Mineral Specimens / Asia

Brookite

Brookite with Quartz and Albite

MC69X8: Group of Brookite crystals, one of them clearly dominant, that are very well defined and have uncommon sharp and flat terminations. They are on matrix, with Quartz and small Albite crystals.
Zard Mountains, Raskoh Mts., Kharan, Balochistan Pakistan (2004)

Specimen size: 4.5 × 3.4 × 2.6 cm = 1.8” × 1.3” × 1.0”

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 1.2 cm = 0.5” × 0.5”

Former collection of Josep Amigó (Silvane)

Brookite with Quartz and Albite

MA78E9: A crystal that stands upright on the matrix of Albite and Quartz. It is laminar, has good color and has well-defined edges.
Pashine, Baluchistan Pakistan (2004)

Specimen size: 3.8 × 3.5 × 5 cm = 1.5” × 1.4” × 2.0”

Main crystal size: 1.6 × 0.8 cm = 0.6” × 0.3”

Brookite with Quartz

MK17E9: The laminar crystals have great color and the Quartz that they sit on is well crystallized.
Pashine, Baluchistan Pakistan (2004)

Specimen size: 6 × 4.8 × 3 cm = 2.4” × 1.9” × 1.2”

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 0.7 cm = 0.5” × 0.3”

Diopside with Calcite

TL96X7: Parallel growths, with a very pronounced curvature, of crystals showing very well defined faces and edges and perfect terminations. The crystals are translucent, very bright and have a very deep green color. They are on matrix, with transparent Calcite and white small Albite . It is really a nice and special miniature.
Alchuri, Shigar Valley, Skardu Pakistan

Specimen size: 6.2 × 4.7 × 3.2 cm = 2.4” × 1.9” × 1.3”

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 0.5 cm = 0.5” × 0.2”

Calcite minor fluorescence long & short UV

Epidote

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EA86S9: A novelty at Sainte Marie-aux-Mines 2011. Group of crystals, of pistachio green color, with very simple forms but with a very uncommon habit, the predominance of a very well developed frontal pinacoid that results in the crystal being really smooth. The crystals are bright and deep green, almost black.
Raywoo Mine, Quetta, Balochistan Pakistan (2011)

Specimen size: 5.2 × 4.9 × 3 cm = 2.0” × 1.9” × 1.2”

Epidote

EF87T2: A novelty at Sainte Marie-aux-Mines 2011. Floater group of pistachio green color but with a very unusual habit, pseudo-octahedral, and with a feebly developed frontal pinacoid.
Raywoo Mine, Quetta, Balochistan Pakistan (2011)

Specimen size: 9.6 × 6.4 × 6.4 cm = 3.8” × 2.5” × 2.5”

Main crystal size: 5.5 × 4.6 cm = 2.2” × 1.8”

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Topaz with Muscovite and Albite

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MH66S9: Very sharp crystals of very well defined faces and edges. They are transparent, bright and have a slightly pink color, being on a Quartz matrix with leafy aggregates of Muscovite.
Skardu, Baltistan, Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan (2004)

Specimen size: 4.5 × 2.8 × 3.9 cm = 1.8” × 1.1” × 1.5”

Main crystal size: 1.8 × 1.2 cm = 0.7” × 0.5”

Minor fluorescence short UV

Fluorite with Mica

MC85M9: Octahedral crystal with bevels that correspond to the rhombohedron faces. It is transparent, pale pink and it is implanted on a matrix very rich of Muscovite.
Nagar, Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan (09-10/2007)

Specimen size: 3.9 × 3.8 × 3.1 cm = 1.5” × 1.5” × 1.2”

Main crystal size: 2.6 × 2.2 cm = 1.0” × 0.9”

Minor fluorescence long & short UV

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Fluorite with Muscovite and Schorl

Fluorescent light (day light)

Bulb light

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ME89K6: One of the novelties of Munich this year. An octahedral crystal with cube faces. The pink color is deeper on the cube faces. It is on Muscovite matrix with small Schorl crystals.
Nagar, Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan (09-10/2007)

