CCQ1 Calcite, Chalcopyrite

Sweetwater Mine, Viburnum Trend Dist., Missouri, United States

15.4x 9.5x 7.1 cm

$88

A spray of calcite crystals, with light phantoms, from recent finds at the Viburnum Trend district.  

The crystals have a scrap of beautiful irridescent blue chalcopyrite near their base.  Please note that there are a couple cleaved terminations.  

CCQ2 Cerussite

Taouz, Er Rachidia Prov., Meknes-Tafilalet Region, Morocco

3.5x 2.8x 1.6 cm

$49

A miniature specimen of reticulated cerussite from Morocco.  This is from the same locality that produced the vanadinite/ goethite combinatoins.

CCQ3 Calcite

Nasik Area, Maharashtra State, India

12.3x 9.2x 10.1 cm

$260 $135

A quartz lined geode hosting a pair of terminated calcite crystals.  As with most Indian "geodes," this probably started out as a huge chunk of rock after a quarry blast, and was then slowly carved down using a combination of electric saws and hand tools.  If these things were found in the US, just the amount of labor necessary to prepare them would make them virtually unaffordable (but they are found in India, where a day's labor is only a few dollars, so...)

This one had a $260 price tag in my show stock.

TIM37 Fluorite on Quartz

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
14.6x 10.4x 5.1 cm

$350  $135

This is admittedly an absurd price drop, but I did will with the other specimens in the lot, so this one can go for considerably less

A cabinet specimen of blue-green fluorite, with several hemispheres on matrix, with a number of separate octahedrons.  These "balls" are actually clusters of hundreds of small octahedrons.  This is a rather uncommon habit at the location, I obtained a few when specimens were first starting to come out, but had not seen any more until I ran into these few at the show.

The color of the individual octahedrons range from a bluish green in most, to a purple in others. 

There is a natural crack running through the piece (hard to see except in the larger version of the full specimen photograph at right), though this is natural.

These fluorites are really quite unique, in terms of color as well as habit.  The habit of the quartz in the matrixes also gives the specimens an appearance unlike fluorites from anywhere else

CCQ5 Wulfenite

Red Cloud Mine, Trigo Mtns., La Paz Co., Arizona, United States

5.8x 3.7x 3.1 cm

$65

A nice sample of wulfenite from the famous Red Cloud mine, hosting numerous bright orange-red crystals.

CCQ6 Adamite

Mina Ojuela, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico

2.7x 1.8x 1.0 cm

$48

A perfect thumbnail spray of yellow adamite from Mina Ojuela.  The color is brighter in person.

CCQ7 Senegalite

Mount Kourou, Diakouma, Saraya, Faleme River Basin, Tambacounda Regio, Senegal

5.0x 3.2x 2.6 cm

$47

A nice specimen of the aluminum phosphate senegalite, from the type locality.

CCQ8 Pezzottaite

Sakavalana pegmatite, Ambatovita, near Mandosonoro village, Fianarantsoa Province, Madagascar

1.2x 1.1x 0.7 cm

$85

A thumbnail example of pezzottaite, from the type locality.  These were first called "cesian beryls" but were found to be a new species, and the locality was quickly depleted.  

Very small quantities have also supposedly been found in Afghanistan, but I have yet to see one that has been verified.

This piece displays decent crystal faces and overall hexagonal form, though it's a bit clearer in person. 

This is very cheap for what it is...

CCQ9 Wulfenite

Defiance Mine, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA

5.4x 3.5x 1.2 cm

$59

A nice cluster of thin wulfenite panes from the defiance mine.  

CCQ10 Hemimorphite

79 Mine, Hayden area, Banner District, Gila Co., Arizona, USA

4.2x 3.6x 1.8 cm

$46

A specimen of light blue hemimorphite from the 79 mine.

CCQ11 Millerite

US 27 Roadcut, Halls Gap, Lincoln Co., Kentucky, USA

4.2x 2.7x 1.8 cm

$46

A rather rich specimen of millerite in a quartz geode, from Halls Gap.  The majority of the specimens labeled "millierite" that I've seen from here have just a couple hairs that you have to almost squint to see.... the millerite is a bit more obvious on this one.

