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Worldwide Minerals
WARNING SIGN THAT A MINE STOPE HAD BROKEN SURFACE HERE (AN OPEN INVITATION TO 'MIDNIGHT MINERS' SUCH AS RCL)- NOTE THE SHOT GUN HOLES USED FOR TARGET PRACTICE NORTH KEARSARGE #1, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, MICHIGAN
New Minerals On-Line May 29th
NSMW7949 EPIDOTE PRICE: $250. ALCHURI, AL-CHIRINE, SKARDU AREA, BALTISTAN, PAKISTAN High luster deep green epidote crystal with parallel growth along one set of prism faces. Associated byssolite. Terminated on one end and contacted on the other. Miniature in very good condition and collected in 1991. David London Collection L-038.2 x 4 x 5 cm.
NSMW7948 LEUCITE PRICE: $100. VEJPERTY, KRUSNY HORY MOUNTAINS, CZECH REPUBLIC Complete crystal of leucite displaying trapezohedron faces. No point of attachment and a sharp miniature that looks like a crystal model. David London Collection L399. Nearly perfect with only a couple of minor nicks. 4.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 cm.
NSMW7948 LEUCITE PRICE: $100. VEJPERTY, KRUSNY HORY MOUNTAINS, CZECH REPUBLIC Complete crystal of leucite displaying trapezohedron faces. No point of attachment and a sharp miniature that looks like a crystal model. David London Collection L399. Nearly perfect with only a couple of minor nicks. 4.2 x 4.2 x 4.5 cm.
New Minerals On-Line May 23rd
NSMW7916 COPPER PRICE: $120. ITAUZ MINE, DZHEZKAZGAN, KARAGANDA OBLAST, KAZAKHSTAN The Itauz Mine has produced some of the world's finest spinel coppers. These are readily available on today's market and the choices and price ranges will probably never be better. This is a miniature with typical branching forms and hoppered termination showing spinel twins. No faults and fine chocolate brown patina. Mined 2005. 0.8 x 1 x 4.5 cm.
New Minerals On-Line May 7th
NSMW7873 EPIDOTE PRICE: $150. KHUDAXAL, AL-CHIRININE, SKARDU AREA, PAKISTAN Pistachio green, glassy prismatic epidote with no point of attachment. The specimen was likely found loose in a pocket of byssolite. Excellent and undamaged from a find in 1997. Dr. London acquired the specimen from Hindu Kush Malala in 1997. Small/medium cabinet 1.5 x 1.8 x 11.5 cm. David London Collection L-135.
NSMW7872 MUSCOVITE WITH SPESSARTINE AND ALBITE PRICE: $100. LITTLE THREE MINE, RAMONA, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA A combination of bladed muscovite, light pastel blue/gray albite, orange spessartine and deep black tourmaline. A California classic locality. Dr. London acquired the specimen from Bryant Harris in 1987 who had the rights to the mine. In top condition and a very aesthetic small/medium cabinet 4 x 5 x 8.5 cm. David London Collection L-358.
NSMW7870 SELENITE ON GALENA PRICE: $225. TRI-STATE DISTRICT, JOPLIN, MISSOURI Combination of galena and sphalerite with a couple of bladed selenites perched on the galena. Exceptionally rare to find the sulfate on the sulfide with no alteration/oxidation on the galena. Displays very well. Selenites have some bruising but overall the specimen is in very good condition. Medium cabinet 5.5 x 7 x 7 cm. Dr. London acquired the specimen from the estate of Harry Brown at auction in 1997. David London Collection L-148.
NSMW7869 COPPER PRICE: $2800. ITAUZ MINE, DZHEZKAZGAN, KARAGANDA OBLAST, KAZAKHSTAN The Itauz Mine has produced some of the world's finest spinel coppers. This is the best I have ever acquired both in terms of aesthetics and form. Superb branching arborescent structure and rich curpite patina. No damage and a fantastic small cabinet specimen from mining 2003. Photographed in 35mm with slide by Jeff Scovil. A top piece. 0.5 x 2 x 8.5 cm. Robert Nowakowski Collection RN423.
NSMW7867 SPHALERITE AND MARCASITE PRICE: $125. PICHER-COMMERCE, TRI-STATE DISTRICT, OKLAHOMA A group of sphalerite with epitaxic chalcopyrite and bladed marcasite. The sphalerites are of two phases with the primary phase a deep brown and the later stage as intensely red-brown 'Ruby-Jack' crystals. A classic combination specimen from the district. Small cabinet in top condition 4 x 4.5 x 5.5 cm. Choice. David London Collection L-211.
NSMW7866 GROSSULAR PRICE: $250. LAKE JACO, CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO These were found several years ago from a sensational occurrence and have not been seen since in this size and quality. The garnet is essentially a dodecahedron with simple flat faces and some with parallel growth. Moderate damage along a couple of faces but overall in good condition. This specimen has really good size from the find. Small/medium cabinet 5 x 6 x 7 cm. David London Collection L-118.
NSMW7863 CALCITE PRICE: $250. TRI-STATE DISTRICT, MISSOURI Light yellow, Butterfly-Twin calcite complete on all sides with only contact point at base. These are famous from the Tri-State District and highly sought by both calcite collectors and specialists in the area. Most of these are dipped in acid to improve the luster and hide damage. This one is not and is in the original condition with very minor little dings here and there. Termination is clean and sharp. Mined c. 1940s-1950s. Medium cabinet 5.5 x 6 x 15 cm. David London Collection L-395.
New Minerals On-Line April 25th
NSMW7845 STAUROLITE PRICE: $350. KEIVY, KOLA PENINSULA, RUSSIA Staurolite cross in matrix of mica schist. This is about as dramatic and displayable as they come for this type of twinned staurolite. Complete on both sides and in top condition. Small cabinet. Robert Nowakowski Collection RN57. 2 x 5 x 6 cm.
