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Mineral Gallery
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Fluorite
📍Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette, Saint-Étienne, Loire, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Dimensions: 22 / 17 / 15 mm
This charming specimen features numerous small but exceptionally gemmy fluorite cubes scattered across a matrix. Each crystal displays a distinct purple phantom core encased in lighter purple outer zones, with excellent color zoning clearly visible under good lighting. The cube faces show delicate etch marks, giving them a subtly textured appearance that contrasts with their inherent transparency. Despite their small size, the crystals are bright, well-defined, and full of character, making the piece particularly attractive. Such etched, phantom-zoned fluorite from Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette, Saint-Étienne, Loire, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France is rarely encountered on the market. The locality, once a significant lead and silver mining area during the 18th and 19th centuries, is known for its quartz veins along the southern slopes of the Pilat Mountains, including those near Eteize. While fluorite is among the known minerals from this district, specimens showing such gemmy clarity and vivid internal zoning are uncommon, lending this piece both aesthetic and mineralogical significance.
Dimensions: 22 / 17 / 15 mm
This charming specimen features numerous small but exceptionally gemmy fluorite cubes scattered across a matrix. Each crystal displays a distinct purple phantom core encased in lighter purple outer zones, with excellent color zoning clearly visible under good lighting. The cube faces show delicate etch marks, giving them a subtly textured appearance that contrasts with their inherent transparency. Despite their small size, the crystals are bright, well-defined, and full of character, making the piece particularly attractive. Such etched, phantom-zoned fluorite from Saint-Julien-Molin-Molette, Saint-Étienne, Loire, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France is rarely encountered on the market. The locality, once a significant lead and silver mining area during the 18th and 19th centuries, is known for its quartz veins along the southern slopes of the Pilat Mountains, including those near Eteize. While fluorite is among the known minerals from this district, specimens showing such gemmy clarity and vivid internal zoning are uncommon, lending this piece both aesthetic and mineralogical significance.
Quartz
📍Suttrop, Warstein, Soest, Arnsberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Dimensions: 69 × 16 × 16 mm (glass tube)
*8 pieces
This set contains eight small, double-terminated quartz crystals neatly preserved in a glass tube, originating from the famous Suttrop area near Warstein in the Sauerland Mountains, Germany—a classic and historically significant locality well known among mineral collectors. These crystals were first discovered in the mid-1800s and soon earned the nickname “Suttrop Diamonds” (Suttroper Diamanten) for their flawless form and unique free-floating growth, unattached to any matrix.
The quartz crystals formed in ancient marl-limestone fissures through late-stage hydrothermal activity. Many exhibit a characteristic milky appearance, while some contain tiny inclusions of anhydrite or chalcopyrite. Interestingly, certain crystals are stained brown or black by local organic matter and even carry a faint “oily” scent—hence their quirky nickname among German collectors, “stinking quartz.”
Beyond their beauty, these Suttrop crystals represent a forgotten chapter of Germany’s mineralogical heritage. Once featured in many renowned museum collections, they are now less commonly seen—but remain a quintessential European classic, rich in geological and historical charm.
Dimensions: 69 × 16 × 16 mm (glass tube)
*8 pieces
This set contains eight small, double-terminated quartz crystals neatly preserved in a glass tube, originating from the famous Suttrop area near Warstein in the Sauerland Mountains, Germany—a classic and historically significant locality well known among mineral collectors. These crystals were first discovered in the mid-1800s and soon earned the nickname “Suttrop Diamonds” (Suttroper Diamanten) for their flawless form and unique free-floating growth, unattached to any matrix.
The quartz crystals formed in ancient marl-limestone fissures through late-stage hydrothermal activity. Many exhibit a characteristic milky appearance, while some contain tiny inclusions of anhydrite or chalcopyrite. Interestingly, certain crystals are stained brown or black by local organic matter and even carry a faint “oily” scent—hence their quirky nickname among German collectors, “stinking quartz.”
Beyond their beauty, these Suttrop crystals represent a forgotten chapter of Germany’s mineralogical heritage. Once featured in many renowned museum collections, they are now less commonly seen—but remain a quintessential European classic, rich in geological and historical charm.
Scorodite with Ferberite
📍Hemerdon Tungsten Mine (Drakelands Mine), Sparkwell, South Hams, Devon, England, UK
Dimensions: 33 × 28 × 17 mm
This specimen comes from the Hemerdon Tungsten Mine (also known as Drakelands Mine) in Devon, England, a locality renowned for producing some of Europe’s finest scorodite specimens. The piece features dark ferberite crystals as the matrix, richly coated with sparkling blue scorodite, creating a striking contrast between black and blue. The Hemerdon deposit has a unique history: tungsten was first discovered there in the 19th century, followed by mining during both World Wars, a trial operation in the 1980s, and a brief period of large-scale open-pit mining between 2015 and 2018. During these phases, numerous superb scorodite specimens were recovered, often associated with ferberite and cassiterite. This combination of scorodite and ferberite beautifully represents the classic characteristics of this locality.
Dimensions: 33 × 28 × 17 mm
This specimen comes from the Hemerdon Tungsten Mine (also known as Drakelands Mine) in Devon, England, a locality renowned for producing some of Europe’s finest scorodite specimens. The piece features dark ferberite crystals as the matrix, richly coated with sparkling blue scorodite, creating a striking contrast between black and blue. The Hemerdon deposit has a unique history: tungsten was first discovered there in the 19th century, followed by mining during both World Wars, a trial operation in the 1980s, and a brief period of large-scale open-pit mining between 2015 and 2018. During these phases, numerous superb scorodite specimens were recovered, often associated with ferberite and cassiterite. This combination of scorodite and ferberite beautifully represents the classic characteristics of this locality.
Fluorite
📍Hesselbach Mine, Oberkirch, Ortenau District, Freiburg Region, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Dimensions: 42 × 33 × 21 mm
This is a beautiful blue fluorite crystal from the classic, now-closed locality of the Hesselbach Mine in Germany’s Black Forest. The crystal exhibits a captivating blue hue as its main tone, with subtle yellow and purple color zoning along the edges — a typical feature of specimens from this locality, reflecting the complex hydrothermal conditions during its formation. The Hesselbach Mine was only briefly active in the mid-20th century and closed in 1959. Today, access to the site is restricted, making specimens from this locality exceptionally rare.
Dimensions: 42 × 33 × 21 mm
This is a beautiful blue fluorite crystal from the classic, now-closed locality of the Hesselbach Mine in Germany’s Black Forest. The crystal exhibits a captivating blue hue as its main tone, with subtle yellow and purple color zoning along the edges — a typical feature of specimens from this locality, reflecting the complex hydrothermal conditions during its formation. The Hesselbach Mine was only briefly active in the mid-20th century and closed in 1959. Today, access to the site is restricted, making specimens from this locality exceptionally rare.
