Romania 2

Romania

Herja Smelter Smoke Stack

2001

New Minerals On-Line April 20th

NSMW9649 SIDERITE AFTER CALCITE PRICE: $SOLD

GHETURI MINE, near TURT, SATU MARE, ROMANIA

(Large cabinet)

Group of reddish/brown and tan colored siderite that has pseudomorphed straw-like crystals of calcite bundled together that resemble wheat sheaves. There is some associated chalcedony pseudomorphs after quartz as well that can be seen poking through the matrix and around the edges and back. Excellent large cabinet specimen with good relief and aesthetics. One of the nicest of these I acquired. Mined 2003. In great condition. 8.5 x 19 x 19 cm.

NSMW9648 CALCITE ON SIDERITE PRICE: $850.

GHETURI MINE, near TURT, SATU MARE, ROMANIA

(Large cabinet)

Plate of lustrous light brown siderite covering sphalerite with numerous curved, semi-transparent waxy-lustered calcites. A very dramatic and aesthetic specimen from mining in 2005. In great condition. 5 x 17.5 x 24 cm.

New Minerals On-Line April 19th

NSMW9633 CALCITE PRICE: $25.

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

(Miniature)

Light yellow, lustrous calcite group. There are two phases of crystallization: primary stage as a lustrous ball-like bulb and then a secondary 'sprouting' of tapered crystals bundled together and coming off either end. From a unique pocket in 2003. Minor cleaves off a couple of crystals only. 4 x 4 x 5 cm.

NSMW9632 GALENA WITH CALCITE PRICE: $40.

PRINZIPAL MINE, HERJA COMPLEX, BAIA MARE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

(Miniature)

Group of Spinel Law twinned galena with associated calcite. Nice galenas are hard to come by from the Herja Complex and are actually uncommon from the district as a whole. An odd fact since lead is one of the major products of the smelters. Mined ca. 2000. One tiny edge ding on a crystal but overall in great condition. 3 x 3.5 x 5 cm.

New Minerals On-Line April 2nd

NSMW9587 CALCITE ON SPHALERITE PRICE: $20.

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

(Miniature)

Rosettes of calcite perched on lustrous black sphalerite. Nice miniature from the location and in excellent condition. Mined ca. 2000. 2 x 3 x 4 cm.

New Minerals On-Line March 31st

NSMW9575 PYRITE AND SIDERITE AFTER PYRRHOTITE PRICE: $45.

GHETURI MINE, NEAR TURT, SATU MARE, ROMANIA

(Miniature)

Iridescent purple/red pyrite group on lustrous brown siderite which has replaced platy pyrrhotite. Mined ca. 2000. One tiny nick on a siderite but overall in fine shape. 3.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 cm.

New Minerals On-Line March 22nd

ON APPROVAL

NSMW9508 SCHEELITE ON CALCITE PRICE: $350.

BAIA SPRIE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

(Miniature)

Glassy scheelite crystals perched on calcite matrix. The color of the scheelite is a light gray with purplish overtones. Excellent condition and from the great finds of some 8 years ago. Mined ca. 2002. 1 x 2 x 3 cm.

NSMW9468 PYRITE AND QUARTZ WITH CALCITE PRICE: $150.

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

(Small/medium cabinet)

Bright and brassy metallic pyrite with associated transparent quartz and white calcite. These were mined from advance mining into one of the most prolific and fantastic sections of the vein in terms of specimen production. Thousands of these fine minerals were found that have now largely disappeared from the market into collections. In great condition and mined in 2005. 3 x 5.5 x 8.5 cm.

NSMW9463 QUARTZ WITH CHALCOPYRITE PRICE: $250.

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

(Medium cabinet)

Very pretty specimen of quartz and chalcopyrite from the great specimen producing days of the mine. Sharp and clean without damage. Mined October 2004. 6 x 10 x 10 cm.

NSMW9229 CALCITE WITH QUARTZ PRICE: $125.

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Bundles of calcite crystals arranged in a pinwheel form with associated quartz and pyrite. The specimen really looks like a pseudomorph of something like calcite after pyrrhotite since it has a compressed disk-like form. However, upon close examination I can see no evidence of replacement. In any case this is a highly unusual and nice specimen from mining c. 2001 and would compliment any Romanian suite. In great condition. 4.5 x 5 x 8 cm.