CCQ12 Andradite

Djouga, Bendoukou, Kayes Region, Mali

3.9x 3.2x 2.8 cm

$46

A sharp dodecahedral garnet crystal perched on a cluster of other, smaller garnets.

CCQ13 Wavellite

Avant Mine, Garland County, Arkansas, USA

4.5x 3.0x 2.2 cm

$46

A nice wavellite sample from Arkansas.  These were once a staple of American rock shops, but these days the locality that produced the best specimens is controlled by the Army Corps of Engineers, and collecting is prohibited.   

CCQ14 Wavellite

Avant Mine, Garland County, Arkansas, USA

8.0x 3.3x 4.0 cm

$69

A nice wavellite sample from Arkansas.  The color on this one has almost bluish undertones.

These were once a staple of American rock shops, but these days the locality that produced the best specimens is controlled by the Army Corps of Engineers, and collecting is prohibited.   

CCQ15 Wavellite

Avant Mine, Garland County, Arkansas, USA

4.0x 2.0x 2.7 cm

$46

A nice wavellite sample from Arkansas.  The color on this one has almost bluish undertones.

These were once a staple of American rock shops, but these days the locality that produced the best specimens is controlled by the Army Corps of Engineers, and collecting is prohibited.   

CCQ16 Rhodochrosite

Uchucchacua Mine, Oyon Prov., Lima Dept., Peru

1.5x 1.0x 0.9 cm

$58

A deep red thumbnail of rhodochrosite.  Not perfect, but excellent color.

CCQ17 Titanite var. Sphene

Alchuri, Shigar Valley, Skardu, Pakistan

2.5x 0.9x 0.5 cm

$44

A very sharp thumbnail specimen of sphene from northern Pakistan.

CCQ18 Prehnite

Bendoukou, Kayes Region, Mali

3.0x 2.7x 2.2 cm

$43

A nice icy green aggregate of prehnite from mali, with excellent translucency and larger than usual crystals.

CCQ19 Spodumene var. Kunzite

Kunar, Afghanistan

3.2x 2.7x 1.1 cm

$57

A light pink, terminated Kunzite crystal from Afghanistan.  It appears to be a floater-- the bottom is etched, but I cannot find a point of attachment.

CCQ20 Vanadinite on Barite

Mibladen, Midelt, Khenifra Prov., Morocco.

4.2x 3.4x 2.6 cm

$39

A nice sample of bright red vanadinite on barite, from Morocco.

CCQ21 Sphalerite, Galena, Siderite, Pyrite

Eagle Mie, Gilman Dist., Eagle Co., Colorado, USA

6.0x 4.2x 2.7 cm

$46

A lustrous sample of ore minerals from Colorado.  This mine operated from sometime in the 1880s until 1984, and then became a superfund site.

CCQ22 Hemimorphite

79 Mine, Hayden area, Banner District, Gila Co., Arizona, USA

4.3x 3.8x 2.4 cm

$49

A specimen of light blue hemimorphite from the 79 mine.

CCQ23 Lepidolite

Himalaya Mine, Mesa Grande Dist., San Diego Co., California, USA

3.7x 2.2x 2.9 cm

$39

A nice miniature specimen of the lithium bearing mica lepidolite from the southern California gem bering pegmatites.  This one has a well exposed book standing above the rest.  There are a couple scuffs, but overall, it is exactly as shown in the pictures.

CCQ24 Almandine GArnet

Soavinandriana Dist., Itasy Region, Antananarivo Prov., Madagascar 

4.1x 2.4x 2.4 cm

$44

A sample of almandine garnet from Madagascar.

CCQ25 Calcite

Sweetwater Mine, Viburnum Trend Dist., Missouri, United States

6.1x 4.3x 3.8 cm

$38

A group of yellowish calcite crystals with galena, from the lead mining districts of Missouri.  All the calcites are perfectly terminated and have lustrous surfaces.

CCQ85 Mottramite

Mina Ojuela, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico

9.1x 6.0x 3.2 cm

$59

A rich specimen of botryoidal green mottramite on a limonite matrix, from the major find made about 2 years ago.  