Specimen size: 4.7 × 3.2 × 3.1 cm = 1.9” × 1.3” × 1.2”

Main crystal size: 3.2 × 3 cm = 1.3” × 1.2”

Fluorite with Mica

ML46M9: Group of crystals formed by an equilibrate growth of the cube and the octahedron that are beveled by the faces of a rhombohedron. The sample has two clearly differentiate coloration, pale green and pale pink.
Nagar, Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan (09-10/2007)

Specimen size: 5.8 × 4.5 × 4 cm = 2.3” × 1.8” × 1.6”

Fluorescent long & short UV

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Fluorite with Muscovite

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MG99K6: One of the novelties of Munich this year. Group of complex crystals with domains of the faces of the cube and octahedron. The color is magnificent, very deep. The specimen has a small Muscovite matrix.
Nagar, Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan (09-10/2007)

Specimen size: 6.5 × 6.1 × 4.6 cm = 2.6” × 2.4” × 1.8”

Fluorite with Muscovite

To see a larger 3D image please
click here or on the image

MB29N6: Cuboctahedral crystal with polycrystalline growths on its faces. It has an abundant variety of internal colors and a residual matrix of Muscovite.
Nagar, Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan (2008)

Specimen size: 6.7 × 6.5 × 6 cm = 2.6” × 2.6” × 2.4”

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Anatase with Albite and Quartz

EP87K1: Parallel growth of two dipyramidal crystals with flat pinacoidal terminations. Their luster is very good and they are black with bluish reflections. On matrix, with small crystals of Quartz and Albite.
Pashine, Baluchistan Pakistan (2006)

Specimen size: 5.4 × 3.2 × 3.8 cm = 2.1” × 1.3” × 1.5”

Main crystal size: 0.9 × 0.5 cm = 0.4” × 0.2”

Anatase with Albite and Quartz

EQ96K1: Very acute dipyramidal crystals of Anatase, some of them with flat terminations. Its luster is excellent and they are black with bluish reflections. They are on a matrix with small crystals of Quartz and Albite.
Pashine, Baluchistan Pakistan (2006)

Specimen size: 5.8 × 5.6 × 2 cm = 2.3” × 2.2” × 0.8”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.6 cm = 0.4” × 0.2”

Schorl

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TV46J3: A group of prismatic, naturally broken and rehealed, crystals. They have abundant curvatures and crystalline fibrous shaped sutures. Crystals are doubly terminated, with very different terminations. On one of the tips appear well defined and bright rhombohedron faces, on the other it finishes with a flat rough pedion. The quarry from which the sample came is not well known and, probably it has been recently opened.
Chapu Quarry, Skardu, Baltistan Pakistan (2006)

Specimen size: 8.8 × 3 × 3.3 cm = 3.5” × 1.2” × 1.3”

Beryl (Aquamarine)

Beryl (Aquamarine) with Muscovite and Albite

MG67T2: Crystals of Beryl (Aquamarine), one of them partially doubly terminated, showing the pinacoid and complex dipyramidal forms on both terminations. They are very transparent and bright, with uniform blue color and with inclusions. On Albite matrix, with leafy aggregates of crystallized Muscovite.
Shigar Valley, Skardu, Baltistan Pakistan

Specimen size: 6.1 × 4.7 × 4.7 cm = 2.4” × 1.9” × 1.9”

Main crystal size: 3.7 × 3.6 cm = 1.5” × 1.4”

Beryl (Aquamarine) with Muscovite and Albite

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Beryl (Aquamarine) with Muscovite and Albite. Top

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MR97T2: Stacked crystals of Beryl (Aquamarine) with simple forms, very bright and having a very intense sky blue color, with zoning stripes with showing slight changes of tones. On Albite matrix with Muscovite.
Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan

Specimen size: 8.2 × 6.3 × 5.3 cm = 3.2” × 2.5” × 2.1”

Main crystal size: 3.4 × 2.3 cm = 1.3” × 0.9”

Spinel

Spinel on Calcite

ME67S7: Sharp octahedral crystal, very flattened, completely transparent, bright and with a very intense ruby red color, deep and uniform. It is on a matrix of white Calcite.
Pein Pyit, Mogok, Mandalay Burma (1999)

