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Reference Specimens
The Folch Collection

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Photos by Fabre Minerals. Under Creative Commons license

This page provides a selection of the specimensthat were in the Folch Collection that have passed through the Fabre Minerals website and, due to their quality,
rarity, or significance as specimens from interesting locations, have been preserved as reference specimens in #MVM
We hope that you enjoy your visit, even if it is just to see this page!

Carles Curto Text: Carles Curto (former Geology Museum, Barcelona curator) & Jordi Fabre
Assistance from John S. White (former Smithsonian curator) John S. White

 


The Folch Collection

The Folch Collection was known during the period 1960-1980 as one of the best private collections in the world. It was famous worldwide for its size (more than 15,000 specimens), the quality of the specimens, the large number of classic specimens which are now almost impossible to obtain, and the style of the collection, which is surprisingly 'modern'. Sr. Folch (Joaquín Folch Girona) collected during a period when the style of most collectors in Europe consisted of gathering large specimens of rare minerals, and in which esthetics and perfection were not that important. That said he actually tended to collect smaller specimens that were esthetic and, when possible, damage free. On the death of Sr. Folch, in 1984, the collection passed to his son Alberto, and when he in turn died it went to his grandson Joaquín Folch who wisely decided to keep the collection exactly as his grandfather had it (including the display cases). So the collection was kept together and its enormous historical value has not been lost.

While I was a teenager I had the luck to have been warmly invited by Sr. Folch to visit the collection. I made numerous visits, and with him beside me I obtained an enormous amount of mineralogical information which went far beyond what I would have learned anywhere else. Given this experience I have always had a strong connection with the collection.

During my ongoing contacts with the Folch family a moment arrived when they expressed their desire to update the collection so as to make it more current - since 1984 nothing new had been added so there was a significant gap in the minerals found since then. After lots of friendly and unhurried discussions the Folch family asked me to help them with this updating process. To do this we had the good fortune that the collection included many attractive duplicates. These duplicates do not add much to the Folch collection, as there are other examples of all of them, but given their unusual localities and/or high quality they still represent good commercial specimens.

So, for the first time, some of the duplicate specimens from the Folch Collection are emerging into the sunlight. Each one of them has hand written notes made by Sr. Folch himself as well as, in many cases, his personal label and number (in the case that they were part of the major collection). The duplicates will be sold during the shows that we normally attend, and also through our web site and store in Barcelona (you need to arrange a visit beforehand, which we will try to find a way of accommodating visitors)

This project will take us a long time, as the specimens available are numerous and neither the family nor I wish to make the choices too quickly. The idea is to work slowly and select the pieces in a very systematic and careful manner. We think that given the special characteristics of the specimens that will be available and their historical value this will be a great chance for many collectors to obtain pieces that would otherwise have remained pure dreams.

We hope that little by little we can satisfy all those that wish to acquire a duplicate from the Folch collection and we can assure them that this task will give us far more pleasure than simple economic benefits. Sr. Folch was my spiritual father in mineralogical terms so handling his minerals and helping to improve his collection with new purchases is a fantastic sensation for me because the profits gained from the sale of these duplicates are used to acquire more contemporary specimens, thus satisfying the family's desire to update the collection.

I cannot thank the Folch family enough for their good faith and for their wish to improve the collection. They are helped by the undeniable support and enthusiasm of Francisco Riquelme, the current conservator of the collection, and between them they have taken a step that many people have wished them to take and that will give great joy to collectors worldwide, as well as increasing interest in and knowledge of the Folch collection in Spain and the rest of the world.

 


1926: Mineralogical Society, Jubilee Celebration.
Sr. Folch is the third from the right in the first row on foot

 

 

 


Sr. Folch holding an Apatite from Panasqueira

 

 

 

 

Typical handwritten labels from the Folch Collection
 



Typical record from the Folch Collection
 

Tsumeb

Twinned Cerussite
Twinned Cerussite.
Twinned Cerussite  

RK96F9: Showing the smoky tones and the transparency of the best Cerussites from Tsumeb. On the front the twin plane is clearly seen.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1963)

Specimen size: 3 × 2.8 × 2.4 cm = 1.18” × 1.10” × 0.94”

With handwritten note & record from the Folch Collection (duplicates)