Corundum var. Sapphire
📍Ratnapura, Ratnapura District, Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
Dimensions: 14 / 13 / 9 mm
This 1.4 cm blue-zoned sapphire comes from the famous alluvial gem deposits of Ratnapura, in Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa Province—aptly known as the “City of Gems.” Ratnapura has been one of the world’s most celebrated sapphire localities for over two millennia, renowned for producing the legendary “Ceylon blue” sapphires.
The crystal originates from secondary alluvial gravels locally called *illam*, formed by the transport and deposition of gem-bearing material from primary metamorphic rocks. The natural blue color zoning within the sapphire reflects subtle variations in trace elements—mainly iron and titanium—during its crystallization under high-temperature and high-pressure metamorphic conditions. These elemental variations are the key to the sapphire’s distinctive hue.
With the tightening of environmental regulations and the gradual decline of artisanal mining, many traditional pits in the Ratnapura region have closed since the early 2000s. As a result, sapphires such as this one not only embody Sri Lanka’s rich geological and cultural heritage but also represent an increasingly scarce natural treasure.
Dimensions: 14 / 13 / 9 mm
This 1.4 cm blue-zoned sapphire comes from the famous alluvial gem deposits of Ratnapura, in Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa Province—aptly known as the “City of Gems.” Ratnapura has been one of the world’s most celebrated sapphire localities for over two millennia, renowned for producing the legendary “Ceylon blue” sapphires.
The crystal originates from secondary alluvial gravels locally called *illam*, formed by the transport and deposition of gem-bearing material from primary metamorphic rocks. The natural blue color zoning within the sapphire reflects subtle variations in trace elements—mainly iron and titanium—during its crystallization under high-temperature and high-pressure metamorphic conditions. These elemental variations are the key to the sapphire’s distinctive hue.
With the tightening of environmental regulations and the gradual decline of artisanal mining, many traditional pits in the Ratnapura region have closed since the early 2000s. As a result, sapphires such as this one not only embody Sri Lanka’s rich geological and cultural heritage but also represent an increasingly scarce natural treasure.
Rhodochrosite
📍Uchucchacua Mine, Uchucchacua area, Oyón District, Oyón Province, Lima, Peru 🇵🇪
Dimensions: 14 / 10 / 8 mm
This is an exceptionally fine single rhodochrosite crystal from the famous Uchucchacua Mine in the Oyón Province of Lima, Peru. The crystal displays a perfect scalenohedral form with a rich, saturated red color, superb transparency, and bright luster. Its vivid hue and gem-like clarity make it a miniature masterpiece. A small remnant of dark goethite matrix at the base provides strong visual contrast, further emphasizing the brilliance of the rhodochrosite.
The Uchucchacua Mine is one of the world’s foremost sources of rhodochrosite. Although primarily a producer of silver, lead, and zinc, it has gained international recognition among collectors for yielding rhodochrosite crystals of exceptional color and form. These crystals occur within the Upper Cretaceous Jumasha Limestone Formation, precipitated from medium- to low-temperature hydrothermal fluids within fracture zones.
This crystal stands out for its outstanding color intensity, clarity, and pristine condition, representing a superb example from this classic Peruvian locality — a choice specimen for any collector of carbonate minerals or South American classics.
Dimensions: 14 / 10 / 8 mm
This is an exceptionally fine single rhodochrosite crystal from the famous Uchucchacua Mine in the Oyón Province of Lima, Peru. The crystal displays a perfect scalenohedral form with a rich, saturated red color, superb transparency, and bright luster. Its vivid hue and gem-like clarity make it a miniature masterpiece. A small remnant of dark goethite matrix at the base provides strong visual contrast, further emphasizing the brilliance of the rhodochrosite.
The Uchucchacua Mine is one of the world’s foremost sources of rhodochrosite. Although primarily a producer of silver, lead, and zinc, it has gained international recognition among collectors for yielding rhodochrosite crystals of exceptional color and form. These crystals occur within the Upper Cretaceous Jumasha Limestone Formation, precipitated from medium- to low-temperature hydrothermal fluids within fracture zones.
This crystal stands out for its outstanding color intensity, clarity, and pristine condition, representing a superb example from this classic Peruvian locality — a choice specimen for any collector of carbonate minerals or South American classics.
Rhodochrosite
📍Uchucchacua Mine, Uchucchacua area, Oyón District, Oyón Province, Lima, Peru 🇵🇪
Dimensions: 11 / 7 / 6 mm
This is an exceptionally fine single rhodochrosite crystal from the famous Uchucchacua Mine in the Oyón Province of Lima, Peru. The crystal displays a perfect scalenohedral form with a rich, saturated red color, superb transparency, and bright luster. Its vivid hue and gem-like clarity make it a miniature masterpiece. A small remnant of dark goethite matrix at the base provides strong visual contrast, further emphasizing the brilliance of the rhodochrosite.
The Uchucchacua Mine is one of the world’s foremost sources of rhodochrosite. Although primarily a producer of silver, lead, and zinc, it has gained international recognition among collectors for yielding rhodochrosite crystals of exceptional color and form. These crystals occur within the Upper Cretaceous Jumasha Limestone Formation, precipitated from medium- to low-temperature hydrothermal fluids within fracture zones.
This crystal stands out for its outstanding color intensity, clarity, and pristine condition, representing a superb example from this classic Peruvian locality — a choice specimen for any collector of carbonate minerals or South American classics.
Dimensions: 11 / 7 / 6 mm
This is an exceptionally fine single rhodochrosite crystal from the famous Uchucchacua Mine in the Oyón Province of Lima, Peru. The crystal displays a perfect scalenohedral form with a rich, saturated red color, superb transparency, and bright luster. Its vivid hue and gem-like clarity make it a miniature masterpiece. A small remnant of dark goethite matrix at the base provides strong visual contrast, further emphasizing the brilliance of the rhodochrosite.
The Uchucchacua Mine is one of the world’s foremost sources of rhodochrosite. Although primarily a producer of silver, lead, and zinc, it has gained international recognition among collectors for yielding rhodochrosite crystals of exceptional color and form. These crystals occur within the Upper Cretaceous Jumasha Limestone Formation, precipitated from medium- to low-temperature hydrothermal fluids within fracture zones.
This crystal stands out for its outstanding color intensity, clarity, and pristine condition, representing a superb example from this classic Peruvian locality — a choice specimen for any collector of carbonate minerals or South American classics.
Beryl var. Emerald
📍Emerald deposit, Leckbachgraben, Nasenkopf Mountain, Bramberg am Wildkogel, Zell am See District, Salzburg, Austria
Dimensions: 37 / 24 / 14 mm
This specimen from the Leckbachgraben emerald deposit in Salzburg, Austria, features a single isolated emerald crystal exposed on the surface of a dark schist matrix, creating a striking color contrast. The matrix itself is uniquely shaped—somewhat resembling a small shoe—serving as a dramatic and charming natural base for the emerald. Although the crystal is not fully terminated, its vivid green color is highly attractive, giving the piece strong aesthetic appeal.