Specimen size: 2,9 × 1.6 × 1.6 cm = 0.8” × 0.6” × 0.6”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.5 cm = 0.2” × 0.2”

Spinel with Calcite

MD13X7: Very sharp octahedral Spinel crystals, one of them clearly dominant. The crystals are translucent and bright, have a deep, intense and uniform red color and are on Calcite matrix with minor Pyrite.
Pein Pyit, Mogok, Mandalay Burma (2003)

Specimen size: 3 × 2.2 × 2.7 cm = 1.2” × 0.9” × 1.1”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.5 cm = 0.3” × 0.2”

Very fluorescent long & short UV

Doubly terminated Spinel

TC80E6: Large crystal of Spinel in which the octahedral form of the crystal is very visible, although the faces are not flat as there are many sub-faces due to parallel growth. It is a floater, but there is a contact on the rear. The color and brilliance are not bad but the best feature, without doubt, is its size. Really big!
Pein Pyit, Mogok, Mandalay Burma (1999)

Specimen size: 4.6 × 3.7 × 3.8 cm = 1.8” × 1.5” × 1.5”

Extremely fluorescent long & short UV

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Painite with Corundum

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TX71X5: Crystal of this rare borate of which very few significant samples are known. With very well defined faces and edges, the crystal shows a very well developed hexagonal prism that is almost completely coated by small crystals of red Corundum.
Mogok, Mandalay Burma

Specimen size: 3.4 × 0.7 × 0.7 cm = 1.3” × 0.3” × 0.3”

Corundum fluorescent long & short UV

Johachidolite with Quartz and Muscovite

ED87N9: A novelty at Ste. Marie 2009. Excellent sample of Johachidolite, among the best for this very rare borate. The crystals, with well defined faces and edges and orange color, are on a matrix of Quartz with Muscovite.
Pein Pyit, Mogok, Mandalay Burma (2008)

Specimen size: 3.8 × 3.2 × 2.4 cm = 1.5” × 1.3” × 0.9”

Main crystal size: 2.2 × 1.6 cm = 0.9” × 0.6”

Fluorescent long & short UV

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Johachidolite with Quartz and Muscovite. Top

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Johachidolite with Quartz, Sodalite (Hackmanite) and Muscovite

ER7N9: A novelty at Ste. Marie 2009. Excellent sample of Johachidolite, among the best for this very rare borate. The crystals, with well defined faces and edges and orange color, are on a matrix rich in Sodalite (Hackmanite) and Muscovite.
Pein Pyit, Mogok, Mandalay Burma (2008)

Specimen size: 4.4 × 3.2 × 4.2 cm = 1.7” × 1.3” × 1.7”

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 0.7 cm = 0.5” × 0.3”

Fluorescent long & short UV

Elbaite spheres on matrix

From Burma come these new, very interesting Elbaites (Rubellites) that are different from those in previous finds. The Elbaites are in the form of spheres or arborescent sprays on white Calcite or Quartz matrix, so the contrast between the white and red makes them very attractive. From this important find we have selected the specimens that have, in our opinion, the best esthetics, brilliance and definition of form. In all cases the Elbaite is aerial on the matrix. As many of the specimens from this find had some form of coating of some sort of Kaolin, we avoided them and went for the ones that have a ‘fresh’ look.
For you information, as no one could tell us if any analysis had been done of this find, we decided to have the analyzed. They are Elbaite, and while they do contain some Calcium in their composition it is not enough for them to be Liddicoatite. So they are definitely Elbaite.

