Reference Specimens
France

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Photos by Fabre Minerals. Under Creative Commons license

This page provides a selection of the specimens 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

AUVERGNE - RHÔNE - ALPES


Wulfenite on Baryte
Wulfenite on Baryte.
 

MD86AA9: Very aerial single crystal with very well defined faces and edges. It has a yellow color with brownish shades and it is on a matrix with fine parallel growths of Baryte crystals. Very good for the locality.
Lantignié, Villefranche-sur-Saône, Rhône, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 2.1 × 1.6 × 3.3 cm = 0.83” × 0.63” × 1.30”

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

Former collection Caroline Martaud (Wulfenites)
Wulfenite with Fluorite, Baryte and Pyromorphite
 

MC29AA9: Single Wulfenite crystal with very well defined faces and edges, very sharp geometrical zoning and with dominant brown shades. It is on matrix, with cubic Fluorite crystals, laminar shaped Baryte and small greenish Pyromorphite aggregates. An excellent sample for the locality, both for crystal size and its association with Fluorite.
Lantignié, Villefranche-sur-Saône, Rhône, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (1995)

Specimen size: 4.6 × 3.8 × 2.6 cm = 1.81” × 1.50” × 1.02”

Main crystal size: 1.8 × 1.2 cm = 0.71” × 0.47”

Former collection Caroline Martaud (Wulfenites)
Wulfenite with Fluorite, Baryte and Pyromorphite. Wulfenite with Fluorite, Baryte and Pyromorphite.
Fluorite with Quartz
Fluorite with Quartz. Fluorite with Quartz.
Fluorite with Quartz  

TN29X7: Very aerial aggregate of cubic Fluorite crystals. They are translucent, have a uniform yellow color and have selective coatings of Quartz micro-crystals on some of the cube faces. The sample is very remarkable for the locality.
Lantignié, Villefranche-sur-Saône, Rhône, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 9.6 × 9.3 × 3 cm = 3.78” × 3.66” × 1.18”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 1.2 cm = 0.67” × 0.47”

Fluorescent long & short UV

Former collection of Gilles Emringer
Calcite (twinned)
 

TDC27AN3: Group of Calcite crystals, one of them clearly dominant, doubly terminated, with very sharp scalenohedron forms and a very sharp interpenetration twin. Translucent, lustrous and on matrix.
This specimen, which is exceptional for the locality, comes from the Alain Martaud collection.
Largentière Mines, Largentière, Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, Ardèche, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (±1980)

Specimen size: 7.6 × 6.1 × 5.7 cm = 2.99” × 2.40” × 2.24”

Main crystal size: 7 × 4.4 cm = 2.76” × 1.73”

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Calcite (twinned). Front
Front
Calcite (twinned). Side
Side
Calcite
Calcite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EJL2AO1: Matrix group of complex equant Calcite crystals, with very sharp scalenohedron and flattened rhombohedron forms, very aerial, translucent and lustrous. The specimen has a light pink hue, is of high quality and is very different from what is generally known from this locality, since it comes from the first very superficial prospecting in an area relatively far from the current workings. As an added documentary detail, the name of the person who found it, a miner named Lucien Schaguene, has been preserved. Exceptional for the locality.
Largentière Mines, Largentière, Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, Ardèche, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (±1970)

Specimen size: 10 × 8.5 × 6.6 cm = 3.94” × 3.35” × 2.60”

Main crystal size: 5.9 × 5 cm = 2.32” × 1.97”

Very fluorescent long & short UV
Cerussite
 

MT68AF0: An aesthetic cluster of white Cerussite crystals with a silky luster. It is from a locality where samples of such quality are very scarce.
Lescure Mine, Mayres, Thueyts, Largentière, Ardèche, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (± 2014)

Specimen size: 6.5 × 3.8 × 3 cm = 2.56” × 1.50” × 1.18”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 0.4 cm = 0.55” × 0.16”

Cerussite. Cerussite.
Cerussite.
Quartz (variety faden) with Chlorite inclusions
Quartz (variety faden) with Chlorite inclusions. Front
Front
Quartz (variety faden) with Chlorite inclusions. Rear
Rear
Quartz (variety faden) with Chlorite inclusions  

TQ68T1: Multiple parallel growth of very flattened crystals progressively turning to the right and crossed by a sharp chloritized ”faden” and contrasting with another group of different shape, very elongated. Very original.
The specimen is from the Denis Boël collection. We will send to the customer the collector’s label.
Les Deux Alpes, Saint Christophe en Oisans, Le Bourg d'Oisans Comune, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 4.2 × 3.4 × 1.3 cm = 1.65” × 1.34” × 0.51”

Main crystal size: 2.9 × 1.2 cm = 1.14” × 0.47”

Quartz
 

LT49AK0: Group of Quartz crystals with two clearly differentiated generations, one of them crystals with the prism edges slightly curved, transparent, bright and colorless and the second generation with very fine, also colorless and extraordinarily bright acicular crystals. The specimen, of high quality for a not so well-known locality, is from the Philippe Morelon collection (number 533) whose label, which includes more information on the back, will be sent to the buyer.
Saint-Pierre-d'Allevard, Crêts en Belledonne, Haut-Grésivaudan, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (1980)

Specimen size: 9 × 7.8 × 4.9 cm = 3.54” × 3.07” × 1.93”

Main crystal size: 2.3 × 0.8 cm = 0.91” × 0.31”