New Minerals On-Line April 21st
NSMW7811 GALENA AND CALCITE PRICE: $450. NIKOLAEVSKIY MINE, DAL'NEGORSK, PRIMORSKIY KRAY, RUSSIA A group of sharp galena crystals with nearly equally developed cube and octahedron faces with some hoppering on the crystals and associated calcite and chalcopyrite. The galena is arranged like a row across the top of the specimen and is a fine display piece from mining c. 2000. Excellent medium cabinet 5.5 x 8 x 9 cm. Robert Nowakowski Collection RN506.
NSMW7810 CHALCOPYRITE PRICE: $2500. NIKOLAEVSKIY MINE, DAL'NEGORSK, PRIMORSKIY KRAY, RUSSIA An enormous crystal of chalcopyrite complete on all sides with associated galena in matrix. The specimen was nearly a floater with only what appears to be a slight attachment point on a couple of the galenas surfaces. This crystal is off the charts for size from the location and normally one would expect evidence of pseudomorphism to pyrite which is typically the case with huge chalcopyrites. This one is not replaced in any was and retains the original striations and brassy color for the species. An important specimen from mining c. 1990s. In top condition. Robert Nowakowski Collection RN96. Medium cabinet 6 x 9 x 11 cm.
NSMW7809 SPHALERITE WITH GALENA AND CALCITE PRICE: $850. NIKOLAEVSKIY MINE, DAL'NEGORSK, PRIMORSKIY KRAY, RUSSIA A very aesthetic combination specimen from mining c. 1998. The main attraction is the lustrous, black sphalerite crystal (5 x 5.5 cm across) on shiny metallic galena and with a nice bladed group of fine calcites perched on one end. There are also tiny but highly reflective galenas scattered across the surface of the sphlaerite that really add interest and create a much more attractive specimen. Very choice and fine medium cabinet specimen in top condition. 6 x 8.5 x 10 cm. Robert Nowakowski Collection RN34.
NSMW7775 CERUSSITE PRICE: $220. TSUMEB MINE, TSUMCORP, NAMIBIA Pearly lustered cerussite with very small attachment point on base. The crystals are semi-transparent with classic blocky habit. Mined c. 1960s. Roy Smith Collection. With Ward's label and original purchase price of $25.00 glued on base. In top condition. 3 x 3.2 x 4.6 cm.
NSMW7772 PYRITE PRICE: $280. NAVAJUN (LA RIOJA), SPAIN Stacked group of razor sharp pyrite cubes with mirror bright faces. There is no finer location in the world that Navajun for cubic pyrite. Excellent specimen in matrix. Collected 2007. One tiny nick on one cube face: lower right photo. 5 x 5 x 8 cm.
NSMW7677 COPPER PRICE: $400. ITAUZ MINE, DZHEZKAZGAN, KAZAKHSTAN Superb copper miniature from the great new finds being made in the Itauz Mine. Rich tenorite luster with fantastic spinel forms resembling teeth on a rip saw. An absolute dandy from new mining in late 2007. No faults. No attachment point. 0.9 x 1.0 x 4.2 cm.
NSMW7676 COPPER PRICE: $450. ITAUZ MINE, DZHEZKAZGAN, KAZAKHSTAN Superb copper miniature from the great new finds being made in the Itauz Mine. Rich red/brown cuprite luster with fantastic spinel forms and tiny set of second generation arborescent crystals. A great miniature from new mining in late 2007. No faults. No attachment point. 0.7 x 1.0 x 6.0 cm.
NSMW7675 COPPER PRICE: $350. ITAUZ MINE, DZHEZKAZGAN, KAZAKHSTAN Superb copper miniature from the great new finds being made in the Itauz Mine. Rich coppery/brown cuprite luster with fantastic spinel forms and second generation arborescent crystals. An absolute dandy from new mining in late 2007. No faults. No attachment point. 1.2 x 2.6 x 4.5 cm.
NSMW7674 COPPER PRICE: $350. ITAUZ MINE, DZHEZKAZGAN, KAZAKHSTAN Superb copper miniature from the great new finds being made in the Itauz Mine. Top tenorite and cuprite luster with fantastic spinel forms and second generation arborescent crystals. An absolute dandy from new mining in late 2007. Complete floater. 1.2 x 2.6 x 4.5 cm.
NSMW7659 MANGANOAN CALCITE ON CALCITE PRICE: $140. FIRST SOVIETSKIY MINE, DAL'NEGORSK, PRIMORSKIY KRAY, RUSSIA A combination of light pink manganoan calcites and bright white calcite matrix. The manganoan crystals are flattened disks while the white matrix appears to be similar in texture to kutnahorite or may in fact be a pseudomorph due to the irregular surface. An attractive small cabinet specimen from new mining in late 2007. No damage and the best of the lot that I acquired. 4 x 5 x 6 cm.
NSMW7647 WIRE COPPER PRICE: $220. OSCEOLA AMYGDALOID, OSCEOLA MINE, CALUMET AND HECLA MINING COMPANY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, HOUGHTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN Wire copper protruding from light green prehnite and white quartz matrix with associated highly mineralized basalt. Wire coppers are rare from the district and occurred only sporadically across the area. The Osceola Mine is probably the finest locality for this variety of native copper. This is a very aesthetic and excellent miniature. The wire group extends 2.4 cm from matrix. No faults. Mined c. early 20th century. 2.5 x 4 x 4.4 cm.
NSMW7646 COPPER AFTER CUPRITE PRICE: $250. ITAUZ MINE, DZHEZKAZGAN, KAZAKHSTAN A group of cuprite crystals perched on the edge of typical arkosic matrix. The cuprites have been pseudomorphed by native copper which now exhibits a rich red patina. A very excellent miniature from new mining in 2007. No faults. 2.2 x 3.2 x 4 cm.
NSMW7622 CALCITE ON GALENA PRICE: $180. NIKOLAEVSKIY MINE, DAL'NEGORSK, PRIMORSKIY KRAY, RUSSIA Combination of bladed, rosettes of calcite on matrix of slate gray galena. The calcites have a subtle iridescence and exhibit three phases of crystallization. From new mining in late 2007. Displays well from a variety of angles and without damage. 3.5 x 4.5 x 6 cm.
