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Worldwide Minerals Freiberg Mining District 1997 Photo by Ross C. Lillie Photo by Ross C. Lillie taken underground in Freiberg 1997 Medieval drift ca. 15th Century
New Minerals On-Line May 28th
NSMW7937 CALCITE WITH CHALCOPYRITE PRICE: $125.
NSMW7936 CALCITE ON GALENA WITH CHALCOPYRITE PRICE: $250.
NSMW7933 FLUORITE WITH CALCITE PRICE: $125.
New Minerals On-Line May 22nd
NSMW7913 QUARTZ variety PRASE PRICE: $650.
New Minerals On-Line May 21st
NSMW7894 COPPER PRICE: $250.
New Minerals On-Line May 6th
NSMW7860 YTTRIAN BROOKITE PRICE: $125.
NSMW7857 DANBURITE AND CALCITE PRICE: $280.
NSMW7856 COPPER PRICE: $2800.
NSMW7855 EPIDOTE PRICE: $650.
New Minerals On-Line April 21st
NSMW7808 UVITE/DRAVITE PRICE: $2500.
NSMW7807 QUARTZ PRICE: $2500.
New Minerals On-Line April 18th
NSMW7805 GALENA ON PYRRHOTITE PRICE: $120.
NSMW7804 SPHALERITE WITH CHALCOPYRITE PRICE: $150.
NSMW7741 PYRITE PRICE: $350.
NSMW7671 GALENA PRICE: $120.
NSMW7651 COPPER WIRES PRICE: $120.
A cluster of wire coppers protrudes from a light green prehnite matrix. Wire coppers are rare from the district and occur only sporadically across the major lodes. This specimen is a very fine miniature example of this copper varietal. No faults. 2 x 3 x 5 cm.
NSMW7631 GALENA AND CHALCOPYRITE PRICE: $125.
NSMW7610 SILVER PRICE: $4500.
NSMW7515 PYRITE ON CALCITE PRICE: $225.
NSMW7397 MICROLITE PRICE: $250.
NSMW7254 ARAGONITE PRICE: $280. CUMBERLAND, ENGLAND Fine spray of elongated tapered crystals with associated matrix at base and hint of hematite on surface. The specimen displays very well as mounted on a hand polished acrylic base and is well crystallized on all sides. A few terminations are only slightly broken as is almost always the case with these specimens but overall it is really in great condition. 2.5 x 4 x 10 cm. Russell Jones Collection.
NSMW7214 COPPER PRICE: $350. KEARSARGE LODE, SENECA MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN Light chocolate brown copper with traces of analcite and altered basalt. The specimen is finely crystallized in tetrahexahedrons and fine branching forms. Excellent miniature. No damage. 2.5 x 3 x 3.5 cm. Ross C. Lillie Collection.
NSMW7189 COPPER PRICE: $4500. B SHAFT, COPPER FALLS MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN The Copper Falls area was first developed by the Copper Falls Company in the year 1844. It began mining the same year on a fissure that was rich in native copper and silver. However, the mine only operated for a couple of years because the vein pinched out when it passed through the underlying sandstone. The company shifted operations to the east on the very promising Owl Creek Fissure and Ashbed lode and never came back to this property. I collected a number of specimens in 1985 when I had the time to dig through the 140 plus years of overgrowth and the energy to fight multitudes of black flies. This is the finest matrix piece I found. An excellent group of branching arborescent crystals, 6.5 cm, protrudes from the matrix of basalt that has associated pink adularia. A dandy small cabinet specimen from an exceptionally rare locality. No faults. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 2 x 3 x 8.5 cm.