Elbaite (Rubellite) with Quartz

TM28E2: This floater has good color and brilliance, and is also very esthetic.
Palelni Mine, Khetchel, Molo, Momeik Burma (2003-2004)

Specimen size: 3 × 2.6 × 2.6 cm = 1.2” × 1.0” × 1.0”

Main crystal size: 2.1 × 1.6 cm = 0.8” × 0.6”

Elbaite (Rubellite) with Quartz

TG96E2: Brilliant spheres of Elbaite that stand out on the white matrix.
Palelni Mine, Khetchel, Molo, Momeik Burma (2003-2004)

Specimen size: 3 × 2.7 × 1.9 cm = 1.2” × 1.1” × 0.7”

Main crystal size: 1.1 × 1.1 cm = 0.4” × 0.4”

Elbaite (Rubellite) on Calcite

TJ27E2: This arborescent Elbaite is even more unusual than the others, as very few were found with this form.
Palelni Mine, Khetchel, Molo, Momeik Burma (2003-2004)

Specimen size: 3.5 × 3.4 × 2.6 cm = 1.4” × 1.3” × 1.0”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.7 cm = 0.8” × 0.7”

Elbaite (Rubellite) with Calcite

TP88E2: Very appealing with a lively color. One of the spheres of Elbaite is not complete (but it is re-crystallized) while the others are.
Palelni Mine, Khetchel, Molo, Momeik Burma (2003-2004)

Specimen size: 4.2 × 2.8 × 2.1 cm = 1.7” × 1.1” × 0.8”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.8 cm = 0.8” × 0.7”

Elbaite (Rubellite) with Quartz and Schorl

TQ37V7: Polycrystalline aggregates (“mushroom” shaped) of Elbaite (rubellite) with very well developed curvatures on the faces and edges that confer this curious appearance to the aggregate. The sample is very aerial, with deep color and it is on Quartz matrix, with small bits of Schorl on the back.
Palelni Mine, Khetchel, Molo, Momeik Burma (2003-2004)

Specimen size: 4.2 × 4.1 × 2.7 cm = 1.7” × 1.6” × 1.1”

Elbaite (Rubellite) on Calcite

TD96E2: Different from the others because of the color and the fact that it is Fluorescent, which is not the case with the others. The form is also different and the crystals stand out from the matrix.
Palelni Mine, Khetchel, Molo, Momeik Burma (2003-2004)

Specimen size: 4.8 × 4.4 × 2.9 cm = 1.9” × 1.7” × 1.1”

Main crystal size: 1.9 × 1.8 cm = 0.7” × 0.7”

Minor fluorescence long & short UV

Elbaite (Rubellite) with Calcite

MB14J5: Globular growth, almost botryoidal, uncommon for the species, on Calcite matrix. The color, between red and pink, is enhanced by the magnificent luster.
Palelni Mine, Khetchel, Molo, Momeik Burma (2003-2004)

Specimen size: 5.5 × 3.4 × 3.5 cm = 2.2” × 1.3” × 1.4”

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV

Elbaite (Rubellite) with Quartz

TF13E2: Small ‘buttons’ of Elbaite spread across the matrix, with some associated smoky Quartz.
Palelni Mine, Khetchel, Molo, Momeik Burma (2003-2004)

Specimen size: 5.5 × 3.5 × 2.8 cm = 2.2” × 1.4” × 1.1”

Main crystal size: 1.1 × 0.8 cm = 0.4” × 0.3”

Elbaite (Rubellite) on Schorl

TC88V7: Polycrystalline aggregates (“mushroom” shaped) of Elbaite (rubellite) with very well developed curvatures on the faces and edges that confer this curious appearance to the aggregate. The crystals have three very different shades of color: pale pink on the prism faces, of fibrous aspect, and the terminal faces that present two different red tones. The growth of Elbaite is coating a crystal of Schorl as a hood.
Palelni Mine, Khetchel, Molo, Momeik Burma (2003-2004)

Specimen size: 5.5 × 4.4 × 5 cm = 2.2” × 1.7” × 2.0”

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Elbaite (Rubellite) on Calcite

TC27E2: An arborescent Elbaite on Calcite with two colors: pink and deep red. An unusual specimen.
Palelni Mine, Khetchel, Molo, Momeik Burma (2003-2004)

Specimen size: 7 × 3.8 × 4.2 cm = 2.8” × 1.5” × 1.7”

Main crystal size: 2.2 × 2 cm = 0.9” × 0.8”