Emeralds from Leckbachgraben are famous for their rarity and distinctive character, occurring as porphyroblasts within mica- and amphibole-rich schist. These crystals typically contain numerous inclusions, such as fine amphibole needles and biotite flakes, which lower transparency but enhance their geological uniqueness and historical importance. Mining in the Leckbachgraben area dates back to the 19th century and continued intermittently until commercial extraction ceased in 1949. Today, the locality is worked only for specimen recovery, making pieces like this not only beautiful mineral specimens but also valuable artifacts of Austrian mining history.
Dimensions: 37 / 24 / 14 mm
This specimen from the Leckbachgraben emerald deposit in Salzburg, Austria, features a single isolated emerald crystal exposed on the surface of a dark schist matrix, creating a striking color contrast. The matrix itself is uniquely shaped—somewhat resembling a small shoe—serving as a dramatic and charming natural base for the emerald. Although the crystal is not fully terminated, its vivid green color is highly attractive, giving the piece strong aesthetic appeal.
Emeralds from Leckbachgraben are famous for their rarity and distinctive character, occurring as porphyroblasts within mica- and amphibole-rich schist. These crystals typically contain numerous inclusions, such as fine amphibole needles and biotite flakes, which lower transparency but enhance their geological uniqueness and historical importance. Mining in the Leckbachgraben area dates back to the 19th century and continued intermittently until commercial extraction ceased in 1949. Today, the locality is worked only for specimen recovery, making pieces like this not only beautiful mineral specimens but also valuable artifacts of Austrian mining history.
Fluorite
📍Adit 3, Kaffenberg, Rittersgrün, Breitenbrunn, Erzgebirgskreis, Saxony, Germany 🇩🇪
Dimensions: 51 / 32 / 25 mm
*Collected in 1952
This specimen displays beautifully zoned fluorite crystals showing alternating yellow and blue color bands on matrix, partially coated with limonite. Also present are vivid red quartz crystals colored by hematite inclusions, known as eisenkiesel, some of which are directly grown on the fluorite faces. The contrasting colors and distinct mineral association create a visually striking and mineralogically significant composition.
The locality, Adit 3 at Kaffenberg Hill near Rittersgrün in Saxony’s Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains), is part of one of Germany’s most historically important mining districts. During the mid-20th century, the area was explored and mined by SDAG Wismut, a Soviet–East German joint company focused on uranium extraction. This particular specimen was collected in 1952, only a few years before the mine’s closure in 1955, giving it a precisely documented and traceable historical context.
Today, the Kaffenberg site is long abandoned and largely overgrown, with no remaining underground access. Well-preserved specimens like this, combining fluorite with eisenkiesel and limonite from this locality, have become exceedingly rare. It represents both a fine example of mineral paragenesis and a tangible piece of the mining history of the Erzgebirge.
Dimensions: 51 / 32 / 25 mm
*Collected in 1952
This specimen displays beautifully zoned fluorite crystals showing alternating yellow and blue color bands on matrix, partially coated with limonite. Also present are vivid red quartz crystals colored by hematite inclusions, known as eisenkiesel, some of which are directly grown on the fluorite faces. The contrasting colors and distinct mineral association create a visually striking and mineralogically significant composition.
The locality, Adit 3 at Kaffenberg Hill near Rittersgrün in Saxony’s Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains), is part of one of Germany’s most historically important mining districts. During the mid-20th century, the area was explored and mined by SDAG Wismut, a Soviet–East German joint company focused on uranium extraction. This particular specimen was collected in 1952, only a few years before the mine’s closure in 1955, giving it a precisely documented and traceable historical context.
Today, the Kaffenberg site is long abandoned and largely overgrown, with no remaining underground access. Well-preserved specimens like this, combining fluorite with eisenkiesel and limonite from this locality, have become exceedingly rare. It represents both a fine example of mineral paragenesis and a tangible piece of the mining history of the Erzgebirge.
Brochantite and Atacamite on Chrysocolla
📍Los Azules Mine, Quebrada San Miguel, Copiapó Province, Atacama Region, Chile 🇨🇱
Dimensions: 79 / 45 / 31 mm
This superb specimen from the Los Azules Mine, located in the Quebrada San Miguel area of the Copiapó Province, Chile, showcases an exceptional copper mineral association formed under the extreme arid conditions of the Atacama Desert ’s supergene oxidation zone. The main vug features sharp, lustrous atacamite and brochantite crystals richly distributed across a vivid blue chrysocolla matrix. The glassy luster, intense coloration, and fine crystal definition make for a striking display. Smaller vugs scattered across the surface contain additional microcrystal clusters, adding depth and strong three-dimensional character to the piece.
Such mineral assemblages typically form in the supergene enrichment zones of copper deposits in arid climates, where copper ions react with chloride and sulfate-bearing fluids during oxidation to precipitate secondary copper minerals such as atacamite and brochantite, as seen here.
According to records from the Chilean Geological and Mining Service (SERNAGEOMIN), the Los Azules Mine remained intermittently active as of 2014, though production has since declined sharply. Specimens of this quality have become increasingly scarce in recent years.
In person, the colors are even more vibrant than photographs can capture. For collectors, this is an outstanding and representative piece from a locality that has become both classic and increasingly rare.
Dimensions: 79 / 45 / 31 mm
This superb specimen from the Los Azules Mine, located in the Quebrada San Miguel area of the Copiapó Province, Chile, showcases an exceptional copper mineral association formed under the extreme arid conditions of the Atacama Desert ’s supergene oxidation zone. The main vug features sharp, lustrous atacamite and brochantite crystals richly distributed across a vivid blue chrysocolla matrix. The glassy luster, intense coloration, and fine crystal definition make for a striking display. Smaller vugs scattered across the surface contain additional microcrystal clusters, adding depth and strong three-dimensional character to the piece.
Such mineral assemblages typically form in the supergene enrichment zones of copper deposits in arid climates, where copper ions react with chloride and sulfate-bearing fluids during oxidation to precipitate secondary copper minerals such as atacamite and brochantite, as seen here.
According to records from the Chilean Geological and Mining Service (SERNAGEOMIN), the Los Azules Mine remained intermittently active as of 2014, though production has since declined sharply. Specimens of this quality have become increasingly scarce in recent years.
In person, the colors are even more vibrant than photographs can capture. For collectors, this is an outstanding and representative piece from a locality that has become both classic and increasingly rare.