Former collection of Philippe Morelon
Quartz. Quartz.
Chalcopyrite on Quartz
Chalcopyrite on Quartz. Chalcopyrite on Quartz.
Chalcopyrite on Quartz.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ERM47AO9: Obtained at Ste. Marie 2022
Disphenoidal Chalcopyrite crystals with well defined faces and edges, with fine polycrystalline growths, lustrous, on a matrix of transparent and lustrous Quartz crystals, with the typical local habit. This old specimen comes from the Seeman collection, from Alsace, which proves that, although very scarce, yellow chalcopyrites do exist in La Gardette.
À Giraud Mine, La Gardette mining area, Villard-Nôtre-Dame, Le Bourg d'Oisans, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 5.4 × 4.7 × 4.3 cm = 2.13” × 1.85” × 1.69”

Main crystal size: 0.9 × 0.6 cm = 0.35” × 0.24”

Former collection of Seeman (Alsace)
Chalcopyrite on Quartz

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EFX66AO9: Obtained at Ste. Marie 2022
Disphenoidal Chalcopyrite crystals with well defined faces and edges, good luster and intense yellow color, more vivid than what is usually seen from La Gardette, on a matrix of transparent and lustrous Quartz crystals, with the typical habit of that locality.
The specimen comes from finds made between 2018-2019
À Giraud Mine, La Gardette mining area, Villard-Nôtre-Dame, Le Bourg d'Oisans, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2018-2019)

Specimen size: 13.2 × 12.7 × 4.4 cm = 5.20” × 5.00” × 1.73”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.6 cm = 0.79” × 0.63”

Chalcopyrite on Quartz. Front
Front
Chalcopyrite on Quartz. Side
Side
Chalcopyrite on Quartz. Side
Side
Chalcopyrite on Quartz.
Quartz (variety faden)
Quartz (variety faden). Front
Front
Quartz (variety faden). Rear
Rear
 

TBY26AN3: Very aerial group of doubly terminated Quartz crystals, extremely flattened, with parallel growths and a very visible “faden” growth. They are also water-clear and very lustrous.
The specimen is from the Alain Martaud collection.
Le Freney-d'Oisans, Oisans-Romanche, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 3.4 × 2.7 × 1.3 cm = 1.34” × 1.06” × 0.51”

Main crystal size: 3.4 × 1.4 cm = 1.34” × 0.55”

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Quartz
 

TZA37AN4: Group of Quartz crystals with diverse morphologies, very transparent, lustrous and colorless, with inclusions, one of them very showy with a green coating, probably Chlorite.
This high-quality specimen comes from the Alain Martaud collection, and previously the collection of A. Berlioz, and was displayed in the Bourg d'Oisans mineral museum.
Val Fournel, Le Freney-d'Oisans, Oisans-Romanche, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (1997)

Specimen size: 6.4 × 3.6 × 2.3 cm = 2.52” × 1.42” × 0.91”

Main crystal size: 5.7 × 2.4 cm = 2.24” × 0.94”

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Quartz. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Quartz. Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Quartz. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Chalcopyrite with Malachite and Quartz
Chalcopyrite with Malachite and Quartz. Front
Front
Chalcopyrite with Malachite and Quartz. Rear
Rear
Chalcopyrite with Malachite and Quartz.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TLX96AP9: Twinned crystal of Chalcopyrite with the dominant forms of the trapezohedron, very sharp, lustrous and on a Quartz crystal with the typical La Gardette habit. Some crystals of Chalcopyrite from this locality, a minority, are yellow as they are not pseudomorphed by Malachite.
The specimen comes from the Gérard Forquet collection (number 903).
La Gardette Mine, La Gardette mining area, Villard-Notre-Dame, Le Bourg d'Oisans, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 4.4 × 2 × 1.8 cm = 1.73” × 0.79” × 0.71”

Main crystal size: 1.9 × 1.7 cm = 0.75” × 0.67”

Former collection of Gérard Forquet
Quartz
 

EC50Y6: Irregular aggregate of Quartz crystals on chalcedony matrix. They are completely clear, very bright and some of them are doubly terminated. An excellent sample, very fine and carefully conserved, from a classic French locality for Quartz.
La Gardette Mine, La Gardette mining area, Villard-Notre-Dame, Le Bourg d'Oisans, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 11.1 × 6.3 × 7 cm = 4.37” × 2.48” × 2.76”

Main crystal size: 6.5 × 0.9 cm = 2.56” × 0.35”

Quartz. Front
Front
Quartz. Rear
Rear
Quartz (variety scepter)
Quartz (variety scepter). Quartz (variety scepter).

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TYR27AN4: Druse of Quartz crystals with very sharp scepter growths, transparent, colorless, very lustrous and with small inclusions.
An excellent French classic from the Alain Martaud collection.
Val Ferrand, Clavans-en-Haut-Oisans, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (±1980)

Specimen size: 11.4 × 8 × 6.6 cm = 4.49” × 3.15” × 2.60”

Main crystal size: 2.6 × 1.3 cm = 1.02” × 0.51”

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Quartz

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TTV98AO8: Group of Quartz crystals, one of them clearly dominant and aerial, with the acute inclined termination typical of the locality (La Gardette habit), completely water-clear and very lustrous. A French classic of good quality.
La Gardette Mine, La Gardette mining area, Villard-Notre-Dame, Le Bourg d'Oisans, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (±1987)

Specimen size: 6.4 × 5.2 × 6.1 cm = 2.52” × 2.05” × 2.40”

Main crystal size: 6 × 0.7 cm = 2.36” × 0.28”

Quartz. Front
Front
Quartz. Side
Side
Quartz
Quartz. Quartz.
Quartz.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
Quartz
 