Minor fluorescence short UV
Cerussite
Cerussite  

RN16G2: A cyclic twin (very uncommon from Tsumeb and very similar to specimens from Mibladen) with polysynthetic growth. This floating specimen was purchased from W. Maucher in 1953.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1953)

Specimen size: 3 × 2.8 × 2.8 cm = 1.18” × 1.10” × 1.10”

With handwritten note & record from the Folch Collection (duplicates)

Intense Fluorescence long & short UV
Cerussite.
Cerussite with Duftite
Cerussite with Duftite.
Cerussite with Duftite  

RT96F9: A prismatic crystal with magnificent faces on the top and the esthetic counterpoint of spherical green aggregates of Duftite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1963)

Specimen size: 3.8 × 2.2 × 2.1 cm = 1.50” × 0.87” × 0.83”

With handwritten note & record from the Folch Collection (duplicates)

Minor fluorescence short UV
Cerussite
 

RK36Q5: Elongated twinned prismatic crystals. They are translucent and bright and have very well defined faces and edges.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 4.3 × 1.7 × 1.4 cm = 1.69” × 0.67” × 0.55”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)

Minor fluorescence short UV
Cerussite. Front
Front		Cerussite. Side
Side
Twinned Cerussite
Twinned Cerussite. Front
Front		Twinned Cerussite. Side
Side
Twinned Cerussite  

RQ56M3: Radial group of yellowish Cerussite cyclic twins, with very sharp faces and edges on a Limonite matrix.
This sample was purchased in 1961 in the Comtoir N. Boubée & Cie in Paris. We will send to the buyer the Boubée label, with the handwritten notes of Mr. Folch, and the card from the Folch Collection (Nr. 2429).
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1961)

Specimen size: 4.5 × 3.4 × 3 cm = 1.77” × 1.34” × 1.18”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.3 cm = 0.79” × 0.51”

With handwritten note & record from the Folch Collection (duplicates)

Minor fluorescence short UV
Cerussite doubly terminated with Duftite and Willemite
Cerussite doubly terminated with Duftite and Willemite  

SM120RFF: Doubly terminated crystals of Cerussite with a prismatic habit, one of them clearly dominant and very well positioned on the matrix, with well defined faces and edges and good terminations, translucent, lustrous, and on a matrix partially covered by globular microgrowths of bright green lustrous Duftite, and small crystals of Willemite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (120)

Specimen size: 5.4 × 4.9 × 2.2 cm = 2.13” × 1.93” × 0.87”

Main crystal size: 2.9 × 0.9 cm = 1.14” × 0.35”

Former collection Folch (duplicates)
Cerussite doubly terminated with Duftite and Willemite.
Cerussite with Smithsonite
Cerussite with Smithsonite. Cerussite with Smithsonite.
 

RY64M2: Tabular Cerussite crystals showing perfect cyclic twins. The color is slightly smoky, but with an excellent transparency and brilliance. On a rich dark Smithsonite crystal matrix.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 5.5 × 3.7 × 3.2 cm = 2.17” × 1.46” × 1.26”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.7 cm = 0.39” × 0.28”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)

Fluorescent long & short UV
Cerussite with Smithsonite and Azurite
 

RF63H8: An excellent miniature in which Cerussite forms cyclic twins. It has very well defined and bright faces free of damage. The paragenesis is interesting, with Smithsonite and Azurite on the matrix.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.7 × 3.3 × 2.8 cm = 1.46” × 1.30” × 1.10”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.8 cm = 0.79” × 0.71”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Cerussite with Smithsonite and Azurite. Cerussite with Smithsonite and Azurite.
Azurite
Azurite. Front
Front		Azurite. Rear
Rear
 

FZ6K0: A floater group of two flattened prismatic crystals, of thick tabular appearance and doubly terminated, that have very bright and well defined faces and edges. Excellent miniature.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 2.5 × 2.1 × 1.4 cm = 0.98” × 0.83” × 0.55”

Main crystal size: 1.8 × 1.6 cm = 0.71” × 0.63”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Azurite with Cerussite
 

RQ62J7: Very well defined prismatic crystals, some of them doubly terminated, on a matrix very rich of small white crystals of Cerussite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1979)

Specimen size: 4.3 × 3.3 × 1.7 cm = 1.69” × 1.30” × 0.67”

Main crystal size: 0.8 × 0.2 cm = 0.31” × 0.08”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Azurite with Cerussite. Azurite with Cerussite.
Malachite
Malachite. Malachite.
 