NSMW9123 BARITE PRICE: $225.00

CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Lustrous bladed barites aligned in parallel fans of varying heights. Nice pleasing blueish/gray color and attractive form. Mined c. 1980s. Moderate damage on a few tips. 4.5 x 6 x 10 cm.

NSMW8995 DOLOMITE ON CALCITE AND QUARTZ WITH BARITE PRICE: $450.

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Lustrous dolomite on calcite with associated quartz and a bladed light yellow barite, 1 x 2 cm, perched right in the center of the specimen. The calcite looks like a melted ice cream scoop and there were some fantastic specimens of this type produced in the early 2000's fro a vein that was literally well over 200 feet long. This association is unique in my experience. Crystallized to all sides and in top condition. Mined 2000. 5 x 7 x 8 cm.

NSMW8990 DOLOMITE AFTER CALCITE PRICE: $280.

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

A group of scalenohedral calcites replaced by light pinkish/tan dolomite with associated sphalerite. The pseudomorphs are sharp and the specimen is in great condition. Unusual color. Mined 2005. A few late-stage calcites are sprinkled over the dolomite. 3.5 x 7.5 x 9.5 cm.

NSMW8988 CALCITE ON SIDERITE AND PYRITE PRICE: $350.

GHETURI MINE, TURT, OASULUI MOUNTAINS, SATU MARE, ROMANIA

Rosette of ivory white calcite on siderite matrix with associated pyrite. Mined in 2003 from a series of great pockets that produced some of the best calcites ever from this mine. In perfect condition. 4 x 6 x 8 cm.

NSMW8986 CALCITE WITH JAMESONITE INCLUSIONS PRICE: $125.

PRINZIPAL MINE, HERJA SYSTEM, BAIA MARE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Sharp disk-like calcites interconnected in a group with no point of attachment. The deep gray color is from abundant inclusions of jamesonite and it displays virtually from any angle equally well. Sharp miniature from mining in 2005. 2.5 x 2.5 x 3.2 cm.

NSMW8671 DOLOMITE AFTER CALCITE ON QUARTZ PRICE: $350.

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Bow-tie form, 6 cm, of calcite replaced by dolomite and grown on quartz matrix. Pseudomorphs from Maramures are found in virtually every mine and are evidence of multiple episodes of mineralization. This is a very fine specimen of this type. It displays perfectly and is in very excellent condition. Mined in 2005. 6.5 x 6.5 x 7 cm.

NSMW8668 STIBNITE PRICE: $280.

BAIA SPRIE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Divergent spray of stibnites with a couple of barites that nail the location. Mined c. 1970s. In great condition. 5.5 x 5.5 x 7 cm.

NSMW8665 BARITE PRICE: $150.

CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Group of semi-transparent light gray barites. Crystallized on all sides and in great condition. Nice varietal barite from the district. In top condition. Mined c. 1980s. 2.5 x 4 x 5 cm.

NSMW8494 CALCITE PRICE: $3500.

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Several years ago there were a series of superb pockets found in the Boldut Mine that produced what are likely the finest spherical calcites ever recovered from the mine. Some of the pockets were enormous with dimensions in meters long and high and specimens up to 100-200 kilos each. The best specimens were rounded hemispherical balls of creamy white calcite associated with quartz or sometimes as singles or small groups. This piece is an exceptionally fine hemisphere of lustrous calcite complete on all sides and associated with quartz. Virtually damage free and of great size for the find. This is a great piece. Mined c. 2002. Medium/large cabinet 10 x 12 x 15 cm.

NSMW7914 SIDERITE AFTER CALCITE PRICE: $280.

GHETURI MINE, TURT, OASULUI MOUNTAINS, SATU MARE, ROMANIA

Exceptionally sharp rhomb of calcite replaced by light tan and brown lustrous siderite. These are classics from Romania and will stand the test of time as some of the finest pseudomorphs of this type ever found. The Gheturi Mine closed with the rest of the district in 2007 but there are still some of these available from stashes. Mined c. 2006. No faults. Miniature/small cabinet 4.5 x 4.5 x 5.5 cm.