TG96AI5: Druse of Quartz crystals on a chalcedony matrix. They are very clear and colorless, very bright, rich in faces and have the typical shape that relates to the name of the mine. An extraordinary sample, very fine and carefully preserved, from a classic French locality for Quartz. We’ll send to the buyer the label from the Jean-Pierre Gilian collection.
La Gardette Mine, Brides gallery, La Gardette mining area, Villard-Notre-Dame, Le Bourg d'Oisans, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2015)

Specimen size: 20 × 8.5 × 11 cm = 7.87” × 3.35” × 4.33”

Main crystal size: 3 × 1 cm = 1.18” × 0.39”

Former collection of Jean-Pierre Gilian
Quartz

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TZM16AN4: Druse of Quartz crystals with a very sharp La Gardette habit, elongated, transparent, colorless, very lustrous and with small inclusions.
An excellent French classic from the Alain Martaud collection.
Lac Blanc, Huez, Grenoble, Isère Departament, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (±1980)

Specimen size: 10.2 × 8.6 × 5.7 cm = 4.02” × 3.39” × 2.24”

Main crystal size: 3.5 × 1.8 cm = 1.38” × 0.71”

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Quartz. Front
Front
Quartz. Rear
Rear
Quartz. Side
Side
Quartz (variety faden)
Quartz (variety faden).
 

M8RH5: Apparently being a single crystal, the growth shows different spread terminations all along the prism. In the interior a very thin, as a needle, “faden” is formed.
Lignarre Valley, Bourg d'Oisans, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (1991)

Specimen size: 4.5 × 1.2 × 0.8 cm = 1.77” × 0.47” × 0.31”

Quartz (variety faden)
 

B9RV6: Group of elongated, clear and shiny crystals, with "faden" growths in them.
Lignarre Valley, Bourg d'Oisans, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (1991)

Specimen size: 6.3 × 5.2 × 3.4 cm = 2.48” × 2.05” × 1.34”

Quartz (variety faden).
Quartz (variety faden) with Calcite
Quartz (variety faden) with Calcite . Quartz (variety faden) with Calcite .
 

R76BI7: Group of extraordinarily elongated, clear and shiny crystals, with "faden" growths in them. On the matrix, a big rough crystal of Calcite stands out.
Lignarre Valley, Bourg d'Oisans, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (1991)

Specimen size: 10.8 × 8 × 7.5 cm = 4.25” × 3.15” × 2.95”

Main crystal size: 3.2 × 0.5 cm = 1.26” × 0.20”

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV
Quartz with Siderite
 

MBR87CD3: Druse formed by Quartz crystals, on matrix, very elongated and aerial, water-clear and perfectly sharp, with endings that show the Dauphine habit, interpenetrated by ocher-brown rhombohedral Siderite crystals forming a classic alpine association for these two species and with the Quartz clearer than is usually the case for this locality.
Le Trou des Chasseurs, Vizille, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (12/2011)

Specimen size: 8.8 × 6.2 × 5.3 cm = 3.46” × 2.44” × 2.09”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 1.3 cm = 0.55” × 0.51”



Quartz (japan law twin)
Quartz (japan law twin). Front
Front
Quartz (japan law twin). Side
Side
 

EQ17X2: Group of very elongated and sharp Quartz crystals. They are transparent and one of them shows a very well defined japan law twin.
Vizille, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2011)

Specimen size: 5.9 × 5.7 × 3.2 cm = 2.32” × 2.24” × 1.26”

Main crystal size: 4.5 × 0.9 cm = 1.77” × 0.35”

Quartz (japan law twin)
 

EP96X2: Group of very sharp crystals, one of them clearly dominant, very aerial and with a very well defined japan law twin.
Vizille, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2011)

Specimen size: 6.2 × 3.7 × 2 cm = 2.44” × 1.46” × 0.79”

Main crystal size: 6.2 × 1.8 cm = 2.44” × 0.71”

Quartz (japan law twin). Front
Front
Quartz (japan law twin). Rear
Rear
Bournonite on Tetrahedrite
Bournonite on Tetrahedrite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ETT66AO1: Group of tabular twinned Bournonite crystals, with very sharp crystal forms, of a good size for the species, lustrous, and on a base of Tetrahedrite crystals.
This specimen comes from a locality from which few specimens of this quality are known, and was in the Alain Martaud collection, whose label we will send to the buyer.
Saint-Pierre-de-Mésage, Vizille, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 3.3 × 2.5 × 2 cm = 1.30” × 0.98” × 0.79”

Main crystal size: 1.9 × 0.4 cm = 0.75” × 0.16”

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Quartz
 

TT96AG9: A fan-like group of Quartz crystals. They are bright and have good terminations, some of which have a single dominant rhombohedral face. On a limonite matrix.
Saint-Pierre-de-Mésage, Vizille, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 7 × 5.4 × 3.2 cm = 2.76” × 2.13” × 1.26”

Main crystal size: 5 × 0.7 cm = 1.97” × 0.28”

Quartz. Front
Front
Quartz. Rear
Rear
Quartz
Quartz. Quartz.
 