The color are form, and condition are particularly good on this piece.

Prices have come down considerably-- pieces like this were initially selling for around $300. When it comes to Mina Ojuela, it often pays to wait.... 

CCQ26 Stibnite

Alpine DIstrict, Churchill Co., Nevada, USA

3.2x 2.1x 2.0 cm

$39

A pair of stibnite crystals that I think are terminated (I'm not 100% sure, but they don't look broken.)  These are rather thick, compared to what I've seen from Nevada in the past.

CCQ27 Benitoite

Dallas Gem Mine, New Idria District, Diablo Range, San Benito Co., California, USA

4.5x 3.5x 3.0 cm

$68

A nice sample of benitoite on Matrix.  The benitoite has no damage.  There was one good locality for these in the whole world (not counting microscopic occurrences) and it closed several years ago.  This is pretty cheap.

CCQ28 Germanite

Level 39, Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia

2.3x 2.1x 1.3 cm

$50

A thumbnail sample of germanite from Tsumeb.

CCQ29 Spodumene var. Kunzite

Sahatany Pegmatite Field, Vakinankaratra Region, Antananarivo Province, Madagascar

6.7x 1.7x 1.1 cm

$69

Yet another Malagasy mineral that rarely escapes the island in crystal form is spodumene.  Most of it gets bought up by Thai traders who then irradiate and facet them as necessary.

I was shown a few small parcels of gem material, from which I selected the best crystalline examples.  This is a rather large, etched crystal, complete all around and damage free.

In terms of quality, these are no different from their Brazilian of Afghan counterparts. 

CCQ30 Vauxite

Siglo XX Mine, Near Llalagua, Oruro Dept., Bolivia

4.2x 2.8x 1.8 cm 
$59

A specimen of light blue vauxite, from a find made around 2 years ago at the Siglo XX Mine.  The white micro crystals are likely paravauxite.

CCQ31 Calcite

Sweetwater Mine, Viburnum Trend Dist., Missouri, United States

15.0x 11.5x 5.1 cm

$39

A group of calcite crystals on matrix, from the lead mining districts of Missouri.  The main double terminated crystal has no issues, the others have cleaves.

CCQ32 Galena

Sweetwater Mine, Viburnum Trend Dist., Missouri, United States

4.5x 3.0x 2.2 cm

$35

A perfect gray galena cube perched atop a bit of matrix, from recent mining in the Viburnum trend district.

CCQ33 Pyrite cast after Galena

Sweetwater Mine, Viburnum Trend Dist., Missouri, United States

6.9x 4.5x 3.6 cm

$59

A very unusual specimen of pyrite casts after galena octahedrons, from recent mining at the Viburnum Trend district.

The bottom right image is taken from the back, to show the hollowness of the casts. 

CCQ34 Chrysocolla ps. Hemimorphite

79 Mine, Hayden area, Banner District, Gila Co., Arizona, USA

4.3x 3.0x 1.4 cm

$44

An interesting specimen of chrysocolla after hemimorphite from the 79 Mine.

CCQ35 Spessartine on Orthoclase

Wuhan Spessartine Mine, Tongbei, Fujian Prov., China

6.8x 4.5x 5.2 cm

$49

Many orange garnets covering an orthoclase matrix, from the 2000's finds at the Wuhan spessartine mine.  After several years of plentiful specimens, this locality has pretty much been depleted.

CCQ36 Spessartine on Orthoclase

Wuhan Spessartine Mine, Tongbei, Fujian Prov., China

7.7x 6.2x 2.8 cm

$68

A group of reddish brown garnets (a bit darker and browner than the pictures show) from the Wuhan spessartine mine.  This was from the earliest part of the find-- these larger, darker garnets were only found at the beginning.  The deeper red, and then orange garnets were found later on.

Again, please note that this is a bit darker and browner than the pictures show.

CCQ37 Pyromorphite

Gute Hoffnung Mine, Bleibuir (Bescheid), Mechernich, Eifel, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

8.4x 6.0x 6.0 cm

$69

A cabinet specimen, consisting of a conglomerate/ sandstone matrix richly coated by pyromorphite that boasts a very saturated green color.