RY96G6: An old sample, very attractive, in which the Malachite forms crystals of curved edges and faces giving them a nearly spherical shape. The esthetics of the piece is enhanced by the strong contrast of color between the Malachite and the lighter matrix.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1973)

Specimen size: 8.2 × 6.3 × 4.8 cm = 3.23” × 2.48” × 1.89”

Main crystal size: 0.4 × 0.2 cm = 0.16” × 0.08”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)

Calcite intense fluorescence short UV
Dioptase with Calcite
 

RL36G2: Very well defined crystals with perfect color and luster, partially covered by Calcite on a matrix of crystallized Dolomite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 2.9 × 2.7 × 2.4 cm = 1.14” × 1.06” × 0.94”

Main crystal size: 1.1 × 0.7 cm = 0.43” × 0.28”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Dioptase with Calcite. Front
Front		Dioptase with Calcite. Side
Side
Dioptase with Smithsonite
Dioptase with Smithsonite.
 

RC96F8: Complex, doubly terminated crystals on a harmonious matrix, with Smithsonite. A highly elegant miniature.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 4 × 2.4 × 1.4 cm = 1.57” × 0.94” × 0.55”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 0.8 cm = 0.55” × 0.31”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Dioptase with Calcite
 

RR26H8: An attractive sample with a lot of doubly terminated crystals, bright and with a magnificent color contrasting with the matrix of white Dolomite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 4.5 × 3 × 3.3 cm = 1.77” × 1.18” × 1.30”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.3 cm = 0.28” × 0.12”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV
Dioptase with Calcite.
Dioptase with Calcite
Dioptase with Calcite. Front
Front		Dioptase with Calcite. Side
Side
 

RG67H9: A classic. Crystals, even though small, have very well defined faces and edges and extraordinary color and luster that contrasts with the white Calcite of the matrix.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 5 × 3.8 × 2.9 cm = 1.97” × 1.50” × 1.14”

Main crystal size: 0.3 × 0.2 cm = 0.12” × 0.08”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Dioptase with Calcite
 

RA58K4: Small crystals of Dioptase with good luster and color, partially covered by Calcite micro-crystals and on matrix of Calcite rhombohedrons.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1973)

Specimen size: 6.8 × 6.6 × 4.7 cm = 2.68” × 2.60” × 1.85”

Main crystal size: 0.2 × 0.1 cm = 0.08” × 0.04”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)

Calcite minor fluorescence long & short UV
Dioptase with Calcite. Dioptase with Calcite.
Dioptase with Calcite
Dioptase with Calcite.
Dioptase with Calcite.
 

RC6K9: Layer of small but very bright and good color Dioptase crystals covering a white-yellowish rhombohedral Calcite matrix.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1973)

Specimen size: 7.5 × 4.4 × 3.8 cm = 2.95” × 1.73” × 1.50”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)

Calcite very fluorescent long & short UV
Dioptase on Calcite
 

RD92G6: Undamaged crystals with a magnificent color and luster and some of them are doubly terminated. Beautifully positioned on a matrix of white Calcite, the piece is ideal for any collection. A great specimen.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1973)

Specimen size: 7.7 × 5.2 × 4.8 cm = 3.03” × 2.05” × 1.89”

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 0.7 cm = 0.47” × 0.28”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Dioptase on Calcite.
Dioptase on Calcite. Front
Front		Dioptase on Calcite. Rear
Rear
Dioptase with Calcite
Dioptase with Calcite. Dioptase with Calcite.
 

RG16V5: Doubly terminated crystals with very intense color and luster and on Calcite matrix.
The sample is with a label that we'll send to the buyer.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 8 × 4.2 × 2 cm = 3.15” × 1.65” × 0.79”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.3 cm = 0.28” × 0.12”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)

Calcite fluorescent short UV & low fluorescence long UV
Dioptase with Calcite
 

RB26J7: Small crystals formed by the prism and acute terminations of the rhombohedron, which selectively occupied the surface of some of the faces of the white rhombohedrons of Calcite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1973)

Specimen size: 8.5 × 5.4 × 5.1 cm = 3.35” × 2.13” × 2.01”

Main crystal size: 0.2 × 0.1 cm = 0.08” × 0.04”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV
Dioptase with Calcite.
Dioptase with Calcite.
Mottramite with Calcite
Mottramite with Calcite.
Mottramite with Calcite.
 