NSMW7613 COPPER PRICE: $950. CHAMPION MINE, COPPER RANGE COMPANY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, HOUGHTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN The Champion Mine was one of several shafts operated by the Copper Range Company on a very steeply dipping section of amygdaloids towards the southwestern portion of the district. Coppers from this location are highly distinctive and recognizable from the herringbone structures and exceptionally sharp spinel twinning. Most of the specimens are found as loose aggregates with no attached matrix, however, this one has the much more rare association with calcite. The coppers are super sharp and have the classic chocolate brown patina know from the location. Specimen has not been altered by cleaning in acid. Mined c. 1950s. No faults. 3 x 3.5 x 6 cm.
NSMW7612 COPPER PRICE: $250. ONGANJA MINE, NAMIBIA Sharp group of deep reddish/brown copper crystals displaying classic arborescent, branching forms with perfect unaltered patina. The Onganja Mine is one of the classic African localities for native coppers. This specimen was mined c. early 1970s. No faults. Note: blue color on reverse is putty not alteration. 1.2 x 2.2 x 4.8 cm.
NSMW7600 MICROLITE PRICE: $225. NAQISUPA MINE, ALTO LIGONIA REGION, MOZAMBIQUE Floater crystal of microlite with pyramidal faces and highly modified sections from apparent growth with another mineral which later preferentially dissolved leaving incised lines. Classic rare mineral from this well known pegmatite district. These specimens are increasingly rare on the market as the price for rare earth elements is so strong that they are saved as ore. Mined 2006. No damage. TN 1.5 x 2 x 2.5 cm.
NSMW7568 ANDRADITE PRICE: $125. TYRNYAUSE, NORTHERN CAUCUS MOUNTAINS, RUSSIA Deep olive green andradites perched along the top edge of matrix with associated drusy quartz. The andradites are dodecahedrons with sharp rhombic faces. I have seen very few garnets from this location. No damage. Displays very well. 1.5 x 3.3 x 4.5 cm.
NSMW7566 VANADINITE PRICE: $380. ACIF, MIBLADEN, MOROCCO Brilliant, orange/red, glassy lustered vanadinites stacked up into a very sculptural group. Complete on all sides with no damage. A beautiful miniature from mining c. 2004. These are fast disappearing from the marketplace. 2.5 x 2.6 x 3.5 cm.
NSMW7545 SPHALERITE PRICE: $220. NIKOLAEVSKIY MINE, DAL'NEGORSK, PRIMORSKIY KRAY, RUSSIA High luster, black sphalerite with no point of attachment as the base has fine granular matrix with small quartz crystals. A very excellent miniature from mining c. 2002. No damage and a perfect piece. Classic Nikolaevskiy sphalerite. 4 x 4.5 x 4.5 cm.
NSMW7544 CALCITE PRICE: $125. NIKOLAEVSKIY MINE, DAL'NEGORSK, PRIMORSKIY KRAY, RUSSIA Bladed, light chocolate brown calcites with associated quartz and tiny later-stage transparent calcites that are sprinkled over the surfaces. The brown calcites have an attractive iridescent sheen and the specimen is complete on all sides without damage. From a unique pocket in 2006. Miniature 2 x 3 x 4.8 cm.
NSMW7522 CALCITE PRICE: $250. STROMBERG, CZECH REPUBLIC Group of semi-transparent calcites perched up on matrix. The crystals are sharply twinned and complete on all sides and displays from any angle. A classic European location for the species. Excellent small cabinet specimen in top condition. From a private collection in Austria. 4 x 5 x 5 cm.
NSMW7508 CERUSSITE PRICE: $220. TSUMEB MINE, TSUMEB, NAMIBIA Deep smoky gray, almost black, cerussite with associated micro balls of what appear to be malachite on the reverse. A very fine specimen from mining c. 1970s and an uncommon color from the mine. Fine luster and a choice TN @ 1.5 x 2 x 2.5 cm.
NSMW7411 SILVER AND COPPER PRICE: $125. CENTRAL MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN Silver and copper combinations from the Copper Country are called 'Half-Breeds' and are synonymous with the district as classics. This is a miniature with fine silver showing one one half and copper on the other with associated calcite and malachite patina. The Central Mine was a fissure deposit mined in the latter half of the 19th century. No faults. 3 x 3 x 4 cm.
NSMW7400 COPPER PRICE: $350. WHITE PINE MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, ONTONOGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN The White Pine Mine was a sulfide mine with the main ore being chalcocite that was present in the Nonesuch Shale. There was a later stage of mineralization of native copper and silver that filled joints and fractures that cross-cut the shale. This is native copper that shows two phases of mineralization with the first stage more massive and infilling and the second stage as branching arborescent forms (lower right photo). No damage and the specimen has never been in acid or cleaned and has a fine deep brown patina. Mined c. late 1980s-early 1990s. Robert Harringer Collection. 5 x 12 x 17 cm.
NSMW7398 MALACHITE AFTER CUPRITE PRICE: $125. RUDABANYA, BORSOD-ABAUJ, HUNGARY Rudabanya is one of the very oldest mining locations in Europe and for centuries produced important amounts of copper. The mining symbol with the pick and hammer was first pictured here hundreds of years ago. This is a fine TN pseudomorph with no point of attachment and no damage. Dodecahedron faces predominate. 1.1 x 1.1 x 1.6 cm.
NSMW7373 FLUORITE PRICE: $125. NAICA, CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO bright, transparent fluorite crystals on galena and black sphalerite matrix with associated chalcopyrite and calcite. The fluorite is a lovely minty green color with complex forms of the cube and dodec. Sharp, clean and a very attractive and undamaged miniature from this classic Mexican location. 3 x 3.5 x 4.5 cm.