TV48AN2: Group of Quartz crystals with a very well defined La Gardette habit, elongated, transparent, colorless, very lustrous and with small inclusions, on matrix. An excellent French classic, from a locality not as well known as other famous Quartz localities in the area.
Les Rivoirands, Vizille, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2000)

Specimen size: 7.4 × 4.4 × 7.2 cm = 2.91” × 1.73” × 2.83”

Main crystal size: 4.1 × 0.7 cm = 1.61” × 0.28”

Quartz
 

ET37AM3: Growth of transparent Quartz crystals, very lustrous and slightly yellow in color due to the presence of iron oxides. Good quality and in perfect condition.
Les Rivoirands, Vizille, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2010)

Specimen size: 11.6 × 7.7 × 5.3 cm = 4.57” × 3.03” × 2.09”

Main crystal size: 6 × 1.1 cm = 2.36” × 0.43”

Quartz. Front
Front
Quartz. Side
Side
Quartz.
Antimony
Antimony.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
Antimony
 

MAE37AP3: Obtained at Munich 2022
Crystalline aggregate of Antimony with very well defined parallel and staggered growths. The specimen, from one of the great classic localities for the species, is accompanied by a very old box label, handwritten and probably from the 19th century, which we will also send to the buyer.
Allemond (Allemont), Oisans-Romanche, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 4.8 × 4.4 × 2.8 cm = 1.89” × 1.73” × 1.10”

Antimony

Fluorescent light (daylight)
Antimony
 

MBE47AP3: Obtained at Munich 2022
Antimony as a crystalline aggregate with very well defined parallel growths, very aerial and sparkly. The specimen, from one of the great classic localities for the species, comes from the old collection of Dr. Bartnik, from Leipzig, whose label we will send to the buyer.
Allemond (Allemont), Oisans-Romanche, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 5.2 × 3.2 × 1.7 cm = 2.05” × 1.26” × 0.67”

Antimony.
Siderite with Quartz
Siderite with Quartz. Siderite with Quartz.
 

EF86R3: Aggregate of very sharp simple and transparent rhombohedral crystals with a rich color, very bright for the species. Selectively coated by groups of clear crystals of Quartz. A nice classic.
Allevard, Haut-Grésivaudan, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 5.2 × 3.7 × 3.8 cm = 2.05” × 1.46” × 1.50”

Main crystal size: 1.8 × 1.5 cm = 0.71” × 0.59”

Siderite with Quartz
 

MY76AL3: Group of very flattened rhombohedral Siderite crystals with a lenticular habit, with polycrystalline surfaces on the faces. On matrix, with hyaline Quartz crystals. Its color is different from the usual in specimens from this area.
Le Collet d'Allevard, Allevard, Haut-Grésivaudan, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 8.9 × 6.3 × 3.1 cm = 3.50” × 2.48” × 1.22”

Main crystal size: 2.5 × 1.8 cm = 0.98” × 0.71”

Siderite with Quartz. Siderite with Quartz.
Siderite with Quartz
Siderite with Quartz. Front
Front
Siderite with Quartz. Rear
Rear
Siderite with Quartz. Top
Top
Siderite with Quartz  

EY47AG7: Elongated and floater rhombohedral Siderite crystal. It is translucent, bright and partially coated by small clear Quartz crystals.
The sample, very typical of its classic French locality, is from the Christophe Marot collection (cat. nr. C7-2), whose label we’ll send to the buyer.
Saint-Pierre-de-Mésage, Vizille, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 5.2 × 4.3 × 2.2 cm = 2.05” × 1.69” × 0.87”

Former collection of Christophe Marot
Quartz (variety smoky)

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TF98AN0: Group of Quartz crystals, smoky variety, with very sharp crystal forms and distinct parallel growths, very transparent and lustrous, with deep and uniform smoky tones. A great French and European classic.
Aiguille de l'Eboulement, Les Petites Jorasses, Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2015)

Specimen size: 17 × 15.6 × 12.3 cm = 6.69” × 6.14” × 4.84”

Main crystal size: 13.3 × 7.2 cm = 5.24” × 2.83”

Quartz (variety smoky). Quartz (variety smoky).
Smoky Quartz with Albite
Smoky Quartz with Albite.
 

EH6M8: Group of right-handed crystals partially doubly terminated and rich in accessory small faces. The crystals have very good luster, color and transparency.
Arête des Rochassiers, Talèfre Glacier, Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2008)

Specimen size: 5.9 × 5.3 × 3.1 cm = 2.32” × 2.09” × 1.22”

Main crystal size: 4 × 3.3 cm = 1.57” × 1.30”

Smoky Quartz with Chlorite
 

EG16J0: Splendid specimen, very esthetic and of high quality. It is a group of prismatic crystals of excellent color, very transparent and with Chlorite inclusions in the terminal faces.
Mont Mallet, Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (1998)

Specimen size: 12.8 × 9.8 × 4.7 cm = 5.04” × 3.86” × 1.85”

Main crystal size: 6 × 2.2 cm = 2.36” × 0.87”

Smoky Quartz with Chlorite. Front
Front
Smoky Quartz with Chlorite. Side
Side
Quartz (variety smoky) with Albite
Quartz (variety smoky) with Albite. Quartz (variety smoky) with Albite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ERB36AP0: Group of Quartz crystals (smoky variety) with very sharp crystal forms, with right-handed growth, very transparent and lustrous, and with deep and uniform smoky tones. On matrix, with Albite crystals.
A French and European classic that comes from the Gérard Bertrand collection.
North side Les Courtes, Bassin du Talèfre, Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 4.2 × 3.6 × 2.6 cm = 1.65” × 1.42” × 1.02”

Main crystal size: 2.5 × 1 cm = 0.98” × 0.39”

Former collection of Gérard Bertrand
Gwindel Smoky Quartz
 

EX47X2: Polycrystalline parallel growth with a very well marked "gwindel". The crystal is transparent, bright and shows a very uniform clear smoky color.
Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2009)

Specimen size: 5.9 × 4.6 × 2.5 cm = 2.32” × 1.81” × 0.98”