RM64K4: Concretions and arborescent growths of Mottramite of attractive green color, on crystals of Calcite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1979)

Specimen size: 5.7 × 4.9 × 3 cm = 2.24” × 1.93” × 1.18”

Main crystal size: 0.3 × 0.2 cm = 0.12” × 0.08”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Mottramite with Calcite
 

RB27Z6: Greenish black globular growths of Mottramite scattered on a druse of transparent rhombohedral Calcite crystals on matrix. The Mottramite spherules have been analyzed and we will send a copy of the analysis to the buyer.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 7.3 × 4.1 × 2 cm = 2.87” × 1.61” × 0.79”

Main crystal size: 0.2 × 0.2 cm = 0.08” × 0.08”

Calcite fluorescent short UV

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Mottramite with Calcite. Mottramite with Calcite.
Duftite with Calcite
Duftite with Calcite. Front
Front		Duftite with Calcite. Rear
Rear
Duftite with Calcite.
 

RD14S7: Aggregate of complex doubly terminated crystals of Calcite. They are very transparent, colorless and bright, with dendritic growths of clear green Duftite which almost completely coats the back side of the piece.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1973)

Specimen size: 7.2 × 4.8 × 3.8 cm = 2.83” × 1.89” × 1.50”

Main crystal size: 0.6 × 0.5 cm = 0.24” × 0.20”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Smithsonite
Smithsonite  

RB26AE6: An aggregate, on matrix, of rhombohedral Smithsonite crystals with very well defined finely curved edges, they are between translucent and transparent, bright and have a very uniform pale salmon pink color.
The sample is from the Joaquín Folch duplicates collection, whose label we’ll send to the buyer.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 6.3 × 5.6 × 1.8 cm = 2.48” × 2.20” × 0.71”

Main crystal size: 0.8 × 0.4 cm = 0.31” × 0.16”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Smithsonite. Smithsonite.
Smithsonite
Smithsonite.
Smithsonite. Smithsonite.
Smithsonite  

RG47V5: Group of crystals with very well defined faces and edges on which the forms of the rhombohedron are dominant. The crystals are translucent, with a clear cream color and have considerable size for the locality.
The sample is with a label and the collection card that we'll send to the buyer.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1973)

Specimen size: 7.8 × 3 × 3.1 cm = 3.07” × 1.18” × 1.22”

Main crystal size: 1.1 × 1.1 cm = 0.43” × 0.43”

With handwritten note & record from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Smithsonite
 

RM67P8: Group of rhombohedral crystals of good size, with very well defined faces and edges, slightly pinkish and on matrix. A classic.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1973)

Specimen size: 10 × 8.5 × 7.8 cm = 3.94” × 3.35” × 3.07”

Main crystal size: 0.8 × 0.7 cm = 0.31” × 0.28”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Smithsonite. Smithsonite.
Smithsonite with Galena
Smithsonite with Galena. Smithsonite with Galena.
 

RJ47T8: Druse of rhombohedral crystals of Smithsonite of pale pink color, more isolated and aerial than usual with Tsumeb samples. With the Smithsonite is a very well defined cuboctahedral crystal of Galena partially coated by Smithsonite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 10.4 × 6.5 × 4.5 cm = 4.09” × 2.56” × 1.77”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.4 cm = 0.20” × 0.16”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Smithsonite
 

RY27I7: Groups and isolated rhombohedral crystals of Smithsonite, yellow and shiny, that occupy a vug on a rocky matrix. A note on the label says it was acquired by Sr. Salada, July 25, 1973.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1973)

Specimen size: 11 × 10.4 × 7.6 cm = 4.33” × 4.09” × 2.99”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)

Fluorescence short UV & low fluorescence long UV
Smithsonite. Front
Front		Smithsonite. Side
Side
Smithsonite.
Smithsonite
Smithsonite.
Smithsonite.
 