NSMW7895 FLUORITE ON DOLOMITE PRICE: $240.

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Colorless group of lustrous fluorite perched on light ivory white dolomite matrix. Fluorites from Cavnic are relatively rare and usually are around 1-1.5 cm across. This group of crystals is 2.5 x 2.8 cm across which is excellent for the district. Mined c. 2005. and in top condition. Choice fluorite miniature 3 x 6 x 6 cm.

NSMW7893 QUARTZ WITH JAMESONITE INCLUSIONS PRICE: $225.

PRINZIPAL MINE, HERJA SYSTEM, BAIA MARE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Doubly-terminated quartz with no point of attachment and light gray coloration from inclusions of jamesonite. These specimens are found loose in a jamesonite paste and are cleaned afterwards to reveal the crystals. Normally, these are tiny in size perhaps 1 cm in length, however, this piece is as big as I have ever acquired at 4 cm point to point. Choice and exceptional miniature from mining c. 2005. 2 x 2 x 4 cm.

NSMW7477 AMETHYSTINE QUARTZ PRICE: $150.

PRINZIPAL MINE, HERJA SYSTEM, BAIA MARE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

A group of elongated prismatic quartz crystals, to 7.5 cm, with associated siderite. The color is a delicate shade of purple which is more intense at the centers and lightens toward the terminations. These are very uncommon from the mine and in fact are rare in terms of numbers. Mined c. 1990s. No damage. 2.5 x 7 x 8 cm.

NSMW7476 CALCITE WITH JAMESONITE INCLUSIONS PRICE: $125.

PRINZIPAL MINE, HERJA SYSTEM, BAIA MARE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Complete floater group of curvi-linear calcites stacked up into a mounded form like a small stalactite. Excellent luster and displays from any angle. Copious inclusions of jamesonite impart varying shades of grays. Mined c. 2000. Undamaged. 3.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 cm.

NSMW7461 SPHALERITE ON SIDERITE PRICE: $250.

GHETURI MINE, TURT, OASULUI MOUNTAINS, SATU MARE, ROMANIA

The Gheturi Mine has produced some of the most unusual and unique combinations and assemblages in the district. This might be the case because it is located on the extreme northwest fringe of the area and as such might have substantially different geologic setting. This is a specimen from a unique pocket of ball-like groups of lustrous black sphalerite that was found in 2005. The sphalerites are randomly oriented over the rounded surfaces which may indicate they are pseudomorphs after a previous species, perhaps a carbonate, and there are small quartzes that have been replaced by light greenish/gray chalcedony. The back of the piece has numerous pyrite crystals and there are a couple of chalcopyrites in combination with the sphalerite. Small cabinet at 3 x 7 x 10 cm.

NSMW7389 CHALCEDONY AFTER AMETHYST PRICE: $150.

GHETURI MINE, near TURT, SATU MARE, ROMANIA

Perfect miniature of amethyst replaced by satiny lustered chalcedony with a light druse of brown siderite. The amethyst, 3.5 cm, still has some light purple coloration and is crystallized on all sides and well placed near the center of the specimen. Mined 2006. No faults. 3 x 3.5 x 3.5 cm.

NSMW7296 CALCITE ON MANGANOAN CALCITE PRICE: $SOLD

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Bright, snowy white calcites with lustrous sheen and fine spiky terminations on the scalenohedron. Bright red fluorescent core indicates two generations of carbonate. Very sharp and clean and a fine calcite miniature from mining c. 2003. In top condition. 3 x 4.5 x 5 cm.

NSMW7234 QUARTZ WITH JAMESONITE PRICE: $45.

PRINZIPAL MINE, HERJA, BAIA MARE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Doubly terminated 'floater' quartz with localized inclusions of jamesonite that impart a smoky hue. These are colloquially nick-named 'Maramures Diamonds' and are unique to the Herja system. Perfect TN. Mined c. 2004. 1.2 x 1.5 x 2.8 cm.

NSMW7232 QUARTZ ON DOLOMITE AFTER CALCITE PRICE: $125.

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Gemmy quartzes scattered liberally over a matrix of ivory white dolomite that has replaced calcite. The quartzes are absolutely gemmy with superb brilliance. Mined c. 1980s-1990s. Unique in my experience. No damage. 4 x 6 x 6 cm.