Elbaite (Rubellite) with Schorl

TB70H5: The crystallization is typical for this locality in Myanmar, shaped as a "mushroom" and with the particularity that shows two different shades of color, more intense near the base. At the base of the sample, and included within the Elbaite, there is a Schorl prism.
Palelni Mine, Khetchel, Molo, Momeik Burma (2003-2004)

Specimen size: 7.2 × 5.1 × 3.9 cm = 2.8” × 2.0” × 1.5”

Doubly terminated Calcite with inclusions

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Doubly terminated Calcite with inclusions. Top

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TF46V4: Doubly terminated crystal, on matrix, with very complex forms. It is bright and transparent and shows a phantom growth in its central zone.
Poona, Maharashtra India

Specimen size: 4.3 × 4.1 × 3.2 cm = 1.7” × 1.6” × 1.3”

Cavansite with Calcite

MX76V0: Group of very sharp crystals of Cavansite with a very intense color and luster and some of them doubly terminated, with four rhombohedral crystals of Calcite, transparent and with a clear yellow color. One of the few samples found with this association.
Wagholi Quarry, Poona, Maharashtra India (2008)

Specimen size: 2.4 × 2.1 × 1.8 cm = 0.9” × 0.8” × 0.7”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 0.4 cm = 0.6” × 0.2”

Fluorescent long & short UV

Cavansite on Stilbite

MM16S7: Very well defined spherical growth of small dipyramidal crystals of Cavansite, on a matrix of basalt coated by crystals of Stilbite.
Wagholi Quarry, Poona, Maharashtra India

Specimen size: 8.5 × 7.9 × 4.7 cm = 3.3” × 3.1” × 1.9”

Main crystal size: 1.6 × 1.4 cm = 0.6” × 0.6”

Pentagonite with Heulandite and Stilbite

TB56S9: Centered growths of very thin and elongated, almost acicular, crystals with very well defined faces and edges and excellent color and luster. On a basaltic matrix with white crystals of Heulandite and Stilbite.
Wagholi Quarry, Poona, Maharashtra India (09/2009)

Specimen size: 4.3 × 4.3 × 3.3 cm = 1.7” × 1.7” × 1.3”

Apophyllite-(KF) with Stilbite

MD97T2: Typical radial aggregate of this find, with crystals formed by the prism and the pinacoid, very bright and with a diffuse color zoning, green at the base and colorless on the termination, with white bow-tie crystals of Stilbite, and on basalt matrix.
Momim Akhada, Rahuri, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra India (04-05/2004)

Specimen size: 10.8 × 7.6 × 4.4 cm = 4.3” × 3.0” × 1.7”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 0.7 cm = 0.6” × 0.3”

Mesolite with Heulandite, Stilbite and Laumontite

ME11Q7: Spheroidal aggregate of yellowish acicular crystals of Mesolite on a matrix of crystals of Heulandite partially coated by groups of white Stilbite and with Laumontite.
Kannad, Aurangabad, Maharashtra India (08/2009)

Specimen size: 8.5 × 6 × 3.8 cm = 3.3” × 2.4” × 1.5”

Main crystal size: 2.4 × 2.2 cm = 0.9” × 0.9”

Mesolite with Heulandite and Laumontite

MG9R9: Slightly globular (so called "mushroom") growths of acicular crystals of Mesolite on a matrix of sharp Heulandite crystals, an elongated crystal of Stilbite and white aggregates of Laumontite. (or elongated crystals of Stilbite, no photo)
Kannad, Aurangabad, Maharashtra India (08/2009)

Specimen size: 8.8 × 5.2 × 2.6 cm = 3.5” × 2.0” × 1.0”

Main crystal size: 3.2 × 3 cm = 1.3” × 1.2”

Mesolite with Heulandite and Laumontite

MF12R9: Slightly globular (so called "mushroom") growths of acicular crystals of Mesolite on a matrix of sharp Heulandite crystals and white aggregates of Laumontite.
Kannad, Aurangabad, Maharashtra India (08/2009)

Specimen size: 11.7 × 9.6 × 4.2 cm = 4.6” × 3.8” × 1.7”

Main crystal size: 3.8 × 3.2 cm = 1.5” × 1.3”

Marialite-Meionite (Scapolite Group)