NSMW7283 FLUORITE PRICE: $120. FROHNAU, ANNABERG, ERZGEBRIGE, GERMANY Mound of light amber yellow fluorites crystallized on all sides with no damage and fine aesthetics from any angle. Excellent miniature from this classic European location for fluorite. 3.5 x 5 x 5.5 cm.
NSMW7208 COPPER PRICE: $220. B SHAFT, OLD COPPER FALLS MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN The Copper Falls Company was one of the first on the peninsula and began operations in 1844. This vein, the Old Copper Falls Vein, lasted only a couple of years since it was located over a sandstone bed that cut off the structure at depth. Fine documented specimens from here are rare. This is a miniature with classic spinel growth and rich cuprite patina. Undamaged. 1.5 x 2 x 3.4 cm. Ross C. Lillie Collection.
NSMW7192 COPPER PRICE: $3500. 4th LEVEL, GRIBBLE VEIN, COPPER FALLS MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN The Gribble Vein was a sympathetic fissure west of the Owl Creek Vein and was worked independently along with the development of the Ashbed Lode. The vein was very rich and produced a number of masses during the peak production years of the early 1860s. Most of the copper from the fissure was simply mass copper with crudely formed crystals tightly compacted in a chlorite matrix. However, if one was willing to go underground again and again and coming back empty many times there was the possibility that with great persistence and on rare occasions some great pieces turned up. This is the best spinel group I ever found from any location. The forms are super sharp and exceptionally aesthetic. I never found anything like it again. This fissure also produced the finest cube I have ever seen from the Copper Country which I collected along with a fellow mine infidel and now resides in the good hands of the Seaman Museum at Michigan Tech. I collected the piece pictured above c. 1982. No faults. A miniature of an extremely rare form. 2.2 x 2.5 x 3.5 cm.
NSMW7191 COPPER PRICE: $850. 4th LEVEL, GRIBBLE VEIN, COPPER FALLS MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN The Gribble Vein was a sympathetic fissure west of the Owl Creek Vein and was worked independently along with the development of the Ashbed Lode. The vein was very rich and produced a number of masses during the peak production years of the early 1860s. Most of the copper from the fissure was simply mass copper with crudely formed crystals tightly compacted in a chlorite matrix. However, on rare occasions some great pieces turned up. This is a very fine specimen of hoppered crystals with spinel twinning and bladed forms. The top of the piece resembles an arrow head with a triangular cross section. There are tiny micro quartzes that give the piece some good contrast and there is no point of attachment. 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. 1.5 x 1.5 x 3 cm.
NSMW7190 COPPER PRICE: $1200. 4th LEVEL, GRIBBLE VEIN, COPPER FALLS MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN The Gribble Vein was a sympathetic fissure west of the Owl Creek Vein and was worked independently along with the development of the Ashbed Lode. The vein was very rich and produced a number of masses during the peak production years of the early 1860s. Most of the copper from the fissure was simply mass copper with crudely formed crystals tightly compacted in a chlorite matrix. However, on rare occasions some great pieces turned up. This piece I collected as a floater in a bunch of rock left after a blast. Elongated tetrahexahedrons with calcite casts and no attached matrix. The location I determined from an old surveyor's map dated c. 1863. Rare. No faults. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 1.8 x 6 x 9 cm.
NSMW7075 MANGANITE PRICE: $2500. ILFELD, NORDHAUSEN, THURINGIA, HARZ MOUNTAINS, GERMANY Black highly lustrous prismatic manganite crystals (to 2 cm) richly covering manganite vein material. Classic location in europe for the species. All the crystals are well terminated on the pinacoid and reflect nicely when displayed. There is one small crystal broken off flush with the matirx at the the far left side but otherwise it's perfect. 3.5 x 4 x 6 cm.
NSMW7074 RHODOCHROSITE PRICE: $4800. WESSELS MINE, KALAHARI MANGANESE FIELDS, HOTAZEL, SOUTH AFRICA Rich wine red rhodochrosite with no attached matrix. This is from the great finds of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The best of them came from this time period and they were never rivaled since. Specimen has a nice even coverage of bundled crystals with great color and luster. Contact on the edges and there appears to be a small hollow area (0.5 cm) at top edge where a piece came off during collecting. Mined c. early 1980s, possibly, late 1970s. 3 x 4.5 x 6 cm.
NSMW7071 SPERRYLITE PRICE: $2400. TALNAKH Cu-Ni DEPOSIT, NORIL'SK, PUTORAN PLATEAU, KRASNOYARSK, EASTERN SIBERIA, RUSSIA A group of silvery metallic sperrylite crystals (to 8 mm across) on chalcopyrite matrix. Classic massive sulfide rare species from this famous location in Siberia. These came out a number of years ago and since they have become scarce on the market. There is one area (right edge of right photo) that appears to be a damaged crystal most likely from prepping and it could probably be easily removed with an air brader but it is really over-shadowed by the lustrous surfaces of the other crystals. Excellent miniature from mining c. 1998. 2 x 3 x 4 cm.
NSMW7070 SPERRYLITE PRICE: $1200. TALNAKH Cu-Ni DEPOSIT, NORIL'SK, PUTORAN PLATEAU, KRASNOYARSK, EASTERN SIBERIA, RUSSIA Silvery metallic sperrylite crystals (to 8 mm across) on chalcopyrite matrix. Classic massive sulfide rare species from this famous location in Siberia. These came out a number of years ago and since they have become scarce on the market. Undamaged miniature from mining c. 1998. 1.8 x 2 x 4 cm.
NSMW6999 COPPER PRICE: $1200. SENECA MINE, KEWEENAW COUNTY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, MICHIGAN There is a sympathetic structure in the foot wall of the Kearsarge Lode that runs for miles through the mines. I have collected from the Seneca, Gratiot, Mohawk, and Kearsarge Mines from this vein. It usually is rich in copper and analcite with local concentrations of prehnite, chlorite and sometimes calcite and natrolite. I collected this piece from the structure and carefully picked out the matrix of analcite and altered basalt to expose the copper crystals. There are two tetrahexahedrons, 1.6 cm across, perched on a stem of copper like a flower. It is a very fine display specimen from this vein and the best miniature I collected from here. No faults. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 4.5 x 4.5 x 7.5 cm.