This specimen is available for donation.

NSMW7157 SIDERITE AFTER CALCITE PRICE: $6800.

GHETURI MINE, TURT, OASULUI MOUNTAINS, SATU MARE, ROMANIA

The Gheturi Mine is located in the extreme northwest portion of Romania in the county of Satu Mare. The major mines of Maramures county are miles away and the Gheturi Mine was totally overlooked and unknown for years to collectors and dealers. A few years ago, around the late 1990s, specimens from the mine were so prolific that they started trickling into Maramures and mixed in with other specimens from the area. Just recently, around 2002-2003, some of the finest pseudomorphs ever found in Romania were collected and brought to market. It is one of two or three of this size and quality that arepresent the largest and finest recovered from the mine. It has amazing size and impact with individual crystals exceeding 30 cm on edge. Colors are multiple shades of chocolate browns with reddish and tan highlights and the crystals have an attractive drusy sheen. An absolutely amazing pseudomorph mined c. 2004. One of the best and largest of it's kind....anywhere. A fantastic specimen. 22 x 60 x 86 cm.

Details of sponsorship donation to Museum

The specimen has been transported to and is currently on display at the Arizona Mining & Mineral Museum in Phoenix, Arizona and contributes as an integral addition to the pseudomorph section. It has been described and evaluated by a certified appraiser licensed by the state of Arizona with a value that will allow a substantial deduction from taxes after a three year loan/purchase program with the museum. A letter of receipt and thanks from the museum will be provided along with the appraisal.

Please contact me, Ross Lillie, or Jan Rasmussen, Ph. D. and Curator at the museum for further details about this opportunity.

Jan C. Rasmussen: 602.771.1612 (Office phone) e-mail: geoarizona@gmail.com

Ross Lillie: 248.926.9929 (Office phone) e-mail: northstarminerals@comcast.net

NSMW7146 TETRAHEDRITE PRICE: $85.

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Gun metal gray tetrahedrite in combination with calcite and quartz. The crystals are complex with parallel growth on the tetrahedral faces. Associated chalcopyrite. Undamaged. Mined c. 2001. 2.4 x 4.5 x 7 cm.

NSMW7087 SPHALERITE WITH QUARTZ PRICE: $120.

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

A group of black sphalerites with a crown of quartzes and tiny but very bright galenas. Fine sphalerites are relatively uncommon from the Boldut Mine even though it is a primary ore mineral. Shows twinning very well on the sphalerites. No faults. Mined c. 2005. 2.5 x 5.5 x 6 cm.

NSMW7080 DOLOMITE AFTER CALCITE PRICE: $85.

PRINZIPAL MINE, HERJA, BAIA MARE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Creamy yellow lustrous calcite balls stacked up with a spire of calcite sticking out the top that have been replaced by dolomite. A unique miniature from mining c. 2005. A great little pseudomorph in perfect shape. A dandy. 2.5 x 3 x 4 cm.

NSMW7029 QUARTZ PRICE: $125.

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Group of quartz crystals diverging from the center with fine separation of crystals. There is just a small amount of white calcite on the base where the specimen was loosely attached. Complete on all sides with fine aesthetics and no damage. Mined c. late 1990s. Fine small cabinet specimen. 3.5 x 5.5 x 7 cm.

NSMW7028 CALCITE PRICE: $220.

PRINZIPAL MINE, HERJA, BAIA MARE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Lustrous white ball of calcite, 3 cm across, on black shiny sphalerite matrix with associated light brown siderite, smaller calcites and galena on base. Complete on all sides and a great little miniature from mining c. 2000. In top condition. 3 x 3 x 4 cm.

NSMW6964 DOLOMITE AFTER MANGANOAN CALCITE PRICE: $125.

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Single 'cogshweel' of manganoan calcite replaced by ivory white dolomite and all on a quartz matrix. Choice miniature from mining in 2005. Displays well from virtually any angle. 2.5 x 3.5 x 4.8 cm.

NSMW6962 QUARTZ WITH DOLOMITE AND CALCITE PRICE: $220.