MK61R9: A doubly terminated floater crystal, completely transparent, bright, slightly yellowish. Both terminations are excellent.
Karur District, Tamil Nadu India (2010)

Specimen size: 2.8 × 0.7 × 0.6 cm = 1.1” × 0.3” × 0.2”

Marialite-Meionite (Scapolite Group)

MD62R9: A doubly terminated floater crystal, completely transparent, bright, slightly yellowish. Both terminations are excellent.
Karur District, Tamil Nadu India (2010)

Specimen size: 4 × 0.7 × 0.7 cm = 1.6” × 0.3” × 0.3”

Pyromorphite with Malachite

TA38V7: Aggregates of small short prismatic crystals of Pyromorphite, a lot of them doubly terminated, with grass green color and very bright. They are spread on a matrix of very dark green botryoidal Malachite. From the personal selection of the collectors of this material, whose samples have been individually numbered. The locality is still a classic for Australian Pyromorphite.
Brown's Open Pit, Rum Jungle, Batchelor, Northern Territory Australia (10/2010)

Specimen size: 5.3 × 5 × 3.9 cm = 2.1” × 2.0” × 1.5”

Main crystal size: 0.2 × 0.1 cm = 0.1” × 0.0”

Pyromorphite with Malachite

To see a larger 3D image please
click here or on the image

TV89X5: Spheroidal aggregates, on matrix, of small Pyromorphite crystals that are very bright and with a greenish-yellow color that strongly contrasts with the deep green color of the Malachite on the sample.
Brown's Open Pit, Rum Jungle, Batchelor, Northern Territory Australia (11/2010)

Specimen size: 6.6 × 5.1 × 2.5 cm = 2.6” × 2.0” × 1.0”

Pyromorphite with Malachite

TR89V2: Aggregates of microcrystals of Pyromorphite, with grass green color and very bright, that partially drape the matrix of very dark green botryoidal Malachite. From the personal selection of the collectors of this material, whose samples have been individually numbered. The locality is still a classic for Australian Pyromorphite.
"The Golden Pocket", Brown's Open Pit, Rum Jungle, Batchelor, Northern Territory Australia (11/2010)

Specimen size: 10.3 × 5 × 3.2 cm = 4.1” × 2.0” × 1.3”

Main crystal size: 0.1 × 0.1 cm = 0.0” × 0.0”

Azurite

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TR37W1: Very flattened complete nodule whose contour remembers a medallion. It has a vivid blue color and is on matrix. The sample is more solid than usual in this kind of sample due to the richness of the Azurite.
Malbunka copper Mine, Western Aranda, Ltalaltuma Australia (2011)

Specimen size: 9.9 × 9.5 × 2.3 cm = 3.9” × 3.7” × 0.9”

Azurite

TA96X1: Very flattened nodules of Azurite on matrix. They have a circular appearance, rough surfaces and have a very vivid and uniform color.
Malbunka copper Mine, Western Aranda, Ltalaltuma Australia (2011)

Specimen size: 11 × 10.3 × 4.3 cm = 4.3” × 4.1” × 1.7”

Main crystal size: 4.2 × 2.9 cm = 1.7” × 1.1”

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Anglesite

TF90V7: Irregular aggregate of translucent and bright prismatic crystals with very well defined faces and edges, a slightly pink color and on matrix. We note that Anglesite, in well developed crystals, is a quite rare species at this locality. The sample is from the Natural History Museum in London, which obtained it from the H.S. Gordon collection from which it passed to the Earl L. Calvert collection. We’ll send the original label from the Mineral Department, British Museum, to the buyer.
Broken Hill, Yancowinna County, New South Wales Australia

Specimen size: 11.8 × 8 × 3.8 cm = 4.6” × 3.1” × 1.5”

Gold on Quartz

MJ98S1: Arborescent laminar growth in which some of its crystals have very well defined faces and edges because they are preserved between the main Gold growth and the Quartz matrix.
Ballarat, Victoria Australia (±1985)

Specimen size: 3.4 × 1.5 × 2.1 cm = 1.3” × 0.6” × 0.8”