NSMW7194 SILVER PRICE: $9500. KEARSARGE LODE, 1st LEVEL WEST, NORTH KEARSARGE #1, CALUMET AND HECLA MINING COMPANY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, HOUGHTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN Silver was most abundant in the upper levels of the mines as reported by both the miners and geologists who were active in the day. The Kearsarge Lode was a Master Lode and the source for most of the top silvers ever found in the Copper Country. I collected for over 30 years underground and never found a specimen this good again. It was just a lucky moment when I was in the drift and happened to notice a small rock with a bit of silver visible. The chunk had good weight so I stuck it in the pack. When I cleaned it up later it was a great moment. This is a matrix specimen with copper at the base and traces of basalt. Branching silver with great form and excellent three dimensional aesthetics. These are really difficult to find on the market. No faults. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 1.5 x 2.5 x 5 cm.
NSMW7193 COPPER PRICE: $6500. KEARSARGE LODE, LAURIUM MINE, CALUMET AND HECLA MINING COMPANY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, HOUGHTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN The Laurium Mine was one of the farthest properties to the east on the Kearsarge Lode that was developed by Calumet and Hecla. The shaft was sunk and the levels put in place but no stoping was done and the rock that was stockpiled on the property was actually ore. As such, it was quite rich in specimens and a number of great pieces were found on the pile. Most of the rock was hauled off in the 1960s and milled at the Centennial Mine #3 location but there was some rock that was left which gave opportunities for collecting. I collected this piece with a fellow digger, Steve Whelan, c. 1984. It is the best piece I ever found on the surface. We found the piece together and by generous offer from Steve I got this one and he kept another which was also a dandy. Great patina and no faults. Excellent aesthetic group of branching crystals. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 4 x 5 x 11 cm.
NSMW7189 COPPER PRICE: $3500. B SHAFT, COPPER FALLS MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN The Copper Falls area was first developed by the Copper Falls Company in the year 1844. It began mining the same year on a fissure that was rich in native copper and silver. However, the mine only operated for a couple of years because the vein pinched out when it passed through the underlying sandstone. The company shifted operations to the east on the very promising Owl Creek Fissure and Ashbed lode and never came back to this property. I collected a number of specimens in 1985 when I had the time to dig through the 140 plus years of overgrowth and the energy to fight multitudes of black flies. This is a superb group of spinel twins with the classic 90 degree angle forms from the mine. It came from a small calcite seam that was in a larger matrix basalt slab. Great aesthetics and exceptional length. Mined c. 1845. Rare locality. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 0.5 x 3 x 10.5 cm.
NSMW7188 COPPER PRICE: $3500. B SHAFT, COPPER FALLS MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN The Copper Falls area was first developed by the Copper Falls Company in the year 1844. It began mining the same year on a fissure that was rich in native copper and silver. However, the mine only operated for a couple of years because the vein pinched out when it passed through the underlying sandstone. The company shifted operations to the east on the very promising Owl Creek Fissure and Ashbed lode and never came back to this property. I collected a number of specimens in 1985 when I had the time to dig through the 140 plus years of overgrowth and the energy to fight multitudes of black flies. This was one of the two best matrix pieces I found. Great aesthetics and no faults. The copper crystals measure 3.5 x 4 cm. Basalt matrix. Mined c. 1845. Rare location. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 2.5 x 4 x 7 cm.
NSMW7187 COPPER PRICE: $450. WALLACES' VEIN, COPPER FALLS MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN Elongated copper crystal on matrix of basalt and calcite. Wallace's Vein is a sympathetic fissure to the Owl Creek Vein and was worked independently along with the development of the Ashbed Lode. The vein was cleaned out when I collected there with the rare exception of just a few pieces left in the back. The location I determined from an old surveyor's map dated c. 1863. The copper, 4.5 cm, resembles a cobra ready to strike. Collected c. 1979. No faults. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 3.5 x 5 x 6 cm.
NSMW7090 COPPER PRICE: $2500. NAUMKEAG MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, HOUGHTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN The Naumkeag Mine was started in an effort to find the extension of the great Pewabic Lode that made so many investors rich with the Quincy Mine. The Naumkeag Mine was a series of exceptionally long adits with a couple of inclined shafts. A fellow infidel and I dug one of the adits out years ago and waded through chest deep, icy cold water to get into workings that had been closed for years. We found a pile of ore that was stockpiled along the drift that turned out to be quite a bonanza. This piece was one of the finest crystallized specimens in the find. Sharp, spinel twins in a fine branching form. No faults. Collected c. 1978. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 2 x 5 x 7.5 cm.