Scorodite with Segnitite
📍Clara Mine, Oberwolfach, Ortenaukreis, Freiburg Region, Baden-Württemberg, Germany 🇩🇪
Dimensions: 42 / 22 / 14 mm
Ex. Stefan Röhrig
This specimen from the world-famous Clara Mine in Germany displays a rare and striking association of arsenate minerals. Vivid, flower-like clusters of scorodite crystals line a small vug, their color rich and surfaces sharply defined with strong luster. The base of the cavity is coated with fine-grained segnitite crystals of warm brownish-yellow hue, creating an exceptional visual and mineralogical contrast.
Located deep in the Black Forest of southwestern Germany, the Clara Mine is one of the few active mines still operating in the country. Mining began in the late 19th century, primarily for baryte (BaSO₄) and fluorite (CaF₂). However, the mine is best known among mineralogists for its oxidation zone, which has yielded an extraordinary diversity of secondary minerals — over 400 species documented to date, including numerous rare and type-locality arsenates.
Scorodite from the Clara Mine is celebrated worldwide for its intense coloration and sharp crystal habit, ranking among the best of its kind. Segnitite, by contrast, is much rarer and forms only under specific geochemical conditions involving lead and a lack of sulfates. Their coexistence in the same specimen beautifully illustrates the complex chemistry of the deposit and makes this an exceptional systematic mineralogical piece for any collection.
Dimensions: 42 / 22 / 14 mm
Ex. Stefan Röhrig
This specimen from the world-famous Clara Mine in Germany displays a rare and striking association of arsenate minerals. Vivid, flower-like clusters of scorodite crystals line a small vug, their color rich and surfaces sharply defined with strong luster. The base of the cavity is coated with fine-grained segnitite crystals of warm brownish-yellow hue, creating an exceptional visual and mineralogical contrast.
Located deep in the Black Forest of southwestern Germany, the Clara Mine is one of the few active mines still operating in the country. Mining began in the late 19th century, primarily for baryte (BaSO₄) and fluorite (CaF₂). However, the mine is best known among mineralogists for its oxidation zone, which has yielded an extraordinary diversity of secondary minerals — over 400 species documented to date, including numerous rare and type-locality arsenates.
Scorodite from the Clara Mine is celebrated worldwide for its intense coloration and sharp crystal habit, ranking among the best of its kind. Segnitite, by contrast, is much rarer and forms only under specific geochemical conditions involving lead and a lack of sulfates. Their coexistence in the same specimen beautifully illustrates the complex chemistry of the deposit and makes this an exceptional systematic mineralogical piece for any collection.
Melanophlogite
📍Fortullino, Rosignano Marittimo, Livorno Province, Tuscany, Italy
Dimensions: 44 / 41 / 25 mm
This is a melanophlogite specimen from Fortullino, Tuscany, Italy — a classic yet very uncommon locality. Several colorless, transparent, and highly lustrous spherical melanophlogite crystals are delicately scattered across the matrix, resembling tiny dew drops. One sphere in particular stands out for its pearl-like shape and smooth, rounded surface — an unusual and rarely seen crystal form.
Melanophlogite is a rare silica mineral with a cage-like crystal structure that can enclose gas molecules such as CO₂. The Fortullino occurrence is especially notable because the mineral formed in low-temperature, CO₂-rich fluids within fractures of carbonated serpentinite — a geologically unique environment. Discovered only in 1972, this locality remains one of the few places in the world where melanophlogite has been found, making this a highly desirable and scientifically significant specimen.
Dimensions: 44 / 41 / 25 mm
This is a melanophlogite specimen from Fortullino, Tuscany, Italy — a classic yet very uncommon locality. Several colorless, transparent, and highly lustrous spherical melanophlogite crystals are delicately scattered across the matrix, resembling tiny dew drops. One sphere in particular stands out for its pearl-like shape and smooth, rounded surface — an unusual and rarely seen crystal form.
Melanophlogite is a rare silica mineral with a cage-like crystal structure that can enclose gas molecules such as CO₂. The Fortullino occurrence is especially notable because the mineral formed in low-temperature, CO₂-rich fluids within fractures of carbonated serpentinite — a geologically unique environment. Discovered only in 1972, this locality remains one of the few places in the world where melanophlogite has been found, making this a highly desirable and scientifically significant specimen.
Fluorite
📍Berbes, Berbes mining area, Ribadesella, Asturias, Spain
Dimensions: 41 / 32 / 14 mm
This is a fine purple fluorite specimen from the world-renowned Berbes mining area in Ribadesella, Asturias, Spain — one of the classic localities for the species. The specimen features purple fluorite crystals up to 2.0 cm across with sharp, lustrous faces and distinct color zoning. The crystals are intergrown and rest on a natural matrix.
The piece is a complete, flattened floater, with the front displaying several clear, smooth, and reflective crystal faces that show the characteristic cubic structure of fluorite. The reverse side exhibits a rare skeletal growth pattern composed of numerous tiny, transparent crystals forming an intricate, interlocking network — a texture that is difficult to capture accurately in photographs but is strikingly beautiful in person.
Fluorite from Berbes is celebrated for its rich purple color, excellent transparency, and well-developed crystal forms, making it a staple among collectors of classic European minerals. With its strong front–back contrast and aesthetic balance, this specimen is both scientifically interesting and visually outstanding.
Dimensions: 41 / 32 / 14 mm
This is a fine purple fluorite specimen from the world-renowned Berbes mining area in Ribadesella, Asturias, Spain — one of the classic localities for the species. The specimen features purple fluorite crystals up to 2.0 cm across with sharp, lustrous faces and distinct color zoning. The crystals are intergrown and rest on a natural matrix.
The piece is a complete, flattened floater, with the front displaying several clear, smooth, and reflective crystal faces that show the characteristic cubic structure of fluorite. The reverse side exhibits a rare skeletal growth pattern composed of numerous tiny, transparent crystals forming an intricate, interlocking network — a texture that is difficult to capture accurately in photographs but is strikingly beautiful in person.
Fluorite from Berbes is celebrated for its rich purple color, excellent transparency, and well-developed crystal forms, making it a staple among collectors of classic European minerals. With its strong front–back contrast and aesthetic balance, this specimen is both scientifically interesting and visually outstanding.
Baryte with Fluorite
📍Pöhla-Tellerhäuser Mine, Schwarzenberg, Erzgebirgskreis, Saxony, Germany
Dimensions: 92 / 75 / 36 mm
*Specimen from the 1980s
This specimen comes from the renowned Pöhla-Tellerhäuser Mine in the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) of Saxony, Germany, one of the most representative mineral localities of the former East Germany. Golden baryte crystals elegantly rest on a quartz matrix, underlain by a striking layer of fluorite showing vivid, dynamic color zoning that transitions smoothly from deep purple to orange-yellow and finally to honey-yellow. Tiny pyrite crystals scattered across the surface add a touch of metallic sparkle. The specimen is fully three-dimensional and displays beautifully from all angles, with outstanding composition and color contrast.