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Sharp group of semi-transparent quartz crystals, to 4.5 cm, with light preferential druse of ivory dolomite and light white calcites. Sphalerite matrix inter-grown with galena. A fine undamaged combination from mining in 2004. 5 x 6 x 8.5 cm.

NSMW6953 MANGANOAN CALCITE PRICE: $145.

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Pastel pink, satin lustered manganoan calcites. There was one sensational pocket of these calcites found a couple of years ago that turned out to be a unique occurrence. This is an undamaged miniature with very fine color and excellent aesthetics. Choice. 2 x 4.5 x 6 cm.

NSMW6917 CALCITE WITH JAMESONITE INCLUSIONS PRICE: $280.

PRINZIPAL MINE, HERJA, BAIA MARE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Deep smoky-gray curvi-linear calcite crystals with copious inclusions of jamesonite. There is no point of attachment indicating the specimen was found loose in a pasty mud pocket of jamesonite. There are micro sulfide crystals sprinkled across the faces that have a high silvery reflection and may be freibergite. Selected from a large lot of very fine specimens. No damage and a very fine miniature from mining c. 1990s. Choice. 2.8 x 4.5 x 5 cm.

NSMW6916 CALCITE WITH JAMESONITE INCLUSIONS AND SIDERITE PRICE: $220.

PRINZIPAL MINE, HERJA, BAIA MARE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

The Herja Mine is by far the best location in Romania for these specimens of calcite with jamesonite inclusions. I had the fortunate chance to select some very fine miniatures out of a lot that was put together for the last several years. The variety and quality was excellent and quite varied representing several past significant finds. This miniature is complete on all sides with the only point of attachment a very tiny spot on one end of the stalactite. Rare to find the spherical balls with stalactites. A dandy calcite from mining c. 2001. 3 x 3.4 x 5 cm.

NSMW6904 QUARTZ variety SCEPTERS PRICE: $120.

CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

A group of sharp sceptered quartz crystals on matrix. Crystals are anywhere from 1-2.5 cm in length and a nicely separated on matrix so they display very well. A sharp miniature from mining in the early 1990s. There is an old paper label on the base number as '30'. 4 x 4 x 4.5 cm.

NSMW6858 QUARTZ WITH DOLOMITE PRICE: $SOLD

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

A prismatic and very sharp quartz crystal with preferential druse of light tan siderite and scattered white calcites. The matrix is sphalerite intermixed with quartz. An excellent single quartz with great aesthetics and in top condition. Mined c. 2004. Very attractive and displays very well. 4 x 4 x 7 cm.

NSMW6570 CALCITE WITH JAMESONITE INCLUSIONS PRICE: $85.

PRINZIPAL MINE, HERJA, BAIA MARE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Curved rhombs of calcite with copious inclusions of deep gray jamesonite. No point of attachment and in top condition. These specimens use to be all over the market but have nearly disappeared from the scene. Mined in early 2005. Fine miniature. 2 x 3 x 3.5 cm.

NSMW6420 GALENA AND SPHALERITE PRICE: $SOLD

GHETURI MINE, TURT, OASULUI MOUNTAINS, SATU MARE, ROMANIA

Lead gray, sharp galena crystals with a fine druse of black sphalerite. The galena is approximately equal parts cube and octahedron and displays very well. There were a number of these very fine specimens found in2005 from a singular occurrence. In top condition.3 x 5 x 6 cm.

NSMW6282 QUARTZ PRICE: $85.

BAIA SPRIE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Two interconnected sceptered quartz crystals with no attached matrix. The terminations are transparent and sharp and clean. Baia Sprie is well known in Maramures for sceptered quartzes. Mined c. 1990s. Displays from any angle. In top condition. 2 x 3 x 6.5 cm.

NSMW6280 QUARTZ PRICE: $120.

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Bright cluster of sharp quartz crystals arranged in a flower-like form. The tips are transparent and the bases white which creates a great contrast. Beautiful small cabinet specimen from mining in 2005. In top condition. Displays from several angles as it is crystallized on all sides. 5 x 6 x 6.5 cm.

NSMW6144 TETRAHEDRITE PRICE: $120.

CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Matrix of tan calcite is the base for sharp isolated crystals of deep gray tetrahedrites. The tetrahedrites, to 8 mm across, are sharply tetrahedral with modifications on the triangular ends. It is obviously an older piece with a completely different matrix than seen today and the tetrahedrite form is different as well with the rounded modified terminations. From the Oliver Konczner Collection. Mined c. 1970s. No faults. 2.5 x 4 x 5.5 cm.

NSMW6102 FERBERITE AND CHALCOPYRITE PRICE: $220.

BAIA SPRIE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Bladed, lustrous deep brown ferberite crystals with associated chalcopyrite and calcite. Doubly terminated crystals to 4 cm in length and essentially a floater with no point of attachment. In top condition. The best location is Maramures for the species. Mined c. 2001. Excellent specimen. 2.5 x 3.5 x 4 cm.

NSMW5566 QUARTZ PRICE: $140.

PRINZIPAL MINE, HERJA, BAIA MARE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Vitreous, light gray quartz with a very small contact point on base. Normally, these quartzes are perhaps 1-2 cm and may be found in small groups or isolated crystals, however, this specimen is extraordinarily large. The main crystal is 2.5 x 3 cm and is very sharp and well formed. The quartzes are found typically as 'floaters' in a jamesonite paste that is a similar pocket environment to the ball-like calcites that are famous from this location. A very excellent miniature from mining in 2004. 4 x 4.5 x 5.8 cm.

NSMW5527 GALENA PRICE: $120.

GHETURI MINE, TURT, OASULUI MOUNTAINS, SATU MARE, ROMANIA

Single crystal of galena, 3 x 4 cm, on siderite and black sphalerite matrix. Fine development of cube and octahedron faces. Very sharp and aesthetic display galena from mining in 2003. In top condition. 3.5 x 5 x 7 cm.

NSMW5516 QUARTZ PRICE: $220.

BOLDUT MINE, CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Stalactites of quartz, to 9.5 cm, stacked up in rows and perched on earlier phase of prismatic quartz. There is a fine contrasting druse of light tan dolomite sprinkled over one side of the specimen. The Boldut Mine produced these distinctive specimens c. 1999 from one pocket that turned out to be a unique occurrence as is typical of so many of the minerals produced in Maramures. It is possible that they are pseudomorphs after an acicular mineral, as is believed by the local miners and dealers, but I feel they are a stalactitic late-stage growth phase. A very fine small cabinet specimen from this pocket. In top condition. 3.5 x 5 x 12 cm.

NSMW5471 QUARTZ PRICE: $SOLD

OCNA DE FIER MINE, NEAR RESITA, SOUTHWESTERN ROMANIA

Undulating drusy quartz on quartzite matrix with limonite. Ocna de Fier is one of the most famous early iron mines in Europe. It was initially started hundreds of years ago and is famous for superb hematites and other minerals that were extensively documented in the 18th century. Specimens are increasingly difficult to acquire from this skarn-type deposit. Mined c. 1970s. no faults. 5 x 7 x 10 cm.

NSMW5458 PYRITE AFTER PYRRHOTITE PRICE: $140.

PRINZIPAL MINE, HERJA, BAIA MARE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

A stack of platy, hexagonal pyrrhotite crystals on brown sphalerite and galena matrix. The pyrrhotites have been faithfully replaced by brassy/metallic pyrite to create a sharp and very distinctive pseudomorph. There are some typical expansion lines found on the backside of the specimen that are commonly seen with pseudomorphism. Displays very well and attractive. Mined c. 1990s. No faults. 4.0 x 4.4 x 6 cm.

NSMW5335 GALENA PRICE: $120.

TURT MINE, OASULUI MOUNTAINS, SATU MARE, ROMANIA

Steely/gray metallic galena on lustrous sphalerite matrix. The largest galena, 1.7 x 2.7 cm, is well situated on the matrix with an approximately equal development of the cube and octahedron which is classic from the ore body. Superb morphology. Excellent specimen from mining in 2003. An attractive sphalerite druse accents the specimen very well. In top condition. 4 x 5 x 6.8 cm.

NSMW5180 QUARTZ PRICE: $65.