NSMW6996 COPPER PRICE: $1200. SENECA MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN Branching group of native copper with rich purplish/red to coppery brown cuprite patina. The specimen is a combination of crystal faces and impressions of analcite that were present in the vein. I collected the specimen from a footwall structure that ran for hundreds and hundreds of feet. Very aesthetic and attractive copper with no faults. One of the best from this location in my collection. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 3 x 8 x 12 cm.
NSMW6995 COPPER PRICE: $1800. SENECA MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN Branching group of native copper with rich purplish/red cuprite patina. The specimen is a combination of crystal faces and impressions of analcite that were present in the vein. I collected the specimen from a footwall structure that ran for hundreds and hundreds of feet. Very aesthetic and attractive copper with no faults. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 2.5 x 9 x 20 cm.
NSMW6994 COPPER PRICE: $220. WALLACES' VEIN, COPPER FALLS MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN This is a floater specimen of copper from one of the most rare locations I collected from. I only found two or three specimens from this vein that cross-cut the Ashbed Lode in the eastern end of the Copper Falls Tracts. The vein was filled with massive calcite but every once in a while there might be a small specimen of copper. This is an elongated tetrahexahedron (as far as I can discern) with deep cuprite patina and slight malachite coating. No faults. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 1 x 1 x 5.2 cm.
NSMW6993 COPPER PRICE: $250. ST. CLAIR MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN The 'Copper Country' of Northern Michigan is world famous for producing superb native copper specimens. For over 120 years the area was mined continuously for copper in pure native form. The St. Clair Mine was one of the early fissure mines that exploited a vein just below the base of the massive greenstone flow mostly in the 1850s. The mine is just east of the Phoenix Mine and had two shafts, one vertical and one angle along with a couple of adits. A friend and I tried digging out the lower adit but finally gave up due to caved-in ground. Later that summer my partner in crime dug out the inclined shaft and we gained entrance into workings that had never been collected in. There were numerous small but very finely crystallized miniatures at the very end of the drift and some bigger masses of copper that had fallen out of the back. This is a fine miniature with deep cuprite patina and twinned tetrahexahedrons. RARE location. Ross C. Lillie Collection. Collected 1985. 1.2 x 2.2 x 3 cm.
NSMW6988 COPPER PRICE: $850. PHOENIX MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN The 'Copper Country' of Northern Michigan is world famous for producing superb native copper specimens. For over 120 years the area was mined continuously for copper in pure native form. The Phoenix Mine is one of the most famous locations in the native copper in crystallized form. This specimen is a floater with no point of attachment and no attached matrix. The crystals are combinations of tetrahexahedrons with some twinning. I found it in 1976 while exploring the location for any potential opening into the mine. No faults. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 3 x 5 x 5 cm.
NSMW6898 BARITE PRICE: $220. CARTERSVILLE, BARTOW, GEORGIA Bladed aggregates of barite with no attached matrix and a bluish/gray color with light brown highlights from inclusions of iron oxide. Sharp, clean and a very attractive combination of crystals from this very well known locality in Georgia. Paul Lazar Collection. Collected c. 1970s. In top condition. 5 x 6 x 11.5 cm.
NSMW6838 ACANTHITE WITH NATIVE SILVER PRICE: $2800. LINGQIU COUNTY, SHAN XI PROVINCE, CHINA Complete floater group of acanthite crystals in combination with bright native silver. The acanthites, to 2 cm on edge, are classically cubic with hoppered indentations and start small at the base and become progressively larger and impressive towards the terminations. A great miniature from the new finds in 2005. Exceptionally fine in all regards. 2 x 2.6 x 4 cm.