This mine closed around 1880, but this specimen comes from a find made by field collectors approximately 3 years ago. 

TIM31 Fluorite on Siderite

Yido Silver Mine, Bayan Obo, Baotou League (Baotou Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
15.7x 12.3x 2.4 cm

$390  $170

A cabinet specimen of purple fluorite on siderite from new production at the Yido Silver Mine.  To the untrained eye, this looks like a typical Yaogangxian specimen, but a slightly closer look reveals that the matrix is in fact siderite (rather than muscovite.)

I was offered a small group of specimens prior to Tucson which I declined due to the exorbitant prices, though I was happy to see one small lot available in Tucson as well. 

There is one bit of damage, this is best visible in the image directly below the description on the second-farthest crystal to the right.

Pieces like this are exciting because they come from a location that had previously not produced specimens. The bulk of the currently available Inner Mongolian pieces come from only 3 or 4 mine clusters ( mainly Huanggang, Rongguan and Chaobuleng)-- over 200 such mines and mine clusters have been opened over the past several years.  That pieces like this make it to the market means that there is a chance that a greater portion of those 200+ locations will eventually start to produce collectible specimens.

Sawn on the reverse.

CCQ38 Fluorite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China

14.5x 10.1x 8.6 cm

$165  $92

A cabinet cluster of quartz crystals from the Huanggang Mine.

CCQ39 Wulfenite

Defiance Mine, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA

7.3x 4.0x 1.5 cm

$68

A nice cluster of thin wulfenite panes from the defiance mine.  

CCQ40 Quartz with Arsenopyrite, Calcite

Trepca, Mitrovica, Kosovo

8.2x 4.6x 3.0 cm

$46

Numerous lustrous arsenopyrite crystals backing a terminated quartz crystal, from Kosovo.  The front surface of the quartz crystal is a bit rough, but it is not damage, rather calcite that has been naturally etched away leaving indentations.

CCQ41 Clinoclore with Magnetite, Pyrite

Elba Island, Tuscany, Italy

8.0x 7.3x 5.5 cm

$69

A cabinet specmen of pyrite and magnetite hosting a few hexagonal green crystals of clinoclore.

CCQ42 Wulfenite

Defiance Mine, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA

7.2x 7.1x 5.3 cm

$65

A nice cluster of thin wulfenite panes in a vug from the Defiance Mine.  Little bits *will* come off during shipment.

CCQ43 Cerussite

Mina Ojuela, Mapimi, Durango State, Mexico

5.8x 4.3x 3.2 cm

$46

A few small but very gemmy and clear cerussite crystals in a vug.  Cerussite has never been particularly common at Mina Ojuela, but there was recently a sizable find of the material.  Most had inclusions that made them rather smoky, but there were also a few clear examples mixed in.

Mexican mineral collectors highly prize Ojuela cerussites, and when you actually do see one, it will often be priced at a premium.  

This one is a decent reference.

CCQ44 Pintadoite with Fernandinite

Slick Rock Dist., San Miguel Co., Colorado, USA

6.0x 4.8x 3.3 cm

$48

A rich coverage of the calcium vanadium bearing phosphates pintadoite and fernandinite covering a chunk of sandstone.

CCQ45 Pyrite

Navajun, La Rioja, Spain

13.0x 12.5x 5.8 cm

$58

A couple sharp pyrite crystals on a limestone matrix, from Spain.  

These have been around for as long as I can remember, but I am always amused to see the reactions of non-collectors who are amazed that something so perfectly cubic can be natural...

CCQ46 Galena

Sweetwater Mine, Viburnum Trend Dist., Missouri, United States

16.5x 9.3x 5.1 cm

$58

A cabinet specimen hosting a lustrous galena cube.  There is some edge wear, but the specimen is exactly as shown in the photographs.

CCQ47 Wulfenite

Defiance Mine, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA

5.0x 2.5x 2.7 cm

$42

A cluster of wulfenite panes from the defiance mine.  

CCQ48 Atacamite on Selenite

Lily Mine, Pisco Umay, Ica Department, Peru

5.0x 5.1x 7.2 cm

$69

An elongated (and terminated) crystal of atacamite on selenite.  The atacamite crystals from this recent find are probably some of the best known-- usually they occur as completely flattened sprays against chunks of rock, and such pieces were often sold as colorful wholesale material.