Gwindel Smoky Quartz. Front
Front
Gwindel Smoky Quartz. Rear
Rear
Gwindel Smoky Quartz. Top
Top
Quartz (variety faden) with Chlorite
Quartz (variety faden) with Chlorite. Front
Front
Quartz (variety faden) with Chlorite. Rear
Rear
Quartz (variety faden) with Chlorite  

EC27AG7: Doubly terminated floater crystal with a closed “faden” and very well defined parallel growths. The sample, very transparent, has a deep and uniform smoky color.
A French classic from the Christophe Marot collection (cat. nr. C8-6), on whose label, that we’ll send with the sample, it is noted that it was acquired in 2008 from Denis Boël.
Aiguille de Talèfre, Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (±2008)

Specimen size: 4.9 × 2.5 × 1.8 cm = 1.93” × 0.98” × 0.71”

Former collection of Christophe Marot
Smoky Quartz Gwindel
Smoky Quartz Gwindel  

EA50L5: Parallel growth of really transparent and deep smoky color Quartz crystals. The “gwindel” structure is easily seen. The specimen base is totally recrystallized, up to the point to preserve the full transparency.
The specimen is with the original label from the Bonisoli collection (Torino, Italy). We will send the label to the buyer.
Glacier de l'Argentière, Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (±1985)

Specimen size: 11 × 6.8 × 3.7 cm = 4.33” × 2.68” × 1.46”

Main crystal size: 7.1 × 3.6 cm = 2.80” × 1.42”

Smoky Quartz Gwindel. Front
Front
Smoky Quartz Gwindel. Top
Top
Quartz (variety smoky and gwindel) with Chlorite
Quartz (variety smoky and gwindel) with Chlorite. Front
Front
Quartz (variety smoky and gwindel) with Chlorite. Rear
Rear
Quartz (variety smoky and gwindel) with Chlorite. Top
Top

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TXA56AP9: Very aerial growth of Quartz crystals (smoky variety) with parallel growths and very distinct gwindel, transparent, with good luster and pale smoky tones, and with Chlorite inclusions.
A monumental piece of one of the alpine vein classics: the gwindel variety of Quartz
Glacier de l'Argentière, Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 11.3 × 10.6 × 7.5 cm = 4.45” × 4.17” × 2.95”

Main crystal size: 8.4 × 8.2 cm = 3.31” × 3.23”

Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz (variety smoky quartz)

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TCH92AP9: Coating of octahedral Fluorite crystals, sharp, translucent and with a uniform pink color, which cover a Quartz crystal (smoky variety), transparent, with brilliant luster and a very clear color. Beautiful association.
Mont Dolent, Glacier de l'Argentière, Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 7.6 × 5.7 × 3.4 cm = 2.99” × 2.24” × 1.34”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.6 cm = 0.28” × 0.24”

Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz (variety smoky quartz). Front
Front
Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz (variety smoky quartz). Side
Side
Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz (variety smoky quartz). Side
Side
Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz (variety smoky quartz).
Octahedral Fluorite with Chlorite
Octahedral Fluorite with Chlorite. Front
Front
Octahedral Fluorite with Chlorite. Side
Side
 

TX98AL5: Octahedral crystal of Fluorite very rich in polycrystalline growths, transparent, bright, unusually intense in color and with Chlorite inclusions. A high quality French alpine classic.
Aiguille Verte, Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (±2010)

Specimen size: 2.8 × 2 × 2 cm = 1.10” × 0.79” × 0.79”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Fluorite (octahedral)

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EFG90AN5: Octahedral Fluorite crystal with very sharp crystal forms, doubly terminated, with good luster and a pink, almost red color, unusually intense and uniform.
The specimen comes from the Alain Martaud collection, whose label we will send to the buyer.
Aiguille du Chardonnet, Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2018)

Specimen size: 3.3 × 3 × 1.9 cm = 1.30” × 1.18” × 0.75”

Fluorescent long & short UV

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Fluorite (octahedral). Front
Front
Fluorite (octahedral). Top
Top
Fluorite (octahedral). Rear
Rear
Octahedral Fluorite on smoky Quartz
Octahedral Fluorite on smoky Quartz. Front
Front
Octahedral Fluorite on smoky Quartz. Side
Side
Octahedral Fluorite on smoky Quartz. Top
Top
 

TG69H3: Esthetic group of octahedral crystals of Fluorite of intense color, sharp, bright and implanted on a group of Quartz crystals, the most visible of which, at left and vertical, is doubly terminated.
Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 3.4 × 2.8 × 2.4 cm = 1.34” × 1.10” × 0.94”

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

Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz (variety smoky)

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EJK99AO1: Octahedral Fluorite crystals, translucent, with good luster and a uniform pink color. On a parallel growth of partially doubly terminated Quartz crystals (smoky variety). An alpine classic which comes from the Ginette Verax collection.
Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 4.1 × 3.1 × 1.5 cm = 1.61” × 1.22” × 0.59”

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

Former collection of Ginette Verax
Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz (variety smoky). Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz (variety smoky).
Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz (variety smoky).
Octahedral Fluorite with Albite
Octahedral Fluorite with Albite. Front
Front
Octahedral Fluorite with Albite. Side
Side
 

EB52R3: Parallel growth of very sharp octahedral crystals, with very smooth faces, translucent and of an excellent color, very uniform and with mauve shades. The group, much more complete and aerial than usual, is on a matrix of Albite.
Glacier de l'Argentière, Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2009)

Specimen size: 4.2 × 3.2 × 2.6 cm = 1.65” × 1.26” × 1.02”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 1.7 cm = 0.67” × 0.67”

Octahedral Fluorite with Albite
 

TP70AK8: Octahedral Fluorite crystal with polycrystalline growths on one of its lower vertices, translucent, deep pink, on Albite matrix. An alpine classic.
Aiguille Verte, Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (±2010)