NSMW6833 VANADINITE ON BARITE PRICE: $220. ACIF, MIBLADEN, MOROCCO Sharp barrel-shaped vanadinites richly aggregated over a barite matrix. The color is a fine red with brown overtones and the luster and condition excellent. Mined from the great finds of the early 1970s and acquired from an old collection in the Detroit area. A very fine miniature. 2.5 x 4 x 5 cm.
NSMW6827 COPPER PRICE: $220. ST. CLAIR MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN The 'Copper Country' of Northern Michigan is world famous for producing superb native copper specimens. For over 120 years the area was mined continuously for copper in pure native form. The St. Clair Mine was one of the early fissure mines that exploited a vein just below the base of the massive greenstone flow mostly in the 1850s. The mine is just east of the Phoenix Mine and had two shafts, one vertical and one angle along with a couple of adits. A friend and I tried digging out the lower adit but finally gave up due to caved-in ground. Later that summer my partner in crime dug out the inclined shaft and we gained entrance into workings that had never been collected in. There were numerous small but very finely crystallized miniatures at the very end of the drift and some bigger masses of copper that had fallen out of the back. This is a choice miniature on pink prehnite matrix. Sharp crystals and fine condition. I had to clean it in very mild acid to remove clay-like surface material. It has since started to tarnish a nice coppery color. Ross C. Lillie Collection. Collected 1985. RARE location.2 x 2.8 x 3 cm.
NSMW6784 RHODONITE PRICE: $120. ST. MARTIN MINE, CHIURUCO, HUANZALA, HUANUCO, PERU Bright pink, rosette of bladed rhodonite, MnSiO3, with radiating crystals and fine luster. Finely crystallized rhodonites are relatively rare on the marketplace. These are from an important new find late in 2006. In top condition and a very fine specimen. A fine TN. 1.3 x 2 x 2 cm.
NSMW6730 HEMATITE ON ILVAITE WITH QUARTZ PRICE: $680. NIKOLAEVSKIY MINE, DAL'NEGORSK, PRIMORSKIY KRAY, RUSSIA Elongated prismatic crystals of ilvaite, to 5.7 cm, have been partially replaced by hematite and in turn dusted with a fine sparkly druse of micro quartz. There are a few small disk-like crystals of calcite associated with the ilvaite that add good contrast and visual appeal. This piece must have been in the center of the pocket as it is completely crystallized with no point of attachment. This was a small pocket with just a few pieces available on the market and all were miniatures. A top specimen and the best I acquired from this great Russian location. Mined in 2005. No faults. 3.5 x 5 x 6.5 cm.
NSMW6717 HEMATITE ON ILVAITE WITH QUARTZ PRICE: $380. NIKOLAEVSKIY MINE, DAL'NEGORSK, PRIMORSKIY KRAY, RUSSIA Elongated prismatic crystals of ilvaite, to 5.7 cm, have been partially replaced by hematite and in turn dusted with a fine sparkly druse of micro quartz. There are a few small disk-like crystals of calcite associated with the ilvaite that add good contrast and visual appeal. There is a broken crystal on the back (lower photo) that shows the degree of replacement by hematite. A very fine miniature from this great Russian location. Mined in 2005. 3 x 3.5 x 5.5 cm.
NSMW6683 RHODONITE PRICE: $350. ST. MARTIN MINE, CHIURUCO, HUANZALA, HUANUCO, PERU Bright pink, rosette of bladed rhodonite with radiating crystals and fine luster. These are from an important new find late in 2006. In top condition and a very fine specimen. A beautiful miniature. 1.3 x 2.5 x 4 cm.
NSMW6656 HEMATITE PRICE: $290. SAPHOZ, VOGESEN, FRANCE One of the oldest mining regions in France is in the Black Forest area in the northeastern border region adjacent to Germany. The famous mineral show in Ste. Marie aux Mines was mined for silver centuries ago but surviving specimens are exceedingly rare. This hematite is from this ancient mining region and was recently acquired from an old mineral collection in the area. Sharp and clean with a fine three dimensional form and in top condition. A miniature treasure of hematite. 3 x 4 x 5 cm.