Originally explored only for small-scale tin and tungsten prospects before World War II, the Pöhla Mine was later developed extensively during the late war and Cold War periods by SDAG Wismut, a joint East German–Soviet company, for uranium exploration and extraction. During underground work in the 1980s, miners discovered numerous pockets containing perfectly crystallized and vividly colored baryte and fluorite clusters. These were carefully collected and exported to Western markets for foreign exchange, and today, surviving specimens of such quality are exceedingly scarce.
This piece perfectly illustrates the classic paragenetic sequence of the Pöhla locality: early quartz deposition followed by fluorite formation and finally baryte crystallization within open cavities. The multicolored zoning in the fluorite reflects complex variations in the mineralizing fluids over time. With the mine closed and flooded since the early 1990s, well-preserved and representative display-quality specimens like this have become increasingly rare and highly sought after.
Dimensions: 92 / 75 / 36 mm
*Specimen from the 1980s
This specimen comes from the renowned Pöhla-Tellerhäuser Mine in the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) of Saxony, Germany, one of the most representative mineral localities of the former East Germany. Golden baryte crystals elegantly rest on a quartz matrix, underlain by a striking layer of fluorite showing vivid, dynamic color zoning that transitions smoothly from deep purple to orange-yellow and finally to honey-yellow. Tiny pyrite crystals scattered across the surface add a touch of metallic sparkle. The specimen is fully three-dimensional and displays beautifully from all angles, with outstanding composition and color contrast.
Originally explored only for small-scale tin and tungsten prospects before World War II, the Pöhla Mine was later developed extensively during the late war and Cold War periods by SDAG Wismut, a joint East German–Soviet company, for uranium exploration and extraction. During underground work in the 1980s, miners discovered numerous pockets containing perfectly crystallized and vividly colored baryte and fluorite clusters. These were carefully collected and exported to Western markets for foreign exchange, and today, surviving specimens of such quality are exceedingly scarce.
This piece perfectly illustrates the classic paragenetic sequence of the Pöhla locality: early quartz deposition followed by fluorite formation and finally baryte crystallization within open cavities. The multicolored zoning in the fluorite reflects complex variations in the mineralizing fluids over time. With the mine closed and flooded since the early 1990s, well-preserved and representative display-quality specimens like this have become increasingly rare and highly sought after.
Grossular
📍Akhtaragda River mouth, Vilyui River Basin, Mirninsky District, Sakha, Russia
Dimensions: 22 / 20 / 19 mm
This specimen features an olive-green grossular crystal from the mouth of the Akhtaragda River in the Vilyui River Basin, Sakha Republic, Russia — the type locality for the species. The name “grossular” derives from the Latin grossularia, meaning “gooseberry,” referencing the color of the first crystals discovered here in the early 19th century. It was from this locality that the mineral was first scientifically described, marking an important milestone in the history of mineralogy. Today, the site is long exhausted and regarded as a true classic among historical localities.
The specimen centers on a single well-formed crystal of remarkable clarity and gem-like quality, with several smaller secondary crystals adorning its surface, creating a lively sense of depth and natural elegance. A small amount of white matrix remains attached, enhancing its authenticity and provenance. Compared with the more common translucent or inclusion-rich crystals from Akhtaragda, this piece stands out for its transparency and luster — a highly uncommon combination.
Grossular from this locality formed within a serpentinized skarn vein, with most specimens historically collected as weathered float or river pebbles. Today, finding a crystal of this transparency, preserved on matrix and from the type locality, is nearly impossible. This piece is a superb and highly desirable example for collectors of type localities, classic historic specimens, or garnets in general.
Dimensions: 22 / 20 / 19 mm
This specimen features an olive-green grossular crystal from the mouth of the Akhtaragda River in the Vilyui River Basin, Sakha Republic, Russia — the type locality for the species. The name “grossular” derives from the Latin grossularia, meaning “gooseberry,” referencing the color of the first crystals discovered here in the early 19th century. It was from this locality that the mineral was first scientifically described, marking an important milestone in the history of mineralogy. Today, the site is long exhausted and regarded as a true classic among historical localities.
The specimen centers on a single well-formed crystal of remarkable clarity and gem-like quality, with several smaller secondary crystals adorning its surface, creating a lively sense of depth and natural elegance. A small amount of white matrix remains attached, enhancing its authenticity and provenance. Compared with the more common translucent or inclusion-rich crystals from Akhtaragda, this piece stands out for its transparency and luster — a highly uncommon combination.
Grossular from this locality formed within a serpentinized skarn vein, with most specimens historically collected as weathered float or river pebbles. Today, finding a crystal of this transparency, preserved on matrix and from the type locality, is nearly impossible. This piece is a superb and highly desirable example for collectors of type localities, classic historic specimens, or garnets in general.
Adamite
📍Hilarion Mine, Kamariza Mines, Agios Konstantinos, Lavrion Mining District, Lavreotiki, East Attica, Attica, Greece
Dimensions: 27 / 21 / 8 mm
This is a fine specimen of cuprian adamite from the renowned Hilarion Mine in the Lavrion Mining District of Greece. Measuring 26 mm across, it stands out for its deep, saturated green color, far richer than the more common bluish-green hues typically seen in Hilarion Mine adamite. The intense coloration results from copper ions substituting for zinc within the adamite crystal structure—a defining feature of cuprian adamite that greatly enhances both its visual appeal and collector value.
The piece is composed of densely packed, rounded crystal aggregates forming a bright, sparkling crust of radiating clusters with a classic botryoidal habit. The crystals exhibit excellent luster and color saturation, with only minor contact marks along the edges; overall preservation is superb.
The Hilarion Mine lies within the oxidation zone of polymetallic deposits hosted in ancient marble, known for producing a diverse suite of secondary minerals such as smithsonite, hemimorphite, and aurichalcite. Specimens of cuprian adamite with this level of depth in color, fullness of form, and exceptional condition have become increasingly rare, making this an outstanding example from this historic locality.
Dimensions: 27 / 21 / 8 mm
This is a fine specimen of cuprian adamite from the renowned Hilarion Mine in the Lavrion Mining District of Greece. Measuring 26 mm across, it stands out for its deep, saturated green color, far richer than the more common bluish-green hues typically seen in Hilarion Mine adamite. The intense coloration results from copper ions substituting for zinc within the adamite crystal structure—a defining feature of cuprian adamite that greatly enhances both its visual appeal and collector value.
The piece is composed of densely packed, rounded crystal aggregates forming a bright, sparkling crust of radiating clusters with a classic botryoidal habit. The crystals exhibit excellent luster and color saturation, with only minor contact marks along the edges; overall preservation is superb.
The Hilarion Mine lies within the oxidation zone of polymetallic deposits hosted in ancient marble, known for producing a diverse suite of secondary minerals such as smithsonite, hemimorphite, and aurichalcite. Specimens of cuprian adamite with this level of depth in color, fullness of form, and exceptional condition have become increasingly rare, making this an outstanding example from this historic locality.