RA91J3: An excellent specimen, very rich in rhombohedral crystals of good color.
The sample was valued for the first time in 1973 and it is with a label of Albert Salada, from Aiguafreda, Barcelona, that we’ll send to the buyer.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1973)

Specimen size: 13.5 × 10 × 7.8 cm = 5.31” × 3.94” × 3.07”

Main crystal size: 1.1 × 0.9 cm = 0.43” × 0.35”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Smithsonite (variety cuprian)
 

RG46F8: Extraordinary color and brilliance. The crystal definition is also magnificent.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1973)

Specimen size: 4 × 2.9 × 1.4 cm = 1.57” × 1.14” × 0.55”

Main crystal size: 0.2 × 0.2 cm = 0.08” × 0.08”

With handwritten note & record from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Smithsonite (variety cuprian).
Smithsonite (variety cuprian)
Smithsonite (variety cuprian).
 

RL61J1: Drusy group of complex crystals. They are bright and the green color is more intense than usual on this kind of specimen.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 5.5 × 4.2 × 1.8 cm = 2.17” × 1.65” × 0.71”

Main crystal size: 0.3 × 0.3 cm = 0.12” × 0.12”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Smithsonite (variety cuprian) with Calcite
 

RR48H0: A group with rhombohedral crystals of considerable size and an excellent intense green color, on a rocky matrix that make the specimen very aerial.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1973)

Specimen size: 6.4 × 4.6 × 2.7 cm = 2.52” × 1.81” × 1.06”

Main crystal size: 1.5 × 1.2 cm = 0.59” × 0.47”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Smithsonite (variety cuprian) with Calcite. Smithsonite (variety cuprian) with Calcite.
Smithsonite (variety cuprian)
Smithsonite (variety cuprian). Smithsonite (variety cuprian).
 

RJ96V5: Irregular aggregate of small crystals with complex forms. They are very bright with a yellowish green color and on matrix.
The sample is with a label that we'll send to the buyer.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 8.4 × 6 × 3.3 cm = 3.31” × 2.36” × 1.30”

Main crystal size: 0.2 × 0.2 cm = 0.08” × 0.08”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions
 

RP96V0: Group of Smithsonite crystals formed by a dominant flattened rhombohedron and poorly developed prismatic faces. The crystals are bright, translucent to transparent, they have a very intense yellow color and they are on matrix with Calcite and small crystals of Cuprite variety Chalcotrichite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1973)

Specimen size: 5.2 × 4.7 × 3.6 cm = 2.05” × 1.85” × 1.42”

Main crystal size: 0.4 × 0.4 cm = 0.16” × 0.16”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions. Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions.
Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions
Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions. Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions.
 

RP46Q5: A group of crystals with very well defined faces and edges and clear green color, some of them with red inclusions of Cuprite. They are bright and on matrix.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1973)

Specimen size: 5.6 × 4.8 × 4.4 cm = 2.20” × 1.89” × 1.73”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.5 cm = 0.20” × 0.20”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions
 

RM76P8: A group of crystals on matrix. They have a rounded aspect but is possible to see the dominant faces of the rhombohedron. Their yellowish green color is attractive and they have reddish shades due Cuprite inclusions.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 6.7 × 4.8 × 2.5 cm = 2.64” × 1.89” × 0.98”

Main crystal size: 0.4 × 0.4 cm = 0.16” × 0.16”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions. Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions.
Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions
Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions. Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions.
 

RD86K9: Druse, on matrix, of Smithsonite crystals, that look rounded. They are complex but dominated by the rhombohedron. Very atractive green-yellowish color enhanced by red Cuprite inclusions.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (07/1973)

Specimen size: 7.8 × 7.2 × 0.7 cm = 3.07” × 2.83” × 0.28”

Main crystal size: 0.3 × 0.3 cm = 0.12” × 0.12”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions
 

RF47I2: Group of crystals on matrix. Those crystals, of round aspect, are complex but the rhombohedron dominates. Their color is yellowish-green, very attractive and emphasized by red inclusions of Cuprite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (25-07/1973)

Specimen size: 8 × 5.2 × 2.5 cm = 3.15” × 2.05” × 0.98”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.5 cm = 0.20” × 0.20”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions.
Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions.
Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions
Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions. Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions.
 