NSMW6630 SILVER AND COPPER PRICE: $220. QUINCY MINE, HOUGHTON COUNTY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, MICHIGAN Bright native silver in calcite with associated native copper and just a trace of the Pewabic Lode matrix. The Quincy Mine is famous for producing top-quality copper specimens but it also was rich in silver particularly in the upper levels which were mined in the 1850s-1880s. This is a fine 'Half-Breed' which has not been cleaned or altered in acid. A classic miniature from the district. Robert Harringer Collection. Mined c. late 1800s. 1.6 x 2.9 x 3 cm.
NSMW6601 COPPER PRICE: $450. SENECA MINE, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN Sharp native copper crystals with rich tenorite and cuprite patina. The faces are lustrous and sharp and appear to be dodecahedrons with curved surfaces. The reddish cuprite section is actually casts after analcite which was classic from this find. I collected this from a highly mineralized vein in the footwall of the lode. This vein runs for thousands of feet through several of the major mines in the district that were sunk on the Kearsarge Lode. I collected from the same structure in the Seneca, Mohawk, North Kearsarge and South Kearsarge Mines. This is one of the best and sharpest coppers I ever found and probably the best for tenorite coating. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 2.5 x 3 x 3.8 cm.
NSMW6377 SCHEELITE PRICE: $380. XUEBAODING, PING WU, SICHUAN, CHINA Octahedral, orange scheelite, 1.8 cm on edge, on matrix of muscovite. A superior display specimen with great aesthetics and form. In top condition from mining in 2006. 3 x 4 x 5.5 cm.
NSMW6375 SMITHSONITE PRICE: $120. CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO Botryoidal, light sea green, lustrous smithsonite encrusting limonite matrix. The original label stated 'Lluvia del Oro' and the material was mined c. late 1960s. Great color, coverage and presentation. A Mexican classic. 3 x 6.5 x 10 cm.
NSMW6373 SMITHSONITE PRICE: $220. CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO Botryoidal, pink, lustrous smithsonite encrusting limonite matrix. The original label stated 'Lluvia del Oro' and the material was mined c. late 1960s. Great color, coverage and presentation. A Mexican classic. 4 x 5 x 8 cm.
NSMW6338 COPPER AFTER ANALCITE PRICE: $220. SENECA MINE, KEARSARGE LODE, CALUMET AND HECLA MINING COMPANY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN Native copper casts after analcite from a sympathetic structure in the hanging wall of the Kearsarge Lode. There is a incredibly well mineralized and amazingly consistent parallel, or sympathetic, structure that runs for thousands of feet along the Kearsarge Lode. I've seen it in the Seneca Mine, the Mohawk Mine and all the way to the South Kearsarge. In all cases it was well mineralized and either composed of excellent casts and pseudomorphs after analcite of other species or as native copper crystals. I kept this because it was a cast after exceptionally large analcites, to 3.2 cm, and the original patina was multi-colored in reds, browns and blacks. 2.5 x 5 x 9 cm. Ross Lillie Collection.
NSMW6230 BETAFITE AND ZIRCON PRICE: $125. SILVER CRATER, BANCROFT, ONTARIO, CANADA Floater crystal of chocolate brown betafite with associated tiny zircon crystals. Classic form for the species and a very excellent TN. Bancroft is well known for producing world-class betafites among other rare earth species. Robert Nowakowski Collection. Mr. Nowakowski acquired the specimen from Tyson's Minerals and there are accompanying labels. 1.5 x 1.7 x 2 cm.
NSMW6228 LORENZITE PRICE: $220. LOVOZERO MASSIF, SIBERIA, RUSSIA Perfect crystal of lorenzite, 1 x 1.5 cm, in high-grade schistose matrix. The lorenzite has the classic prismatic habit with good luster and displays perfectly against the matrix. Sharp and clean miniature of this rare earth silicate. Mined 2005. 2 x 3 x 3 cm.