Mimetite
📍Mount Bonnie Mine, Grove Hill, Victoria-Daly Region, Northern Territory, Australia
Dimensions: 26 / 26 / 22 mm
This is a rare specimen of Mimetite from the famous Mount Bonnie Mine in Australia’s Northern Territory, a locality renowned for producing some of the world’s finest examples of this species. The larger crystal, about 1 cm across, exhibits the typical hexagonal form with sharp terminations and excellent symmetry. A smaller crystal nearby, though more modest in size, is equally well-formed and displays the same vivid lemon-yellow luster, making it a quintessential representation of this historic locality.
The crystals are firmly anchored to a contrasting limonite matrix whose warm reddish-brown tones emphasize the brightness and color of the mimetite, creating an especially attractive composition. On the back of the specimen is a small natural vug containing a few additional mimetite crystals—a delightful detail for collectors who enjoy exploring hidden features.
Mimetite from Mount Bonnie is highly prized for its sharp crystal form, high luster, and historical significance. Since production occurred only briefly between the 1970s and early 1980s, fine surviving specimens are exceptionally scarce, making this piece a classic and outstanding representative of the locality.
Dimensions: 26 / 26 / 22 mm
This is a rare specimen of Mimetite from the famous Mount Bonnie Mine in Australia’s Northern Territory, a locality renowned for producing some of the world’s finest examples of this species. The larger crystal, about 1 cm across, exhibits the typical hexagonal form with sharp terminations and excellent symmetry. A smaller crystal nearby, though more modest in size, is equally well-formed and displays the same vivid lemon-yellow luster, making it a quintessential representation of this historic locality.
The crystals are firmly anchored to a contrasting limonite matrix whose warm reddish-brown tones emphasize the brightness and color of the mimetite, creating an especially attractive composition. On the back of the specimen is a small natural vug containing a few additional mimetite crystals—a delightful detail for collectors who enjoy exploring hidden features.
Mimetite from Mount Bonnie is highly prized for its sharp crystal form, high luster, and historical significance. Since production occurred only briefly between the 1970s and early 1980s, fine surviving specimens are exceptionally scarce, making this piece a classic and outstanding representative of the locality.
Analcime
📍Mount Kahovan, Moalleman, Qohab-e Rastaq, Amirabad District, Damghan County, Semnan Province, Iran 🇮🇷
Dimensions: 54 / 41 / 36 mm
This elegant specimen features several bright salmon-orange analcime crystals gracefully set on a dark brown matrix, creating a highly aesthetic composition. The largest crystal measures up to 1.4 cm and exhibits a well-formed rhombic dodecahedral habit with excellent glassy luster and vivid coloration. Far surpassing the typical colorless or white varieties of analcime, this piece stands out for its striking beauty and visual appeal.
Dimensions: 54 / 41 / 36 mm
This elegant specimen features several bright salmon-orange analcime crystals gracefully set on a dark brown matrix, creating a highly aesthetic composition. The largest crystal measures up to 1.4 cm and exhibits a well-formed rhombic dodecahedral habit with excellent glassy luster and vivid coloration. Far surpassing the typical colorless or white varieties of analcime, this piece stands out for its striking beauty and visual appeal.
Wulfenite
📍Glove Mine, Cottonwood Canyon, Tyndall Mining District, Santa Cruz County, Arizona, USA
Dimensions: 103 / 61 / 33 mm
Ex. Dr. Maurice G. Weller, Joseph Neil Plummer
This specimen from the Glove Mine features numerous deep brown wulfenite crystals densely covering the main surface, their lustrous faces flashing under light with striking texture and brilliance. Additional crystals are scattered across other areas of the matrix. Deep brown wulfenite is relatively uncommon, with Glove Mine and Tsumeb being the two most notable sources.
The specimen was formerly in the collection of Dr. Maurice G. Weller, who served as President of the Royal Geological Society of Cornwall and was a distinguished figure in British geology and mineralogy. It later passed through the hands of Joseph Neil Plummer.
Dimensions: 103 / 61 / 33 mm
Ex. Dr. Maurice G. Weller, Joseph Neil Plummer
This specimen from the Glove Mine features numerous deep brown wulfenite crystals densely covering the main surface, their lustrous faces flashing under light with striking texture and brilliance. Additional crystals are scattered across other areas of the matrix. Deep brown wulfenite is relatively uncommon, with Glove Mine and Tsumeb being the two most notable sources.
The specimen was formerly in the collection of Dr. Maurice G. Weller, who served as President of the Royal Geological Society of Cornwall and was a distinguished figure in British geology and mineralogy. It later passed through the hands of Joseph Neil Plummer.
Hematite on Siderite
📍Holenbrunn, Wunsiedel, Wunsiedel im Fichtelgebirge, Upper Franconia, Bavaria, Germany
Dimensions: 26 / 17 / 16 mm
Ex. Kay Robertson (collected 1968), Dr. Heinz Ziehr
This small specimen comes from Holenbrunn in Upper Franconia, Bavaria. A lustrous hematite crystal sits neatly atop a blocky siderite matrix, forming a clean and elegant composition. The warm brown tone of the siderite contrasts beautifully with the metallic sheen of the hematite. Although Holenbrunn is a small village with a history of quarrying and carbonate mineral occurrences, well-composed and high-quality specimens like this are quite rare.
Its provenance is equally remarkable. As early as 1968, this specimen was acquired by the renowned American collector Kay Robertson, at a time when she was still building the world-famous collection that later earned her recognition throughout the mineral community. Kay was known for her keen eye for both aesthetic and quality, amassing thousands of fine specimens over the decades—those interested can refer to this year’s Mineralogical Record supplement for more about her legacy.
Before entering Kay’s collection, the specimen belonged to Dr. Heinz Ziehr, a respected German mineralogist deeply versed in the mineral localities and mining history of Bavaria. He was highly regarded among European collectors and had long been friends with Kay Robertson.
Dimensions: 26 / 17 / 16 mm
Ex. Kay Robertson (collected 1968), Dr. Heinz Ziehr
This small specimen comes from Holenbrunn in Upper Franconia, Bavaria. A lustrous hematite crystal sits neatly atop a blocky siderite matrix, forming a clean and elegant composition. The warm brown tone of the siderite contrasts beautifully with the metallic sheen of the hematite. Although Holenbrunn is a small village with a history of quarrying and carbonate mineral occurrences, well-composed and high-quality specimens like this are quite rare.
Its provenance is equally remarkable. As early as 1968, this specimen was acquired by the renowned American collector Kay Robertson, at a time when she was still building the world-famous collection that later earned her recognition throughout the mineral community. Kay was known for her keen eye for both aesthetic and quality, amassing thousands of fine specimens over the decades—those interested can refer to this year’s Mineralogical Record supplement for more about her legacy.