Specimen size: 5.2 × 4 × 2.8 cm = 2.05” × 1.57” × 1.10”

Main crystal size: 1.5 × 1.4 cm = 0.59” × 0.55”

Minor fluorescence long & short UV
Octahedral Fluorite with Albite. Octahedral Fluorite with Albite.
Octahedral Fluorite on Albite
Octahedral Fluorite on Albite. Octahedral Fluorite on Albite.
Octahedral Fluorite on Albite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ER48AL9: Group of octahedral Fluorite crystals with polycrystalline growths, translucent, with good luster and an intense and uniform color. On an Albite matrix, with recrystallizations. A classic French Alpine specimen, very aesthetic and of high quality, the specimen is from the prestigious collection of Fluorite by Pierre-Marie Guy.
Aiguille Verte, Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (±2010)

Specimen size: 5.3 × 4.6 × 2.6 cm = 2.09” × 1.81” × 1.02”

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

Fluorescent long UV & minor fluorescence short UV
Fluorite (octahedral) with Albite and Quartz
 

MBS47CD2: Octahedral Fluorite crystals, very sharp, translucent, and unusually intense pink in color, on a crystalline matrix of Albite and Quartz.
A French classic from the most famous Montblanc locality for octahedral fluorites with very intense color, Pointe Kurtz.
Pointe Kurtz, Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2023)

Specimen size: 7.9 × 5.4 × 2.8 cm = 3.11” × 2.13” × 1.10”

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

Fluorite (octahedral) with Albite and Quartz. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Fluorite (octahedral) with Albite and Quartz. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén

Recorded under neon light

Recorded under neon light
Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz (variety smoky)
Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz (variety smoky). Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz (variety smoky). Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén

Recorded under neon light
 

EXJ38CD1: A very special piece, from a single find made between 2004 and 2005 in the Aiguille du Tacul, from which octahedral fluorites emerged with crystals that were not especially large but were very nice, with a beautiful intense pink color, like a tapestry covering the smoky quartz.
This was one of the best pieces of the find as attested by the fact that it was in the private collection of Alain Martaud.
Aiguille du Tacul, Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2004-2005)

Specimen size: 10.8 × 6.5 × 4.5 cm = 4.25” × 2.56” × 1.77”

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

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Fluorite on Quartz (variety smoky)
 

TXM27AN3: Fluorite crystals of unusual habit and color for alpine specimens, dominated by cube forms, beveled by the rhombic dodecahedron. Transparent, with a violet color, on a matrix of smoky Quartz crystals.
The specimen is from the Alain Martaud collection.
Aiguille Verte, Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2015)

Specimen size: 4.3 × 3.9 × 3.4 cm = 1.69” × 1.54” × 1.34”

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

Fluorescent long & short UV

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Fluorite on Quartz (variety smoky). Front
Front
Fluorite on Quartz (variety smoky). Side
Side
Anatase with Quartz and Chlorite
Anatase with Quartz and Chlorite. Anatase with Quartz and Chlorite.

Recorded under neon light
 

EPK39CD1: Sharp Anatase crystals and Quartz crystals with inclusions of what appears to be a Chlorite, which is also present in the matrix.
Very elegant and perfect, it comes from a recent find.
Col de la Madeleine, La Lauzière Massif, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (08/2023)

Specimen size: 6.4 × 6 × 3.4 cm = 2.52” × 2.36” × 1.34”

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

Anatase with Quartz and Chlorite
 

EPL57CD1: Sharp Anatase crystals and Quartz crystals with inclusions of what appears to be a Chlorite, which is also present in the matrix.
Very elegant and perfect, it comes from a recent find.
Col de la Madeleine, La Lauzière Massif, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (08/2023)

Specimen size: 6.4 × 6.1 × 3.4 cm = 2.52” × 2.40” × 1.34”

Main crystal size: 06 × 0.2 cm = 2.36” × 0.08”

Anatase with Quartz and Chlorite. Anatase with Quartz and Chlorite.
Anatase with Quartz and Chlorite
Anatase with Quartz and Chlorite. Anatase with Quartz and Chlorite.
Anatase with Quartz and Chlorite.

Recorded under neon light
 

EPJ89CD1: Sharp Anatase crystals and Quartz crystals with inclusions of what appears to be a Chlorite, which is also present in the matrix.
Very elegant and perfect, it comes from a recent find.
Col de la Madeleine, La Lauzière Massif, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (08/2023)

Specimen size: 9.1 × 5 × 2.1 cm = 3.58” × 1.97” × 0.83”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.2 cm = 0.28” × 0.08”

Quartz with Chlorite, Anatase and Rutile

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TXE27AP9: Group of Quartz crystals partially coated by Chlorite, elongated crystals of very lustrous Anatase, and aggregates of lustrous red acicular Rutile crystals. A curious alpine combo.
Entre-deux-Roches, La Lauzière Massif, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 8.7 × 7.4 × 4 cm = 3.43” × 2.91” × 1.57”

Quartz with Chlorite, Anatase and Rutile. Quartz with Chlorite, Anatase and Rutile.
Quartz with Chlorite, Anatase and Rutile. Quartz with Chlorite, Anatase and Rutile.
Anatase
Anatase. Front
Front
Anatase. Rear
Rear

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EXL37AN6: Doubly terminated floater crystal of Anatase, extraordinarily elongated due to multiple parallel growth - a known but rare habit. Lustrous and with very sharp crystal forms. The specimen is undoubtedly among the longest known from this find.
Pointe du Rozet, La Lauzière Massif, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 4.3 × 0.5 × 0.5 cm = 1.69” × 0.20” × 0.20”