NSMW6998 COPPER PRICE: $3500. SENECA MINE, KEWEENAW COUNTY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, MICHIGAN There is a sympathetic structure in the foot wall of the Kearsarge Lode that runs for miles through the mines. I have collected from the Seneca, Gratiot, Mohawk, and Kearsarge Mines from this vein. It usually is rich in copper and analcite with local concentrations of prehnite, chlorite and sometimes calcite. I collected this piece and carefully picked out the matrix of analcite and altered basalt to expose the copper crystals. It is one of the best coppers I ever collected from here. Very aesthetic and no attached matrix. No faults. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 4.5 x 7 x 14.5 cm.
NSMW6985 COPPER PRICE: $650. B SHAFT, OLD COPPER FALLS FISSURE, COPPER FALLS COMPANY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, MICHIGAN The Old Copper Falls Fissure was one of the very first mining operations in the Copper Country. It started in 1844 and mined for less than two years before the company moved to other veins east of this tract. Since it was so early, when mass copper was found they were still experimenting with the removal of the huge chunks and I found some very unusual chisel chips and hammered and cut coppers from this mine. Along with some great artifacts were some very fine specimens of copper most of which were nicely crystallized. Some were exceptionally well formed into branching arborescent groups like this. Rare, very fine and highly aesthetic miniature from an important but overlooked mine. Ross C. Lillie Collection. Collected 1985 (many black flies died in the recovery of this piece). No faults. 1.8 x 3.5 x 5 cm.
NSMW6984 COPPER PRICE: $120. 6TH LEVEL, NORTH KEARSARGE #2, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, MICHIGAN Branching native leaf copper with no attached matrix. There was a bulk head on the 6th level that blocked water from going to the lower workings. My fellow mine vandal and I took huge crescent wrenches and a copious amount of liquid wrench with us to loosen the bolts on the metal plate. It took quite some time but we did manage to remove the cover and get into old workings from the 1880s. Regretfully, there was no copper bonanza on the other side. The only evidence of anyone being there were old hobnail boot prints. I did find just one piece of copper which was this nice leaf specimen in one of the stopes. Ross C. Lillie Collection. Collected 1979.
NSMW6983 COPPER WITH SILVER PRICE: $350. 2ND LEVEL, ASHBED LODE, PETHERICK MINE, COPPER FALLS COMPANY, KEWEENAW COUNTY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, MICHIGAN Sponge copper with associated silver. No attached matrix. The Petherick Mine was a combination deposit that started with mining on the Copper Falls Fissure by a series of shafts and adits. The vein was rich in mass copper in portions and loaded with excellent associated minerals like datolite and analcite. When the vein intersected the Ashbed Amygdaloid it was particularly rich. I collected this piece from the second level in a calcite rich zone. After carefully removing the calcite it left this great specimen of sponge copper with a rare association of native silver. The part of the mine this came from was first mined in the 1850s. Ross C. Lillie Collection. Collected c. 1978. 6.5 x 9 x 15 cm.
NSMW6949 ACANTHITE PRICE: $280. LINQIU COUNTY, SHANXI PROVINCE, CHINA This locality in China is producing some of the finest acanthites in the world. Fantastic specimens have been coming out in the in last few years. This is a sharp miniature with cubic form topping a spike-like stem with gun-metal gray patina. No faults. Displays from any angle. 1.3 x 2.2 x 2.5 cm.
NSMW6932 DATOLITE PRICE: $120. LAKE SUPERIOR, KEWEENAW COUNTY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, MICHIGAN Canary yellow polished datolite half from the waters of Lake Superior. One of the rarest colors from the district and anything from this location near Copper Harbor is highly prized. Robert Harringer Collection. No faults. Small miniature but very choice. 1.5 x 2.2 cm.
NSMW6931 SILVER PRICE: $350. B SHAFT, OLD COPPER FALLS VEIN, COPPER FALLS COMPANY, KEWEENAW COUNTY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, MICHIGAN Pure native silver in matrix of calcite and chlorite with associated analcite. The Old Copper Falls Vein was one of the very first fissures mined in the Copper Country and only lasted for a couple of years before the company shifted operations to veins to the west. If you read the old Foster and Whitney reports c. 1850 they indicate that on their visit to the property that the fissure was rich in silver where it narrowed and became mineralized with chlorite and calcite. This is just such a specimen. I collected this from the poor rock piles in 1984 by painstakingly digging a trench through though 140 years of accumulated humus, saplings and waste rocks. The black flies here are especially intense since the mine was founded next to a small stream. I really earned every piece from this pile. The silver would have been mined 1844-1846. Ross C. Lillie Collection. No faults. 2.3 x 3 x 4 cm.
NSMW6906 QUARTZ PRICE: $250. STEEL'S QUARTZ MINE, LYNDHURST, SOUTHEASTERN ONTARIO, CANADA Complete, doubly-terminated quartz with creamy white centers and localized semi-transluscent rims. This is a well known Canadian quartz location from a 'mine' that was intensely collected about 38 years ago. Apparently, the vugs were only accessible by collecting surreptitiously on weekends or after hours but they were indeed prolific as hundreds of fine crystals were found. They long since disappeared from the market and are only available from old collections. No matrix and no point of attachment. In top condition. 3.5 x 4 x 18 cm.
NSMW6892 ARAGONITE PRICE: $380. HAIDARKUN, KIRGIZIA Beautiful branching group of aragonite with silky luster and superb form. This piece came out of a Russian collection and was collected in 1977. Attractive and displayable from virtually any angle. A dandy medium cabinet specimen. Undamaged. 8 x 9 x 10 cm.