Before entering Kay’s collection, the specimen belonged to Dr. Heinz Ziehr, a respected German mineralogist deeply versed in the mineral localities and mining history of Bavaria. He was highly regarded among European collectors and had long been friends with Kay Robertson.
Kyanite
📍East of Flora, Flora, Selbu, Trøndelag, Norway
Dimensions: 58 / 49 / 42 mm
Ex. Stockholm University (1881), Christiania University, Michael Krause
This specimen comes from east of Flora (“Øst for Floren”) in the Selbu area of Trøndelag, Norway. Blue-gray kyanite crystals up to 1.9 cm long are distributed across a white quartz matrix.
It bears a Stockholm University label noting it as a “gift from Christiania University (now the University of Oslo), 1881.” The piece was collected during the period when Professor Waldemar Christofer Brøgger was establishing the university’s mineralogical collection.
Also preserved with the specimen are its original 19th-century cardboard box and the old handwritten label still attached to the piece. It is not only a mineral specimen but also a historical artifact of academic and collecting heritage.
Dimensions: 58 / 49 / 42 mm
Ex. Stockholm University (1881), Christiania University, Michael Krause
This specimen comes from east of Flora (“Øst for Floren”) in the Selbu area of Trøndelag, Norway. Blue-gray kyanite crystals up to 1.9 cm long are distributed across a white quartz matrix.
It bears a Stockholm University label noting it as a “gift from Christiania University (now the University of Oslo), 1881.” The piece was collected during the period when Professor Waldemar Christofer Brøgger was establishing the university’s mineralogical collection.
Also preserved with the specimen are its original 19th-century cardboard box and the old handwritten label still attached to the piece. It is not only a mineral specimen but also a historical artifact of academic and collecting heritage.
Scorodite with Lepidocrocite & Beudantite on Quartz
📍Lagoa Mine (Cerquido Mine), Estorãos, Ponte de Lima, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
Dimensions: 44 / 25 / 22 mm
Ex. Luigi Chiappino
This specimen comes from the Lagoa Mine (also known as Cerquido Mine) in Portugal. Inside a quartz cavity, yellow pyromorphite crystals bloom like flowers, accompanied by deep red lepidochrocite and beudantite. Some pyromorphite crystals are exposed right at the cavity’s opening, gleaming brightly, while many more lie deeper inside, glowing beautifully when illuminated.
The piece was collected by Italian collector Luigi Chiappino, renowned for his extensive field collecting across Europe.
Dimensions: 44 / 25 / 22 mm
Ex. Luigi Chiappino
This specimen comes from the Lagoa Mine (also known as Cerquido Mine) in Portugal. Inside a quartz cavity, yellow pyromorphite crystals bloom like flowers, accompanied by deep red lepidochrocite and beudantite. Some pyromorphite crystals are exposed right at the cavity’s opening, gleaming brightly, while many more lie deeper inside, glowing beautifully when illuminated.
The piece was collected by Italian collector Luigi Chiappino, renowned for his extensive field collecting across Europe.
Cuprite
📍Le Moulinal Mine, Rayssac, Castres, Tarn, Occitanie, France
Dimensions: 25/16/14mm
This small specimen from the Le Moulinal Mine in France features several beautiful cuprite crystals perched on a dark goethite matrix. Under normal lighting, the cuprite shows a metallic luster, while under backlight it reveals a deep translucent red—truly captivating! This striking play of light is a classic characteristic of cuprite, creating a wonderful contrast with the dark matrix. Specimens of cuprite from Le Moulinal Mine are quite uncommon on the market, making this a noteworthy French oxide miniature for any collection.
Dimensions: 25/16/14mm
This small specimen from the Le Moulinal Mine in France features several beautiful cuprite crystals perched on a dark goethite matrix. Under normal lighting, the cuprite shows a metallic luster, while under backlight it reveals a deep translucent red—truly captivating! This striking play of light is a classic characteristic of cuprite, creating a wonderful contrast with the dark matrix. Specimens of cuprite from Le Moulinal Mine are quite uncommon on the market, making this a noteworthy French oxide miniature for any collection.
Wulfenite
📍Silver Bill Mine, Costello Mine Group, Gleeson, Turquoise Mining District (Courtland–Gleeson Mining District), Cochise County, Arizona, USA
Dimensions: 54/33/27mm
This specimen comes from the Silver Bill Mine in Cochise County, Arizona, part of the historic Turquoise (Courtland–Gleeson) Mining District, an area known for its colorful and storied mining past. Within the vug are several clusters of small but perfectly transparent wulfenite crystals. Though tiny, the crystal faces exhibit remarkable glassy luster and sharpness under magnification, showcasing the beauty and precision typical of the species.
The Silver Bill Mine was first discovered in 1890 and intermittently operated from 1893 to 1978, producing lead, zinc, silver, copper, gold, and tungsten. In its oxidized zones, a wide variety of attractive secondary minerals formed. The deposit occurs in Pennsylvanian–Permian Naco Group limestone, near a quartz monzonite contact zone, with mineralization controlled by faults and fractures. Intense oxidation facilitated the redeposition of malachite, azurite, and wulfenite within cavities — the very environment in which this specimen’s crystals grew.
Although the mine’s production was never extensive, it remains an important locality in Arizona’s mining history. Situated northeast of the old town of Gleeson within the Coronado National Forest, it is a classic locality. Transparent and well-preserved wulfenite crystals like these are rare from this mine, making this specimen a fine representative of the classic mineralogy of the American Southwest.
Dimensions: 54/33/27mm
This specimen comes from the Silver Bill Mine in Cochise County, Arizona, part of the historic Turquoise (Courtland–Gleeson) Mining District, an area known for its colorful and storied mining past. Within the vug are several clusters of small but perfectly transparent wulfenite crystals. Though tiny, the crystal faces exhibit remarkable glassy luster and sharpness under magnification, showcasing the beauty and precision typical of the species.
The Silver Bill Mine was first discovered in 1890 and intermittently operated from 1893 to 1978, producing lead, zinc, silver, copper, gold, and tungsten. In its oxidized zones, a wide variety of attractive secondary minerals formed. The deposit occurs in Pennsylvanian–Permian Naco Group limestone, near a quartz monzonite contact zone, with mineralization controlled by faults and fractures. Intense oxidation facilitated the redeposition of malachite, azurite, and wulfenite within cavities — the very environment in which this specimen’s crystals grew.
Although the mine’s production was never extensive, it remains an important locality in Arizona’s mining history. Situated northeast of the old town of Gleeson within the Coronado National Forest, it is a classic locality. Transparent and well-preserved wulfenite crystals like these are rare from this mine, making this specimen a fine representative of the classic mineralogy of the American Southwest.