The crystals from this find were actually prismatic with some degree of three dimensionality; this is a great example hosting a single crystal that is not broken, and that is unusually distinct.

CCQ49 Clinoatacamite, Quartz over Chrysocolla

Lily Mine, Pisco Umay, Ica Department, Peru

6.4x 4.7x 4.0 cm

$79

 A reference sample of clinoatacamite, with a number of small crystals at the back of quartz lined vugs.  Some (very small crystals) are visible on the main display face (the image at right) as well as in a vug on the bottom right of the specimen.  They are not immediately obvious at first, particularly as the slightly larger crystals are in a vug that opens towards the bottom of the specimen.

CCZ50 Hematite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China

3.1x 2.9x 2.1 cm

$57

A rosette of hematite from the Huanggang mine, displaying the form that has earned the habit of hematite the nickname "iron rose."

CCW51 Pearceite, Proustite

Uchucchacua Mine, Oyon Prov., Lima Dept., Peru

4.2x 3.1x 3.5 cm

$76

An interesting specimen of silver sulfosalts from Uchucchacua, with a pair of small (but sharply hexagonal) pearceite crystals on the bottom front, and a quite large (but broken in half) proustite on the back. 

CCW52 Germanite

Level 39, Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia

3.7x 2.5x 0.8 cm

$63

A sample of rare germanite from Tsumeb.

CCQ53 Pintadoite with Fernandinite

Slick Rock Dist., San Miguel Co., Colorado, USA

6.1x 5.3x 3.7 cm

$42

A dusting of the calcium vanadium bearing phosphates pintadoite and fernandinite covering a chunk of sandstone.

CCQ54 Pyrite, Jamesonite, Arsenopyrite

Noche Buena Mine, Zacatecas, Mexico

5.3x 3.3x 2.8 cm

$39

A specimen of pyrite, jamesonite and minor arsenopyrite from the Noche Buena Mine.

CCQ55 Fluorite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China

3.8x 2.8x 3.6 cm

$59

A colorless octahedron of fluorite from recent finds at the Huanggang mines.  There is a point of attachment on the reverse, but as you can see from the pictures, it displays well from different angles.

CCQ56 Ilvaite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China

5.5x 5.2x 2.4 cm

$73

A pair of terminated black ilvaite crystals forming a nice V, attached to a bit of matrix.  The matrix is composed primarily of quartz.

Most of the time these occur off matrix

CCW57 Fluorite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China

6.0x 2.9x 3.7 cm

$76

A group of intergrown fluorite crystals, from recent finds at the Huanggang mines.

CCQ58 Sigloite ps. Paravauxite 

Siglo XX Mine, Near Llalagua, Oruro Dept., Bolivia

8.2x 4.8x 0.9 cm

$46

In 2006, miners at the Siglo XX Mine recovered some of the best paravauxites ever found.  This is a good example from that find.

In addition to the green paravauxite, there is also sigloite. The two minerals differ chemically by a single water molecule.

These are no longer being found.  A miner had stashed a small quantity of these away, and I purchased them all.

TIM34 Fluorite on Siderite

Yido Silver Mine, Bayan Obo, Baotou League (Baotou Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
4.3x 3.9x 2.0 cm

$100  $48

A specimen of purple fluorite on siderite from new production at the Yido Silver Mine. This is a decent reference sample of this new material.

Pieces like this are exciting because they come from a location that had previously not produced specimens. 

 The bulk of the currently available Inner Mongolian pieces come from only 3 or 4 mine clusters ( mainly Huanggang, Rongguan and Chaobuleng)-- over 200 such mines and mine clusters have been opened over the past several years.  That pieces like this make it to the market means that there is a chance that a greater portion of those 200+ locations will eventually start to produce collectible specimens.

CCQ59 Clinoclase 

Majuba Hill Mine, Pershing Co., Nevada, United States

3.6x 3.1x 2.4 cm

$46

A rich coverage of deep, inky blue clinoclase crystals on matrix.