NSMW6222 SILVER PRICE: $120. NIPISSING MINE, COBALT, ONTARIO, CANADA Very rich vein-type ore of native silver in calcite matrix. The silver nearly fills the vein section and has a secondary overgrowth of a gray mineral which is very likely acanthite. Excellent locality information and a fine geological specimen as well since the vein contact is evident and there is some inclu9ded breccia fragments. Slab measures 0.5 x 9 x 13 cm.
NSMW6200 QUARTZ AND CHALCOPYRITE PRICE: $120. SALAVERINA, ZACATECAS, MEXICO A group of light gray, semi-transparent quartz crystals in combination with chalcopyrite. The chalcopyrites have a muted brass sheen and are nicely scattered over the quartz. This specimen came from an old collection here in the Midwest and the location is new to me. I suspect it is from Concepcion del Oro or at least in the general vicinity due to the very well developed quartz crystals. In top condition and a sharp and aesthetic Mexican specimen from mining c. late 1960s to early 1970s. Associated pyrite as well. 6.5 x 7.5 x 9.5 cm.
NSMW6161 COPPER PRICE: $220. GRAND MERAIS BAY, LAKE SUPERIOR, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN Leafy, branching copper crystals with no attached matrix. The morphology are spear-pointed spinel twins in classic arborescent forms with a hoppered or skeletal texture arising from three dimensional growth along the c-axis. There was a great find in the early 1980s of these specimens from a vein that outcropped in Lake Superior. It was in about 15-20 feet of water and consisted of a calcite vein richly mineralized with copper. Where the vein widened and crossed amygdaloids superb groups of copper crystals were found and collected by divers. This piece was found in that time period by Don Pearce a local mineral dealer who lived in Calumet. Classic sharp miniature with no faults. 2.5 x 5 x 5 cm.
NSMW6160 COPPER PRICE: $450. CENTRAL FISSURE, CENTRAL MINE, CENTRAL MINING COMPANY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN Arborescent, branching group of spinel and cubic copper crystals with no attached matrix. The Central Mine was one of the most famous and productive mines in the Copper Country and one of the most successful enterprises on the Keweenaw. It operated continuously for over 50 years and ultimately returned handsome dividends to investors. Coppers from here are classic and this piece is a fine sharp miniature with herring bone pattern on one side (right photo) and sharp cubes to 5 mm on the other. Complete on all sides with faults. Mined c. late 1800s. 2 x 3 x 4 cm.
NSMW6090 GARNET Var. TSAVORITE ON GRAPHITE PRICE: $850. MERELANI MINES, ARUSHI, TANZANIA Bright, minty greeen, lustrous garnets, 1.5 cm each, on graphite matrix. Fine dodecahedron faces and luster contrast very well with the matrix. A sharp toenail from mining in 2005. In top condition. 2 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm.
NSMW6047 SODIC PERISTERITE (MOONSTONE) PRICE: $150. LA PILI MINE, CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO Prismatic, blocky peristerite crystals with superb blueish chattoyancy on the terminations. This variety of feldspar is known as moonstone and is quite beautiful when cut into cabachons. Excellent Mexican specimen with crystals in perfect condition and a top miniature of this species. David London Collection #L-248. Mined c. 1970s. 2.5 x 2.6 x 3 cm.
NSMW5950 COPPER PRICE: $1200. COPPER FALLS MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN Superb miniature of exceptionally well crystallized copper in branching arborsecent forms and combinations of cubes and elongated spinel-twins. The group starts out small at the base and widens toward the top with excellent sculptural form. Specimens of this high quality are few and far between. Wonderful aesthetics. Specimen was very lightly cleaned in a mild chemical years ago as it has a nice patina. Acquired in the early 1960s in the Copper Country. Undamaged. 2 x 3 x 5 cm.