Baryte
📍Clara Mine, Oberwolfach, Ortenaukreis, Freiburg Region, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Dimensions: 41/30/24mm
Ex. Gabrys Museum
This is a small barite specimen from the famous Clara Mine in Germany, composed of a cluster of exceptionally clear crystals with sharp, clean faces and a full, well-balanced form. Under magnification, some crystal surfaces display delicate grooves or etched patterns, adding both visual and scientific interest.
Interestingly, a few crystals are lightly dusted with pale pink secondary growths, giving the specimen a soft tint and subtle contrast that enhance its overall depth and character.
Although the Clara Mine’s dump site remains open to collectors today, finding specimens of this clarity and quality, with such intact crystal groups, has become nearly impossible.
This piece comes from the former collection of the Gabrys Mineral Museum in Lam, Bavaria, Germany. Founded in 1969 by Andreas Gabrys and his wife, the museum once housed over 10,000 specimens from Germany and around the world. Mr. Gabrys, who had served as mine director at Fürstenzeche (Oswald), was a passionate mineral collector. After his passing in 1994, his wife continued operating the museum until 2004. Due to age and health issues, the museum was eventually closed and its collection dispersed through auction. This specimen was part of that historic dispersal, carrying with it the legacy of a bygone era of private mineral museums.
Dimensions: 41/30/24mm
Ex. Gabrys Museum
This is a small barite specimen from the famous Clara Mine in Germany, composed of a cluster of exceptionally clear crystals with sharp, clean faces and a full, well-balanced form. Under magnification, some crystal surfaces display delicate grooves or etched patterns, adding both visual and scientific interest.
Interestingly, a few crystals are lightly dusted with pale pink secondary growths, giving the specimen a soft tint and subtle contrast that enhance its overall depth and character.
Although the Clara Mine’s dump site remains open to collectors today, finding specimens of this clarity and quality, with such intact crystal groups, has become nearly impossible.
This piece comes from the former collection of the Gabrys Mineral Museum in Lam, Bavaria, Germany. Founded in 1969 by Andreas Gabrys and his wife, the museum once housed over 10,000 specimens from Germany and around the world. Mr. Gabrys, who had served as mine director at Fürstenzeche (Oswald), was a passionate mineral collector. After his passing in 1994, his wife continued operating the museum until 2004. Due to age and health issues, the museum was eventually closed and its collection dispersed through auction. This specimen was part of that historic dispersal, carrying with it the legacy of a bygone era of private mineral museums.
Strengite & Leucophosphite & Meurigite-K on Goethite
📍Těškov quarry, Těškov, Rokycany District, Plzeň Region, Czech Republic
Dimensions: 70/50/25mm
Dimensions: 70/50/25mm
Fluorite
📍Pratclaux Mine, Marsanges, Langeac, Brioude, Haute-Loire, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Dimensions: 30/27/19mm
Ex. Marc Fleischer
This specimen is a fluorite crystal from the Pratclaux Mine in Haute-Loire, France. The crystal is cubic, with glass-like transparency and a delicate orange hue caused by internal inclusions, along with faint color zoning. Its edges are sharp and fully intact, showing virtually no damage—an excellent state of preservation. In person, it appears even more stunning than in photos, brilliantly clear and highly aesthetic.
The Pratclaux Mine is a classic fluorite locality in the Haute-Loire region of France, renowned for producing exceptionally transparent crystals often displaying unique tones and zoning. French fluorites are celebrated among collectors for their rich color variations and high purity, and this specimen stands as an outstanding example of that tradition.
Dimensions: 30/27/19mm
Ex. Marc Fleischer
This specimen is a fluorite crystal from the Pratclaux Mine in Haute-Loire, France. The crystal is cubic, with glass-like transparency and a delicate orange hue caused by internal inclusions, along with faint color zoning. Its edges are sharp and fully intact, showing virtually no damage—an excellent state of preservation. In person, it appears even more stunning than in photos, brilliantly clear and highly aesthetic.
The Pratclaux Mine is a classic fluorite locality in the Haute-Loire region of France, renowned for producing exceptionally transparent crystals often displaying unique tones and zoning. French fluorites are celebrated among collectors for their rich color variations and high purity, and this specimen stands as an outstanding example of that tradition.
Mirabeau Diamond with Ankerite
📍Le Mardaric ravine septaria occurrence, Sisteron, Forcalquier, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
Italian Haüyne
📍Anguillara Sabazia, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Lazio, Italy
Ex. Dr. Achille Panunzi
Ex. Imma Punzo
FOV: 4.8mm
This is a haüyne crystal specimen from Anguillara Sabazia, Italy. The locality is part of the Sabatini volcanic complex, where the crystals formed in a pyroclastic flow known locally as Pizzo Prato. These volcanic rocks make up the surrounding hills and landscape. The haüyne crystals in this specimen display a deep, vivid blue color that contrasts beautifully with the light gray matrix—truly an eye-catching piece. Haüyne specimens from Italy have become increasingly uncommon, with most known examples originating from Somma-Vesuvius near Naples. Pieces from Anguillara Sabazia are particularly rare. This specimen comes from the collection of Dr. Achille Panunzi, after whom the mineral Panunzite was named.
PS. Apparently, one layer of bubble wrap + international shipping = three haüyne fragments 🥲
Ex. Dr. Achille Panunzi
Ex. Imma Punzo
FOV: 4.8mm
This is a haüyne crystal specimen from Anguillara Sabazia, Italy. The locality is part of the Sabatini volcanic complex, where the crystals formed in a pyroclastic flow known locally as Pizzo Prato. These volcanic rocks make up the surrounding hills and landscape. The haüyne crystals in this specimen display a deep, vivid blue color that contrasts beautifully with the light gray matrix—truly an eye-catching piece. Haüyne specimens from Italy have become increasingly uncommon, with most known examples originating from Somma-Vesuvius near Naples. Pieces from Anguillara Sabazia are particularly rare. This specimen comes from the collection of Dr. Achille Panunzi, after whom the mineral Panunzite was named.
PS. Apparently, one layer of bubble wrap + international shipping = three haüyne fragments 🥲
Vanadinite
This Moroccan vanadinite specimen boasts a rich, deep red color, contrasting beautifully with its sandy matrix. Acquired from Les Minéraux at the Louvre Museum in Paris, it is a remarkable piece with both aesthetic and provenance appeal.
Red Cloud Mine Wulfenite
This stunning specimen from the famous Red Cloud Mine features a vibrant red wulfenite crystal delicately perched alongside small bits of quartz. The intense color and sharp crystal formation make it a classic representation of this renowned locality.
Wulfenite with Dolomite
This striking specimen features a cluster of vibrant yellow wulfenite blades elegantly perched on a dolomite matrix. Acquired from the 2024 Shanghai Mineral Show, it stood out as the finest piece in the dealer’s entire lot.
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