NSMW6843 RHODONITE PRICE: $280. ST. MARTIN MINE, CHIUROCO, HUANZALA, HUANUCO, PERU Bright pink rosette of bladed rhodonite on galena and quartz matrix. The rhodonite is lustrous and perfect all the way around and in top condition. Mined from the new finds of late 2006. Excellent miniature. 2.6 x 2.8 x 3.8 cm.
NSMW6840 SILVER AND COPPER PRICE: $1800. CLIFF MINE, PITTSBURGH AND BOSTON MINING COMPANY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN The Cliff Mine is perhaps the most famous fissure mine in the Copper Country. It was discovered by following old native American pits at the base of a bluff to a vein exposed on the side of the Greenstone Flow. It was the first location where huge masses of native copper were found in place and decided their geological situation in the area. This is a rich native silver specimen with associated copper in classic 'Half-Breed' combination. The silver is crystallized in twinned tetrahexahedrons and is nice and open at the top so the exposed faces are easily seen. Approximately 75% is silver and the remainder copper. There is an old label affixed (taped and easily removed) that says "4951 Bought followed by indecipherable name and then the date "1951" and a number on the specimen of 4951. Robert Harringer Collection. No faults. Excellent miniature. 2 x 3.5 x 4 .4 cm.
NSMW6762 COPPER PRICE: $120. ITAUZ MINE, DZHEZKAZGAN, KAZAKHSTAN A perfect group of spinel twinned coppers with no point of attachment. The coppers start out as small crystals at the base and become better formed and wider toward the top. These are really wonderful coppers that are coming out of this locality. Sharp, great patina and dramatic morphology. They are certain to be classics for the species. No faults. 0.5 x 0.6 x 4.2 cm.
NSMW6761 ACANTHITE PRICE: $180. LINQIU COUNTY, SHANXI PROVINCE, CHINA This locality in China is producing some of the finest acanthites in the world. Fantastic specimens have been coming out in the in last few years. This is a sharp miniature with typical complex crystal form and gun-metal gray patina. No faults. Displays from any angle. 1 x 1.5 x 3 cm.
NSMW6760 COPPER PRICE: $280. ITAUZ MINE, DZHEZKAZGAN, KAZAKHSTAN A perfect crystal of spinel twinned copper with no point of attachment. These are really wonderful coppers that are coming out of this locality. Sharp, great patina and dramatic morphology. They are certain to be classics for the species. No faults. An excellent miniature 6 x 12 x 55 mm.
NSMW6747 HEMATITE ON ILVAITE WITH QUARTZ PRICE: $380. NIKOLAEVSKIY MINE, DAL'NEGORSK, PRIMORSKIY KRAY, RUSSIA Elongated prismatic crystals of ilvaite, to 4.7 cm, that have been partially replaced by hematite and in later dusted with a fine sparkly druse of micro quartz. There was only one pocket of these specimens and just a few were produced. This miniature shows the replacement process in progress with an epimorphic coating of hematite on the ilvaite and relict forms within (lower left photo). A fine miniature from this find. Mined in 2005. 2.8 x 4 x 5 cm.
NSMW6722 COPPER PRICE: $120. ITAUZ MINE, DZHEZKAZGAN, KAZAKHSTAN A perfect crystal of spinel twinned copper with no point of attachment. These are really wonderful coppers that are coming out of this locality. Sharp, great patina and dramatic morphology. They are certain to be classics for the species. No faults. An excellent TN. 1.2 x 1.5 x 3 cm.
NSMW6718 AZURITE PRICE: $380. YANG QUENG MINE, GUANGDONG PROVINCE, CHINA Superb azurite rosettes have been coming out of this locality for some time. When one stops and thinks about locations that are actively producing secondary carbonates like azurites the numbers are very small. In fact, it is really amazing that there are any near-surface ore bodies with well crystallized secondary copper carbonates left in the 21st century. China is certainly a fantastic opportunity. This is a complete and high quality miniature with no point of attachment. Great color and fine blocky crystals. Mined 2006. 3.5 x 4 x 5 cm.
NSMW6696 SPHALERITE AND CALCITE PRICE: $4800. NIKOLAEVSKIY MINE, DAL'NEGORSK, PRIMORSKIY KRAY, RUSSIA The Nikolaevskiy Mine is one of the most famous and productive operations in Dal'negorsk. Superb specimens have been produced for years from this classic skarn-type deposit and they are still coming out from active mining. This is a fantastic museum cabinet specimen from mining c. 2004. The sphalerites are exceptionally sharp and lustrous with a light druse of iridescent chalcopyrite that contrast perfectly with the calcite matrix. Beautiful and dramatic display specimen in all regards. A great piece in top condition. An absolute dandy. 10 x 19 x 29 cm.
NSMW6687 FERBERITE pseudomorph after SCHEELITE PRICE: $320. HINGSTON DOWN QUARRY, near GUNNISLAKE, CORNWALL, ENGLAND Octahedral crystal of scheelite has been replaced by lustrous black ferberite. The original form of the scheelite has been faithfully preserved. A classic Cornish pseudomorph in top condition. Dale Armstrong Collection. 3 x 3.5 x 4.5 cm.
NSMW6677 HEMATITE PRICE: $320. SAPHOZ, VOGESEN, FRANCE A mound-like group of bladed hematite on hematite matrix. The crystals, upon close examination, are book-like aggregates with some well crystallized prism faces that reflect light. A great miniature from this rare locality. 2.2 x 4.5 x 6.5 cm.
NSMW6676 LIDDICOATITE WITH QUARTZ PRICE: $200. AMBALABE, MANAPO, BETAFO, MADAGASCAR Elongated and flattened crystal of liddicoatite in combination with quartz. There is no point of attachment. The color of the liddicoatite is shades of browns with hints of yellow and red. In top condition and a very fine miniature from new collecting in 2006. 2 x 3.5 x 5.5 cm.
NSMW6674 RUTILE PRICE: $220. WASHINGTON, LINCOLN COUNTY, GEORGIA Graves Mountain ranks with the finest localities in the world for rutiles. It is a classic US location for the species. This miniature is bright and sharp with associated micaceous hematite matrix. 2.5 x 2.6 x 4 cm.