NSMW5788 KUNZITE PRICE: $2200. PAPROCK, KUNAR, AFGHANISTAN Rich, lilac-pink, tabular crystal of kunzite with no attached matrix. The terminations are sharp and clean with the classic beveled faces modifying the prism. Base has no point of attachment and has traces of sugary-like feldspar. Great color and form. There is a natural crack in the lower portion of the crystal that shows evidence of extremely small movement and then perhaps re-healing. I can see absolutely no evidence of repair. No glue, offset or visible injections even under 10x. Lovely specimen from mining in summer 2005. No damage. 2 x 3.3 x 8.1 cm.
NSMW5499 INESITE PRICE: $180. FENGIJASHAN MINE, HUANGSHI AREA, HUBEI, CENTRAL SOUTH REGION, CHINA Light reddish/pink, acicular sprays of inesite crystals with a fine druse of micro apophyllites that give the specimen a sparkly luster. This miniature has no point of attachment and exhibits excellent 'bow-tie' form. No damage. Mined 2004. 1.6 x 3.0 x 3.7 cm.
NSMW5469 EPIDOTE PRICE: $360. MEIGU, LANGSHAN, SICHUAN PROVINCE, CHINA Rich, pistachio/green lustrous crystals of epidote in combination with sharp, vitreous quartz. The epidotes, to 1.6 cm across, have a radiating structure that is curved and has a 'cockscomb' or rosette-like form. The specimen has nice relief and elongated three-dimensional symmetry. Sharp, attractive and in top condition. A fine epidote from this new locality in China. Mined late 2004.4.5 x 5.5 x 11 cm.
NSMW5357 DESCLOIZITE PRICE: $380. BERG AUKAS, GROOTFONTEIN, OTAVI MOUNTAINS, NAMIBIA An undulating aggregate of lustrous, deep chocolate brown bladed descloizite crystals with no attached matrix. There are a few sections on the top where the color has a distinctly reddish tinge and the reverse is essentially all reddish brown with larger more fan shaped crystals. It is possible that this is a pseudomorph after an unknown species as there seems to be evidence that the deep brown descloizite was a cast after a previous mineral and the lighter reddish brown phase crystallized in the open cavity left by dissolution. A very fine cabinet specimen of this classic species from Berg Aukas. Mined c. early 1980s. In very excellent condition with only minor damage to a few smaller crystals. 4.3 x 11.2 x 12 cm.
NSMW5215 TOURMALINE var. ELBAITE price: $280. MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL Two crystals of tourmaline with small attachment point and no matrix. The crystals have distinctly different color but the same silky luster. The larger crystal, 6.1 cm, is black with just a hint of deep blue while the smaller crystal, 5.3 cm, has a deep green color. The terminations are slightly different as well indicating two distinct phases of crystallization. Sharp and clean with fine aesthetics. Lary Bailey Collection. Mined ca. late 1960s to early 1970s. In top condition. Purchased at a rock shop in Massachusetts in the early 1970s. Location was general but would probably be easily ascribed by an individual well versed in Brazilian minerals. 2.3 x 4.6 x 6.2 cm.
NSMW5150 CHLORARGYRITE PRICE: $120. NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA Rich mass of chlorargyrite in matrix of altered host rock. The chlorargyrite has a waxy luster and tannish hue. William Schultz Collection EMB-1. Mr. Schultz acquired the specimen from mineral dealer George Bideaux on September 29, 1970 for $35. A high price at the time for a miniature! Classic location for the species. Has an old label attached to Schultz's label that says" Collection of Charles F. Lewis". Also, painted number on reverse 432 from Lewis. 3.5 x 4 x 4.5 cm.
NSMW5149 SPINEL PRICE: $120. MOGOK, MYANMAR (BURMA) Sharp, purplish/red spinel with no point of attachment. These fine crystals are being actively mined from Myanmar and are typically found hosted by a light gray or white massive calcite. The are exceptionally sharp with great color. Mined 2004. A beautiful TN. 6 x 7 x 9 mm.