HERJA MINE, BAIA MARE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Doubly terminated light gray vitreous quartz with no point of attachment. These quartzes are unique to the Herja Mine and are locally referred to as "Maramures Diamonds". Sometimes they are found with jamesonite inclusions but rarely in this size. I acquired only four specimens of this size and caliber. Normally these are in the 1-1.5 cm range while this quartz is nearly 4.5 cm. Exceptional miniature. One nick on one of the double terminations but otherwise perfect and the ding does not show from a variety of angles when displayed so does not demonstrably detract. Mined ca. late 1990s.

NSMW5114 CALCITE PRICE: $35.

CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Ivory white tufts and sprays of acicular calcite on matrix of light gray/white calcite matrix. The calcites are bundled into wheat sheaf like forms with multi terminated ends. Another fine calcite specimen from this excellent location for the species. Mined c. late 1990s. In top condition. 2.5 x 3.5 x 5.5 cm.

NSMW4855 BARITE AND GALENA PRICE: $280.

CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Ivory white bladed barite crystals, to 4 cm, in combination with tiny galena and sphalerite crystals. The barites display very well as they stand up off the matrix. Cavnic was a prolific producer of superb barites especially during a period in the 1970s when many excellent pockets were found. This specimen is from that time period and came out of an older collection in the Cavnic area. Fine sharp crystals with good luster and classic bladed form and an unusual association with galena and sphalerite. Mined ca. 1970s. In top condition. 4 x 6 x 6.5 cm.

NSMW4817 QUARTZ WITH JAMESONITE INCLUSIONS PRICE: $120.

PRINZIPAL MINE, HERJA, BAIA MARE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Light gray, lustrous group of quartzes with no attachment point. Normally these quartzes, colloquia lly referred to as 'Maramures diamonds', are tiny crystals in the 1 cm range. However, this group is exceptionally fine and large with the main crystal 4 cm in length. There is a girdle of smaller crystals that are oriented along the center of the big crystal and several tiny crystals with jamesonite inclusions that stand out as slightly smoky gray. Great miniature from mining c. late 1990s. Has one tiny nick on end of large quartz that does not infringe on display since the piece can be oriented in several ways for display. 3 x 3 x 4 cm.

NSMW4776 GALENA AND SPHALERITE PRICE: $220.

TURT MINE, OASULUI MOUNTAINS, SATU MARE, ROMANIA

Two isolated groups of galena crystals are perched on lustrous black sphalerite matrix. The galenas, to 3.5 cm, are combined forms of octahedron and cube with the octahedron more developed giving them an elongated appearance. The Turt Mine is the finest contemporary, and perhaps, historical producer of galenas. Many superb groups have been found in the past several years. Sharp and clean with no damage. 3 x 6 x 6 cm.

NSMW4762 CALCITE WITH JAMESONITE INCLUSIONS PRICE: $45.

PRINZIPAL MINE, HERJA, BAIA MARE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Very lustrous, curvilinear calcite rhomb with no point of attachment. These crystals are found in a jamesonite paste and are revealed as 'floaters' after they are washed off by the miners. Classic Herja from mining in 2003. Excellent miniature. 1.2 x 3 x 3 cm.

NSMW4159 CALCITE WITH JAMESONITE INCLUSIONS PRICE: $SOLD

PRINZIPAL MINE, HERJA, BAIA MARE, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Calcite crystals perched on thin shard of silicified breccia. The calcites are zoned in two colors from preferential inclusions of jamsonite with the line of demarcation separating them extremely sharp and distinct. One half is a yellowish/white hue and the other a deep smoky gray. Classic Herja calcite from one of the last pockets mined before closure. In top condition. Excellent miniature. 3 x 3 x 3.5 cm.

NSMW3893 TETRAHEDRITE ON QUARTZ PRICE: $350.

CAVNIC, MARAMURES, ROMANIA

Single crystal of grayish black metallic tetrahedrite, 2 x 4 cm, perched on top of light gray drusy quartz matrix. By far the largest single tetrahedrite I have acquired. The center of the crystal is complex as it is intergrown with tiny quartz crystals. The edges of the tetrahedrite are better defined and have a higher luster. The aesthetic value of this specimen is the large size of the crystal and the juxtaposition on matrix. I would recommend this piece for a Romanian specialist. Mined c. 1980s. Jan Buma Collection #0110658. In excellent condition. 4 x 4 x 5 cm.