Smoky Quartz with chlorite
Smoky Quartz with chlorite  

TR97X7: Parallel growths of flattened, transparent and extraordinarily bright crystals, with very well marked phantom growths and partially coated by chlorite. The words “Archi top” (super-good), written by Emringer on the back on the label, give us an idea about the real quality of the sample.
Notre-Dame-du-Cruet, La Lauzière Massif, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 5 × 4.7 × 4.2 cm = 1.97” × 1.85” × 1.65”

Main crystal size: 4 × 1.7 cm = 1.57” × 0.67”

Former collection of Gilles Emringer
Smoky Quartz with chlorite.
Smoky Quartz with Chlorite and Feldspar
Smoky Quartz with Chlorite and Feldspar. Front
Front
Smoky Quartz with Chlorite and Feldspar. Side
Side
 

TA99Y9: Very aerial group of oriented smoky Quartz crystals. They are transparent, very bright and have small Feldspar crystals and Chlorite on the base of the aggregate. One of the crystals shows, very visible, the Dauphiné twin law. An excellent Alpine classic.
La Lauzière Massif, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 7.2 × 8.3 × 5.5 cm = 2.83” × 3.27” × 2.17”

Main crystal size: 5.9 × 2.5 cm = 2.32” × 0.98”

Former collection of Gilles Emringer
Anatase with Orthoclase (variety adularia)
 

ED46AC8: Very acute dipyramidal Anatase crystals, most of them doubly terminated. They are bright and are on a rocky matrix with small Orthoclase crystals (adularia variety) with brown inclusions. An Alpine classic.
La Lauzière Massif, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 3.4 × 1.4 × 1.7 cm = 1.34” × 0.55” × 0.67”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.2 cm = 0.20” × 0.08”

Anatase with Orthoclase (variety adularia). Anatase with Orthoclase (variety adularia).
Bazzite with Ilmenite and Quartz
Bazzite with Ilmenite and Quartz. Bazzite with Ilmenite and Quartz.
 

TH48Z3: A dipyramidal Bazzite crystal, extraordinarily well-defined for the species, with an excellent intense and uniform blue color and a vivid luster. The crystal is implanted on a Quartz matrix with small laminar Ilmenite crystals.
Bois Kersy, Vallée de la Tarentaise, Bonneval-Tarentaise, La Lauzière Massif, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (07/2011)

Specimen size: 3.9 × 2.6 × 1.3 cm = 1.54” × 1.02” × 0.51”

Main crystal size: 0.25 × 0.1 cm = 0.10” × 0.04”

Bazzite with Quartz
 

EV97W7: Small but extraordinary crystal of this rare scandium mineral of the Beryl group. The crystal, of a deep blue color, shows the faces of a very acute dipyramid and it is implanted on a matrix of clear Quartz crystals.
Bois Kersy, Vallée de la Tarentaise, Bonneval-Tarentaise, La Lauzière Massif, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (07/2011)

Specimen size: 4.3 × 4 × 2.2 cm = 1.69” × 1.57” × 0.87”

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

Bazzite with Quartz. Bazzite with Quartz.
Ilmenite with Quartz
Ilmenite with Quartz. Ilmenite with Quartz.
 

EB13V9: Very sharp laminar crystal with a hexagonal contour. It is bright, with parallel growths and it is on matrix, with parallel growths of doubly terminated crystals of clear Quartz.
Bois Kersy, Vallée de la Tarentaise, Bonneval-Tarentaise, La Lauzière Massif, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (07/2011)

Specimen size: 4.9 × 3.3 × 4 cm = 1.93” × 1.30” × 1.57”

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

Quartz with Chlorite inclusions and Albite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EFM46AP0: Very aerial group of Quartz crystals on matrix, some of them doubly terminated, with very sharp crystal forms. Transparent, lustrous, very rich in light green Chlorite inclusions, and with Albite crystals.
The specimen comes from the Gérard Bertrand collection.
Grand Châtelar, Jarrier, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 9.1 × 4.9 × 2.5 cm = 3.58” × 1.93” × 0.98”

Main crystal size: 4.4 × 2.5 cm = 1.73” × 0.98”

Former collection of Gérard Bertrand
Quartz with Chlorite inclusions and Albite. Quartz with Chlorite inclusions and Albite.
Quartz with Chlorite inclusions
Quartz with Chlorite inclusions. Front
Front
Quartz with Chlorite inclusions. Rear
Rear
 

NC14AK5: From a collection displayed for the first time at Munich 2019: Group of very sharp Quartz crystals with visible Dauphine-law twinning, transparent, brilliant, and rich in Chlorite inclusions.
The sample is from the Miguel David Martínez collection (No. 78), whose label we will send to the buyer.
Maurienne Valley, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (1999)

Specimen size: 6 × 2.7 × 3.4 cm = 2.36” × 1.06” × 1.34”

Main crystal size: 5.7 × 1 cm = 2.24” × 0.39”

Former collection of Miguel David Martínez
Calcite (variety papierspat)

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EMJ56AQ1: Floater group of extraordinarily flattened transparent Calcite crystals, sharp and rich in inclusions.
Unusual for this locality.
La Combe de la Selle, Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans, Le Bourg d'Oisans Comune, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2022)

Specimen size: 7.9 × 6.5 × 0.4 cm = 3.11” × 2.56” × 0.16”

Minor fluorescence short UV
Calcite (variety papierspat). Front
Front
Calcite (variety papierspat). Rear
Rear
Prehnite with Actinolite (variety byssolite)
Prehnite with Actinolite (variety byssolite). Prehnite with Actinolite (variety byssolite).
 