RE66K9: Druse, on matrix, of Smithsonite crystals, that look rounded. They are complex but dominated by the rhombohedron. Very atractive green-yellowish color enhanced by red Cuprite inclusions.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (07/1973)

Specimen size: 8 × 7.2 × 0.7 cm = 3.15” × 2.83” × 0.28”

Main crystal size: 0.4 × 0.3 cm = 0.16” × 0.12”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions
 

RP26X8: Druse of complex, equant, Smithsonite crystals. They are bright and have a greenish-yellow color that in wide areas on the sample is red due to Cuprite inclusions and coatings.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 8.1 × 5.3 × 4.2 cm = 3.19” × 2.09” × 1.65”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.4 cm = 0.20” × 0.16”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions. Front
Front		Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions. Side
Side
Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions
Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions. Smithsonite with Cuprite inclusions.
 

RE96I2: A druse of complex crystals in which the rhombohedron is dominant. Crystals have a round aspect and have yellowish-green color with red inclusions of Cuprite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (25-07/1973)

Specimen size: 8.3 × 3.8 × 2.1 cm = 3.27” × 1.50” × 0.83”

Main crystal size: 0.4 × 0.4 cm = 0.16” × 0.16”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Smithsonite (Cd-bearing)
 

RA58G0: A rare variety of Smithsonite. The color, brightness and sharpness of crystals are excellent, and also its position on the matrix.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 6.4 × 4.3 × 3.4 cm = 2.52” × 1.69” × 1.34”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.7 cm = 0.28” × 0.28”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Smithsonite (Cd-bearing).
Smithsonite (Cd-bearing). Smithsonite (Cd-bearing).
Mimetite with Dolomite
Mimetite with Dolomite.
 

RZ64I8: Nice miniature. The crystals consist of the prism and steep dipyramids that form the terminations, their faces and edges are very well defined, the luster is bright and the color is extraordinarily deep so that they strongly contrast with the white Dolomite matrix.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1979)

Specimen size: 3.4 × 2.5 × 2.9 cm = 1.34” × 0.98” × 1.14”

Main crystal size: 0.9 × 0.4 cm = 0.35” × 0.16”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)

Fluorescent long & short UV
Mimetite with Duftite
 

RR12I8: Globular growths of small, very sharp, dipyramidal crystals. They have a nice yellow color and are on a matrix with green Duftite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1979)

Specimen size: 3.6 × 2 × 2.5 cm = 1.42” × 0.79” × 0.98”

Main crystal size: 0.9 × 0.8 cm = 0.35” × 0.31”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)

Minor fluorescence long & short UV
Mimetite with Duftite.
Mimetite with Malachite
Mimetite with Malachite. Mimetite with Malachite.
 

RV16T5: Spherical growths of very acute small dipyramidal clear yellow crystals of Mimetite, with Malachite and on matrix. Different than usual for Tsumeb.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1973)

Specimen size: 8.8 × 6 × 5.6 cm = 3.46” × 2.36” × 2.20”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.7 cm = 0.28” × 0.28”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)

Minor fluorescence long UV
Wulfenite with Mimetite and Calcite
 

RF86K4: Group of tabular crystals of Wulfenite of good color and excellent luster with a curious columnar formation of Mimetite. The sample is completed with small crystals of white Calcite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1979)

Specimen size: 3.9 × 3.7 × 3.6 cm = 1.54” × 1.46” × 1.42”

Main crystal size: 1.3 × 1.1 cm = 0.51” × 0.43”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV
Wulfenite with Mimetite and Calcite. Front
Front		Wulfenite with Mimetite and Calcite. Side
Side
Wulfenite with Mimetite and Calcite.
Wulfenite with Dolomite
Wulfenite with Dolomite.
 

RP99I2: The main crystal, of considerable size and excellent sharpness, has a quite rough aspect due to a later coverage of different minerals, between them Dolomite and some small green crystals of Duftite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1979)

Specimen size: 4.6 × 4.4 × 1.7 cm = 1.81” × 1.73” × 0.67”

Main crystal size: 3.7 × 3.4 cm = 1.46” × 1.34”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Copper with Cuprite and Calcite
 

RE86H0: A magnificent miniature. Being known from Tsumeb, Copper isn’t one of the most frequent species found there. The piece has arborescent growths, with decahedral crystals of Cuprite, all on a matrix of white crystals of Calcite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1973)

Specimen size: 3.2 × 2.4 × 1.9 cm = 1.26” × 0.94” × 0.75”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV
Copper with Cuprite and Calcite. Front
Front
Copper with Cuprite and Calcite. Top
Top
Cuprite
Cuprite.
 

