper TN 1081 - Sperrylite - $1950 (SOLD)
Talnakh Cu-Ni Deposit, Noril'sk, Putoran Plateau, Taimyr Peninsula, Krasnoyarsk Territory, Siberia, Russia
ex. Bryan Lees Collection
Thumbnail, 2.6 x 2.4 x 1.8 cm
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Sperrylite is one of the holy grails of Platinum bearing minerals, and crystals over 1 cm are more than significant. Most crystals of any size show a bit of cracking, which is accepted among collectors. This piece features a 1.1 cm elongated cube of Sperrylite with amazingly high luster and very sharp faces. The crystal is flaring off a Chalcopyrite matrix, and could not be more aesthetic. These specimens seem to have gone absent from the market, and the prices for average specimens is going through the roof. This is a superb all around Sperrylite and truly is one of the finest display specimen of the species that I have encountered.
Pb TN 1081 - Native Lead - $600
Långban, Filipstad, Värmland, Sweden
ex. Harvard Collection
ex. Phil Scalisi Collection
ex. Wards Specimen
ex. Gilbert Gauthier Collection
Thumbnail, 2.1 x 0.8 x 0.5 cm
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While Native Lead may not be one of the most beautiful of the native elements, it is exceedingly less difficult to find in well crystallized specimens. The most classic examples of the species are found at Långban. This piece shows a relatively sharp, and well-formed cuboctahedron of Lead at the top of the specimen, which is associated with elongated crystals on the base and back. A very impressive display specimen of this hard to find species.
Suol TN 1081 - Suolunite - $200 (SOLD)
Black Lake Mine, Black Lake, Megantic Co., Quebec, Canada
Thumbnail, 2.1 x 1.5 x 1.2 cm
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Suolunite is a very rare hydrated calcium silicate, only found in few localities around the world. Matrix specimens of Suolunite are rare in my experience, and this is certainly one of the most attractive thumbnails of the species I have had to offer for sale. It features a translucent nearly colorless crystal cluster on white talc matrix. A wonderful display specimen of this hard to find species.
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