NSMW5145 CERUSSITE PRICE: $280. FLUX MINE, PATAGONIA, ARIZONA Creamy/white acicular cerussite crystals richly grouped over the top of gossany matrix. The cerussites have the typical jackstraw habit from this mine and a slightly yellowish tint. These specimens used to be common on the market but in recent years they have largely disappeared and now they are only available from older collections. Classic Arizona location. Dr. Gene Laberge Collection. 5.5 x 6.5 x 9 cm.
NSMW5054 COPPER PRICE: $200. ITAUZ MINE, DZHEZKAZGAN, KAZAKHSTAN Rich, chocolate/brown native copper crystals with no point of attachment. The crystals start out small at the base and progressively increase in size and quality to the top. Sharp, perfect and a beautiful miniature. Newly mined in 2004. 3.5 cm in length.
NSMW5046 CHALCOCITE PRICE: $220. 180 METER LEVEL, BLOCK 31-50, MINE #57, EAST DZHEZKAZGAN AREA, DZKEZGAN OBLAST, KAZAKHSTAN Grayish/black chalcocite with traces of malachite. The chalcocite appears to be casts after calcite or another rhombic mineral as there are numerous indentations over the surface. Likely collected from a late-stage veinlet as it is shows relatively uniform thickness. Displays very well with fine sculptural form. No faults and with excellent locality information. Mined ca. late 1990s. 1.7 x 4 x 5 cm.
NSMW5017 COPPER PRICE: $125. ITAUZ MINE, DZHEZKAZGAN, KAZAKHSTAN Single chocolate brown copper crystal crystallized in superb spinel twin. essentially a floater with no point of attachment. This mine is currently producing some of the finest spinel coppers in the world. Great form, natural patina and in excellent sizes. New mining in 2004. In top condition. 1 x 4.6 cm.
NSMW4781 KESTERITE WITH MUSHISTONITE PRICE; $360. SHAO-BAO-DIN, PINGWU,SICHUAN, CHINA Sharp crystals of kesterite with a light greenish mushisonite layer. These extremely rare sulfosalts are coming from a new find first discovered about two years ago. For the species they are quite exceptional both in size and quality. Excellent TN. Copy of results for definitive analysis of mushistonite included. 13 x 15 x 20 mm.
NSMW4693 SPINEL PRICE: $180. MOGOK, BURMA Glassy lustered, deep purplish/red twinned spinel with no point of attachment. Excellent and easily discerned twin plane is classic from this contemporary mining district. Mined 2004. One tiny ding on base. 8 x 10 x 10 mm.
NSMW4267 META-AUTUNITE PRICE: $350. STREUBERG, BERGEN, VOGTLAND, GERMANY Bright, electric/green, stellate, bladed groups of meta-autunite crystals. This is about as intense a green as I have seen for this location. A very vivid green with yellowish highlights. A classic German location for the species. Very fine miniature at 2.5 x 3.5 x 4 cm.
NSMW2264 HEMATITE PRICE: $380. URI, SWITZERLAND Highly, bright/metallic silvery/black platy hematite crystals on altered gneissic matrix. There are several associated tiny, reddish/brown rutile crystals peppered across the surface. Excellent TN from collecting in the Swiss Alps ca. early 1970s. Tiny micro ding on front. Very aesthetic. 1.7 x 3.0 cm.
NSMW2146 RUTILE PRICE: $180. BURITIS (Near Diamantina), MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL Lustrous, reddish/brown, striated prismatic rutile crystal with sharply defined terminations. An excellent crystal for the species. Mined 2001. Very fine miniature. 2.9 cm in length.
NSMW2103 RUTILE PRICE: $120. BURITIS (near DIAMANTINA), MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL Single, highly lustrous, very sharply terminated rutile crystal from the new find in summer of 2001. Excellent crystal. 3 cm in length.
NSMW1858 PENTAGONITE PRICE: $220. PUNE, WAGOLI, INDIA Bright, carribean blue divergent pentagonite crystals on light gray matrix. from a new find discovered in late 2001. A fine, rich specimen of this rare species. TN. 1.5 x 1.5 cm.
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