RX47H7: Crystal group of very splendent luster, formed by the dominant octahedron. Because it was found long ago and still possesses its original luster, we think it can be maintained indefinitely if the sample is protected from sun light.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1969)

Specimen size: 2.4 × 2.4 × 1.8 cm = 0.94” × 0.94” × 0.71”

Main crystal size: 0.9 × 0.7 cm = 0.35” × 0.28”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Cuprite
 

RE96H0: A group of very bright crystals formed by the faces of the cube and the octahedron. On the bottom of the sample there is some coverage of a green mineral, perhaps Bayldonite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.1 × 2.2 × 0.9 cm = 1.22” × 0.87” × 0.35”

Main crystal size: 0.3 × 0.2 cm = 0.12” × 0.08”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Cuprite.
Cuprite with Calcite
Cuprite with Calcite.
 

RV37H7: Crystal group of very splendent luster and excellent color formed by the cube and the octahedron and partially covered by Calcite. Because it was found long ago and still possesses its original luster, we think it can be maintained indefinitely if the sample is protected from sun light.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1969)

Specimen size: 3.2 × 2.3 × 1.5 cm = 1.26” × 0.91” × 0.59”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.5 cm = 0.20” × 0.20”

With record from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Cuprite with Malachite and Calcite
 

RY16H0: A group of very bright crystals formed by the faces of the cube and the octahedron. On the upper part of the sample there is a little coverage of Calcite with Malachite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.7 × 2.5 × 1.3 cm = 1.46” × 0.98” × 0.51”

Main crystal size: 0.4 × 0.2 cm = 0.16” × 0.08”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Cuprite with Malachite and Calcite.
Cuprite with Malachite and Calcite.
Cuprite with Calcite and Malachite
Cuprite with Calcite and Malachite. Cuprite with Calcite and Malachite.
 

RV76K9: Cuboctahedral Cuprite crystals with good color and excellent luster, accompanied by Malachite and small Calcite veins.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 4.5 × 3.3 × 3.2 cm = 1.77” × 1.30” × 1.26”

Main crystal size: 0.3 × 0.3 cm = 0.12” × 0.12”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Cuprite with Wulfenite
 

RQ66K9: Group of cubic Cuprite crystals with slight curves. On the Cuprite crystals one can find laminar Wulfenite crystals, which is very uncommon.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (1973)

Specimen size: 7.0 × 5.8 × 4.8 cm = 2.76” × 2.28” × 1.89”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.4 cm = 0.20” × 0.16”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Cuprite with Wulfenite. Cuprite with Wulfenite.
Cuprite with Wulfenite and Dolomite
Cuprite with Wulfenite and Dolomite. Cuprite with Wulfenite and Dolomite.
Cuprite with Wulfenite and Dolomite.
Cuprite with Wulfenite and Dolomite  

RM12AE6: Aggregates of cubo-octahedral Cuprite crystals on a matrix of massive Cuprite with yellowish-brown laminar Wulfenite crystals and small coatings of white Dolomite crystals.
The sample is from the Joaquín Folch duplicates collection, whose label we’ll send to the buyer.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 8.3 × 5.5 × 6.4 cm = 3.27” × 2.17” × 2.52”

Main crystal size: 0.4 × 0.3 cm = 0.16” × 0.12”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)
Calcite with Cuprite (variety chalcotrichite)
 

RP12T5: Feltered growths of Chalcotrichite, the fibrous variety of Cuprite, that partially coat a group of rhombohedral crystals of Calcite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1973)

Specimen size: 5.3 × 2.8 × 2.5 cm = 2.09” × 1.10” × 0.98”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.4 cm = 0.20” × 0.16”

With handwritten note from the Folch Collection (duplicates)

Minor fluorescence short UV
Calcite with Cuprite (variety chalcotrichite). Calcite with Cuprite (variety chalcotrichite).

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