NSMW6672 HEMATITE PRICE: $250. SAPHOZ, VOGESEN, FRANCE Group of bladed hematite crystals with specular hematite on reverse. This area of France is in the Black Forest Region in the northeast part of the country. It is a classic and very old district that was mined for metals centuries ago. Specimens from here are exceptionally rare. This is a very fine miniature hematite in top condition and very fine form. 2.2 x 4 x 4 cm.
NSMW6660 RHODONITE PRICE: $220. ST. MARTIN MINE, CHIURUCO, HUANZALA, HUANUCO, PERU Bright pink, rosette of bladed rhodonite with radiating crystals and fine luster. These are coming from a new find in the mine that was found late in 2006. Traces of white calcite on upper right of specimen. In top condition and a very fine specimen. 1.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm.
NSMW6595 SILVER PRICE: $120. B SHAFT, OLD COPPER FALLS VEIN, COPPER FALLS COMPANY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN Pure native silver with traces of prehnite. The Old Copper Falls Vein was one of the first ventures in the Copper Country. The mine was only operated for about two years from 1845-1846. There were two small shafts and an adit drive at the contact between the conglomerate/sandstone contact with basalt along a small creek. I hunted this area extensively in the mid-1980s and had good success with coppers, silver and some very interesting artifacts. It was apparent from some of the chisel chips that I found that the miners were in the very early stages of figuring out how to mine mass copper. The chips were small and crude and one could tell that chisel dimensions were not agreed upon at this time. The silvers occurred where the vein pinched into calcite and green chlorite and nearly all of the best silvers I found were from this type of ground. They frequently showed crude cubic growth as this piece does. Mined 1845-1846. Fine TN from a very rare location. 1 x 2.2 x 3.2 cm. Ross C. Lillie Collection.
NSMW6546 COPPER PRICE: $120. WHITE PINE MINE, COPPER RANGE COMPANY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, ONTONOGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN Interlocking arms of native copper with associated calcite. Some of the copper is well crystallized into tetrahexahedrons (left photo) that formed in parallel groups. In addition, there are wire-like forms and massive vein-type arms as well. Fine original patina and an excellent sculptural presentation. The White Pine Mine closed in the mid 1990s and the Copper Country is now a classic district. Robert Harringer Collection. Mined c. late 1980s - early 1990s. 1 x 9.5 x 14 cm.
NSMW6495 ANDRADITE PRICE: $120. BOHR MINE, DAL'NEGORSK, PRIMORSKIY KRAY, RUSSIA Mound of greenish/brown garnets with dodecahedral faces and rich greenish/brown typical of the deposit. The Bohr Mine is one of the largest boron mines in the world with fantastic crystals of datolite as well as quartz, garnet and calcite among others. This andradite was mined in 2006 and displays from any angle as it is well crystallized on all sides and in top condition. 3.5 x4.2 x 5 cm.
NSMW6476 COPPER PRICE: $220. WHITE PINE MINE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, ONTONOGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN Deep coppery/brown group of copper crystals with a couple of tiny bits of silver perched on the sides. The White Pine Mine was the last operating copper mine in the district and was situated on a sulfide ore body of chalcocite. Occasionally, veins of calcite were encountered that were mineralized in copper and supplied the collector market with an abundance of fine specimens in the 1980s and early 1990s. The mine closed c. 1996. In top condition and a fine crystallized specimen from the mine. Mined c. 1990. Robert Harringer Collection. 1.5 x 7 x 7 cm.
NSMW6451 COPPER PRICE: $120. PETHERICK MINE, COPPER FALLS AREA, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN Branching native copper on basalt matrix. The copper has a fine cuprite patina and displays very well against the matrix as it is raised up off the surface. The Petherick Mine was worked at a very early time in the district when fissures were still the highest priority. The Copper Falls Fissure runs through this mine and was initiated in the early 1850s by the Copper Falls Mining Company. As the fissure was worked it was found that the enclosing amygdaloid was also well mineralized and the Ashbed Lode was also stoped to a great extent. I collected this piece underground from the Ashbed workings in 1979. In top condition. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 4 x 9 x 9.5 cm.
NSMW6448 COPPER PRICE: $350. TRI-MOUNTAIN MINE, COPPER RANGE COMPANY, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, HOUGHTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN Native copper crystals with associated calcite. The copper is from a cross-fracture most likely traversing the ore body at near right angles. The Tri-Mountain Mine produced a number of these very distinctive coppers from a lode that was relatively high in arsenic. The arsenic seems to have had an effect on the crystallization and specimens from here are also quite similar to many from the Mohawk Mine which also was locally high in arsenic. Fine original patina and in top condition. I collected the specimen in 1980. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 1 x 6 x 12 cm.
NSMW6423 SILVER AND COPPER PRICE: $350. 6th LEVEL SOUTH, KEARSARGE LODE, NORTH KEARSARGE MINE #4, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN Native silver and copper half-breed with associated altered basalt matrix. The specimen was collected by me from the back of the drift in a highly altered, light gray frothy basalt that was rich in silver. At the time I found it I knew it was silver but it was late in the evening (around 3 a.m.) and we needed to get out of the mine before daylight. When we went back to get more the next week we found that the water level had risen over this section of the mine and we never had the chance to collect there again. Collected in 1978. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 3 x 5 x 6 cm.
NSMW6392 ILVAITE PRICE: $220. SECOND SOVIETSKIY MINE, DAL'NEGORSK, PRIMORSKIY KRAY, RUSSIA Jet black, lustrous ilvaite with traces of quartz at the base. Classic termination and a sharp and very aesthetic specimen from this great location in Russia. Mined c. 1995. In top condition. 1.3 x 1.7 x 3.5 cm.