CCQ60 Lueshite

Lueshe, Nord Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo

0.85x 0.85x 0.8 cm (edges)

$48

An great specimen of this rare niobium-bearing mineral, from the collection of the person who discovered the species.  This piece was likely collected in the 60's, and has been in Belgium since. 

This crystal is exceptionally large for the species-- typically specimens are about 1/2 the size. 

At its height employing upwards of 3000 people, the Lueshe mine is today one of the many points of contention in the war-ravaged Congolese northeast, having changed hands between various rebel factions and the government on a few occasions, against the backdrop of on-going legal disputes between Congolese officials and foreign companies.  In short, there is a reason why any specimens you see are old. 

In any case, this piece is about as large as they get for the species.

CCQ61 Genthelvite

Huanggang Mine, Keshiketeng Co., Chifeng Prefecture, Inner Mongolia A.R., China

1.5x 1.3x 1.2 cm

$42

A thumbnail specimen, consisting of a ball-shaped aggregate of tetrahedral crystals.

CCQ62 Orpiment

La Libertad Mine, Santiago de Chuco Prov., La Libertad Dept., Peru

2.9x 2.5x 1.7 cm

$38

A thumbnail specimen of old-style orpiment crystals from Peru.

CCQ63 Orpiment over Realgar, on Quartz

Palomo Mine, Castrovirreina Prov., Huancavelica Dept., Peru

4.6x 3.5x 2.2 cm

$39

A cluster of quartz crystals hosting a realgar crystal that has been overgrown by a smooth layer of orpiment.

CCQ64 Realgar on Quartz

Palomo Mine, Castrovirreina Prov., Huancavelica Dept., Peru

7.5x 4.2x 3.8 cm

$44

A deep red realgar crystal on a matrix of quartz crystals.

CCQ65 Adularia

Shigar Valley, Skardu, Pakisyan

6.4x 3.1x 2.1 cm

$63

An unusual cluster of adularia crystals from a find made around 2005-2006, that almost resembles the Faden growths observed in some quartz specimens.

CCQ66 Calcite on Quartz

Trepca, Mitrovica, Kosovo

10.5x 7.0x 4.0 cm

$68

A cabinet specimen of quartz with calcite crystals, from Kosovo.

CCQ67 Galena on Quartz, with Sphalerite

Palomo Mine, Castrovirreina Prov., Huancavelica Dept., Peru

6.7x 4.4x 2.8 cm

$42

A few bright galena crystals on a matrix of quartz crystals, and accompanied by dark sphalerite.

CCQ68 Cerussite

Mina Ojuela, Mapimi, Durango State, Mexico

13.7x 6.8x 3.6 cm

$76

A rich specimen of smoky cerussite from Mina Ojuela.  Cerussite has never been particularly common at this mine, but there was recently a find of the material, and most had inclusions that made the cerussite rather smoky (as is the case with this piece).

Mexican mineral collectors highly prize Ojuela cerussites, and when you actually do see one, it will often be priced at a premium.  

This one is a decent reference.

CCQ69 Pyrite

Huanzala Mine, Huallanca District, Dos de Mayo Province, Peru

5.7x 3.2x 2.7 cm

$37

A nice reference sample of the highly prized octahedral pyrite from Huanzala.  Cubes and dodecahedrons are the most common-- octahedrons have always been considerably rarer.

CCQ70 Kutnohorite

Uchucchacua Mine, Oyon Prov., Lima Dept., Peru

15.0x 8.8x 4.0 cm

$200 $94

An unusual cabinet specimen of kutnohorite from Uchucchacua, a locality better known for its rhodochrosite, alabandite, silver, and silver sulfosalts. 

This is a good Peruvian reference specimen, and a rather unusual piece for the locality. 

CCQ71 Fluorite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China

3.1x 3.0x 2.8 cm

$54

A green fluorite cube with brownish edges, on quartz.  from a find made around 1 year ago.

Green is not a typical color for fluorite from this locality-  most are colorless, with the odd pink or purple examples.

CCQ72 Ferberite

Tasna mine, Rosario section of Cerro Tasna, Atocha-Quechisla District, Nor Chichas Province, Potosi, Department, Bolivia.