NSMW6325 COPPER PRICE: $220. 11th LEVEL STOPE, SENECA MINE #2, KEARSARGE LODE, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN Branching group of copper combined of crystals and casts after analcite and calcite. This specimen is from what is probably the finest discovery made by 'Midnight Miners' in the Copper Country. Originally found by Marc Wilson and later by others, the specimens were enclosed in a sympathetic structure that runs the length of the Kearsarge Lode. The vein was mineralized in calcite, pink prehnite, laumontite, natrolite and copper. Superb specimens of all of these species were collected before the water came up and filled the stopes. This is a very excellent copper from this find. Sharp, very sculptural and has not been cleaned in acid. I have had it in my collection for nearly 30 years. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 5 x 5 x 10.5 cm.
NSMW6293 GALENA PRICE: $250. BONNETERRE FORMATION, SWEETWATER MINE, ASARCO, VIBURNUM TREND, MISSOURI Silvery/metallic, octahedral galena crystals liberally coating limestone matrix with associated dolomite. A classic large cabinet specimen from this famous U.S. location. Mined c. 1980s. George Loud Collection #2611. In top condition. 12.5 x 14 x 19 cm.
NSMW6288 COPPER WITH ANALCITE PRICE: $450. 11th LEVEL, KEARSARGE LODE, SENECA MINE #2, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, KEWEENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN A group of reddish/brown copper crystals with associated orange analcite. I traded for this specimen when I was a geology student at Michigan Tech in 1977. It was collected by Mark Shimmelman in a stope where a large section of the back fell in and exposed a superbly mineralized section of the ore body that was rich in copper crystals, analcites, pink prehnites, natrolite and calcite. The piece has good three dimensional form and well formed sharp crystals. It is perfectly documented which is rare from the Copper Country. In top condition. Ross C. Lillie Collection. 3.5 x 7 x 7 cm.
NSMW6244 THE CRYSTAL FALLS IRON BEARING DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN PRICE: $125. USGS MONOGRAPH 36 1899, 487 pages Superb treatise on an important section of the classic Michigan and Wisconsin precambrian iron localities. Definitive text with accompanying fold-out maps. Some very trivial wear on spine but contents perfect. Hardcover.
NSMW6208 CELESTITE PRICE: $250. CERRO MORENO, PUENTE TABLAS, JAEN, SPAIN Light blueish/gray, tabular celestite crystals grouped over brown limestone matrix. The celestites, to 2.5 x 3.7 cm, protrude up off the matrix and display very well with chiseled terminations classic for the species. Excellent location and condition. Mined c. late 1990s. Robert Nowakowski Collection #RN70. 8 x 9 x 13 cm.
NSMW6187 SELENITE PRICE: $125. CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO Bright white selenite with associated micro fluorites. The selenite is a classic curved group of crystals that resembles sea horses or perhaps octopus tentacles. This came form an old collection in the Midwest and it was indeed nick-named 'octopus'. Exceptionally aesthetic and displayable specimen from mining c. late 1960s. No faults. 6 x 6 x 8.5 cm.
NSMW6021 SILVER PRICE: $2800. KEARSARGE LODE, SOUTH KEARSARGE MINE, HOUGHTON COUNTY, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER DISTRICT, MICHIGAN Branching native silver crystals with no attached matrix. The silver is arborescent and crystallized into a very sculptural form with good three dimensional depth. Exact locations are always a bonus with the Copper Country material and the South Kearsarge Mine was one of the most prolific and famous producers in the district for silvers. In fact, some of the finest in the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum at MTU are from this locality. Pewter patina partially aged to a gray/silver hue. Robert Nowakowski Collection #RN459. Mined c. early 1900s. Undamaged. 3 x 5 x 7 cm.
NSMW5954 BETAFITE PRICE: $450. SILVER CRATER, BANCROFT, ONTARIO, CANADA Group of sharply formed betafite crystals complete on all sides with perhaps just a hint of attachment on the base. The faces or flat-faced and smooth and resemble garnets if form. These used to be fairly abundant on the market before restrictions were tightened at the border between Canada and the U.S. This is a very choice miniature with individual crystals to 3 cm. No faults. Robert Nowakowski Collection. 2.7 x 2.9 x 3.2 cm.
NSMW5739 BISMUTH PRICE: $18,000. POHLA MINE, SAXONY, GERMANY Saxony is one of the most famous and venerable locations in Europe and has been the source for countless specimens of native silver and related ores mined from a multitude of veins for hundreds of years. Native bismuth occurs in the district as well but extremely high quality specimens are very rare. This is a superb group of silvery/pewter-gray native bismuth crystals with associated light gray matrix. Individual crystals to 2.5 cm across with wonderfully developed hoppered growths in parallel groups all mounded up into a very three dimensional form. It is by far the best bismuth I have ever seen from the district and a superior specimen in overall impact to the specimen in the Freiberg Museum. Absolutely a top specimen with great aesthetics and presentation. On a scale of a one to ten it's a 20. No damage and displays from any angle. 4 x 4 x 5.5 cm.
NSMW5392 ORPIMENT PRICE: $650. QUIRILVICA MINE, STANTIAGO DE CHUCO PROVINCE, LA LIBERTAD DEPARTMENT, PERU Brownish/orange lustrous orpiment crystals, to 3 cm, richly covering pyrite matrix. The Quirilvica Mine is one of the primary producers in this important and prolific locality. Displays very well. A very fine cabinet specimen with well formed crystals from mining c. 2001. Some chafing along some crystals but overall in fine condition. Note: A little extra care should be taken with orpiment. Humidity and light are concerns so care should be taken to regulate them. 5 x 10 x 14 cm.
NSMW5373 PYROMORPHITE PRICE: $260. YANGSHUO, GUANGXI PROVINCE, CHINA Cluster of lustrous rich green pyromorphite crystals with no attached matrix. Typical prismatic habit. The base of the specimen has concave impressions as it may have been overlying a previous mineral that subsequently dissolved. Overall shape like an elongated mound and well crystallized on all sides. A contemporary classic for the species. In top condition. Fine miniature. 2.5 x 2.6 x 4.1 cm. |
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