3.7x 3.4x 2.7 cm

$43

A ferberite twin, with some edge damage.  The back it a flat cleaved surface.  Overall though, it displays clear twinning and good form.

CCQ73 Calcite

Boldut Mine, Cavnic, Marmures Co., Romania

7.6x 5.0x 2.5 cm

$63

Multiple globular clusters of calcite on matrix, from the once prolific Romanian sulfide mines. 

With Romania's entrance the EU in 2007, the main specimen producing mines (and many others) were forced to close as they were not compatible with EU regulations.  Even for some years before that, output had been decreased,  These days the specimens are still seen for sale, just not as often as before, as the mines are sealed shut.

CCQ74 Schorl Tourmaline

Shigar Valley, Skardu, Pakistan

2.9x 3.1x 3.2 cm

$39

A terminated black crystal of schorl from northern Pakistan.

CCQ75 Pyrite

Huanzala Mine, Huallanca District, Dos de Mayo Province, Peru

9.2x 7.2x 3.9 cm

$76

A cluster of bright octahedral pyrite crystals that are actually a cast, presumably after pyrrhotite. Blady indentations are visible under the specimen, and pyrrhotite is the most likely guess for Huanzala.

This this is incredibly bright and lustrous.  If you leave it under a lamp on a table, you will see small reflections on the ceiling.

Pyrite has long been a staple of the Peruvian mineral dealers, though since Fujimori's privatization program caused many mines to come under the control of foreign multinationals (Huanzala included) specimen production at many of the most famous mineral localities has severely slowed or stopped all together, a result of increased mechanization, better explosives, and changes in company policy.  

This is an older piece from a collector in Peru, and an example of material that is no longer quite as plentiful as it once was.

CCQ76 Fluorite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China

7.3x 3.3x 3.0 cm

$46

A group of colorless fluorite crystals on matrix, from Inner Mongolia.

CCQ77 Tellurium

Emperor Mine, Vatukoula, Tavua Gold Field, Viti Levu, Fiji

2.9x 2.7x 3.6 cm

$36

A reference specimen, with a bit of silvery tellurium on the top corner of the specimen.

The tellurium "patch" is about 0.7 cm.

CCQ78 Andradite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China

5.0x 2.8x 2.6 cm

$38

A cluster of brownish andradite garnets from the early finds at the Huanggang Mine.

CCQ79 Galena

Picher, Oklahoma, Tri-State District, United States 

(Pre-

5.0x 3.8x 1.2 cm

$42

A galena crystal perched on a thin column of chert. This specimen dates to the 1960's, unlike the Viburnum Trend specimens which are the product of current mining.

CCQ80 Galena

Picher, Oklahoma, Tri-State District, United States 

(Pre-

6.4x 2.1x 1.8 cm

$63

A galena crystal perched on a column of chert.  Small, but very nicely arranged.  

 This specimen dates to the 1960's, unlike the Viburnum Trend specimens which are the product of current mining.

CCQ81 Sphalerite, Nelenite

Huanggang Mine, Hexigten Banner (Keshiketeng Co.), Ulanhad League (Chifeng Prefecture), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China

6.4x 3.1x 4.8 cm

$78

A yellow fluorite crystal on a quartz matrix with many brown grains of the rare mineral nelenite. 

A reference sample of rare and particularly hard to get material from Huanggang.

CCQ82 Calcite

Sweetwater Mine, Viburnum Trend Dist., Missouri, United States

15.0x 6.2x 7.0 cm

$39

A yellow calcite crystal from the lead mining districts of Missouri.  There is damage, including a cleave and some edge wear.

CCQ83 Palygorskite var. "Mountain Leather"

Pend Oreille Mine, Boundary Dam, Metaline District, Pend Oreille Co., Washington, USA

21.5x 10.5x 0.3 cm

$58

A large sheet of flexible "mountain leather" from Washington.  Very unusual material that looks like a used tissue.

CCQ84 Cassiterite

Giyoujiya-yama, Kameoka- Shi, Kiyoto Pref., Japan

1.8x 1.2x 0.9 cm

$60

An old cassiterite crystal from Japan-- very rare and old material.