EF66AM3: Prehnite crystals with very well defined faces and edges. With distinct curvatures and polycrystalline growths, translucent, lustrous, and of an intense green color. On matrix, with Calcite and felted aggregates of Actinolite (variety byssolite). Excellent French classic from one of the typical localities for the species.
La Combe de la Selle, Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans, Le Bourg d'Oisans Comune, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 4.3 × 2.5 × 2.3 cm = 1.69” × 0.98” × 0.91”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 1 cm = 0.55” × 0.39”

Prehnite with Orthoclase (variety adularia), Epidote and Amphibole
 

EQ76Z9: Polycrystalline Prehnite aggregate with very well defined curved faces and edges. They are bright, have an intense green color and are on a surface of Orthoclase (adularia) crystals with small acicular amphibole crystals coating a rocky matrix. On the Prehnite aggregate there is a small smooth and very white Orthoclase surface. An excellent French classic.
La Combe de la Selle, Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans, Le Bourg d'Oisans Comune, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 6.8 × 5.4 × 3.6 cm = 2.68” × 2.13” × 1.42”

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

Prehnite with Orthoclase (variety adularia), Epidote and Amphibole. Front
Front
Prehnite with Orthoclase (variety adularia), Epidote and Amphibole. Side
Side
Prehnite with Orthoclase (variety adularia), Epidote and Amphibole.
Prehnite with Epidote and Calcite
Prehnite with Epidote and Calcite. Prehnite with Epidote and Calcite.
Prehnite with Epidote and Calcite.
 

MA7AL5: Prehnite crystals with very well defined faces and edges and with curvatures, with polycrystalline growths, translucent, bright, and with an intense green color. On matrix, with Calcite and highly profiled Epidote crystals, transparent, very bright and with an unusually deep color. Excellent French classic from one of the classic localities for the species.
La Combe de la Selle, Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans, Le Bourg d'Oisans Comune, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 6.8 × 5.8 × 3.1 cm = 2.68” × 2.28” × 1.22”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 1.7 cm = 0.67” × 0.67”

Prehnite with Orthoclase (variety adular) and Actinolite (variety byssolite)

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MRB87AP3: Very aerial group of Prehnite crystals with very well defined faces and edges, with curvatures and very distinct polycrystalline growths. They are translucent, shiny, and a uniform green, on matrix, with small white crystals of Orthoclase (adularia variety) and felted aggregates of Actinolite (byssolite variety). Excellent French classic from a typical locality for the species.
La Combe de la Selle, Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans, Le Bourg d'Oisans Comune, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 10.7 × 6.5 × 3.9 cm = 4.21” × 2.56” × 1.54”

Prehnite with Orthoclase (variety adular) and Actinolite (variety byssolite). Prehnite with Orthoclase (variety adular) and Actinolite (variety byssolite).
Prehnite with Orthoclase (variety adular) and Actinolite (variety byssolite).
Axinite-(Fe) with Albite
Axinite-(Fe) with Albite. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Axinite-(Fe) with Albite. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén

Recorded under neon light
 

EPR49CD1: Very aerial Axinite-(Fe) crystal on an Albite matrix, which gives the piece a lot of contrast because it is so white. The crystal is complete on all sides, and its color and luster are excellent.
Rochers de l'Armentier, Le Bourg d'Oisans, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 6.8 × 3.5 × 5.8 cm = 2.68” × 1.38” × 2.28”

Main crystal size: 3 × 2.4 cm = 1.18” × 0.94”

Axinite-(Fe) with Quartz and Calcite
 

MX89X5: Sharp single transparent and very bright crystal. It has very well defined faces and edges, shows a very deep color and it is on matrix, with Quartz and Calcite.
Rochers de l'Armentier, Le Bourg d'Oisans, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2011)

Specimen size: 8 × 7.9 × 3.2 cm = 3.15” × 3.11” × 1.26”

Main crystal size: 1.8 × 1.5 cm = 0.71” × 0.59”

Axinite-(Fe) with Quartz and Calcite.
Axinite-(Fe) with Quartz and Calcite. Axinite-(Fe) with Quartz and Calcite.
Axinite-(Fe) with Epidote
Axinite-(Fe) with Epidote. Front
Front
Axinite-(Fe) with Epidote. Side
Side
Axinite-(Fe) with Epidote. Axinite-(Fe) with Epidote.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TLA87AO6: Groups of flattened Axinite-(Fe) crystals, very sharp, transparent, with good luster and excellent color. On matrix, with Quartz and fine prismatic Epidote crystals. A French classic.
The specimen comes from the collection of Jean-Louis Goux.
Rochers de l'Armentier, Le Bourg d'Oisans, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 8.8 × 6.4 × 2.6 cm = 3.46” × 2.52” × 1.02”

Main crystal size: 1.6 × 0.6 cm = 0.63” × 0.24”

Former collection of Jean-Louis Goux
Epidote

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

LC70AK0: Crystal fan growth with very elongated prismatic habit and perfect terminal faces, bright translucent and intense pistachio green. The specimen, of high quality from a not so well-known locality, is from the Philippe Morelon collection (number 917) whose label, which includes more information on the back, will be sent to the buyer.
Chamrousse, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (1980)

Specimen size: 7.9 × 5.8 × 6.4 cm = 3.11” × 2.28” × 2.52”

Former collection of Philippe Morelon
Epidote. Front
Front
Epidote. Rear
Rear
Clinozoisite
Clinozoisite. Clinozoisite.
Clinozoisite  

TQ70X7: Bundled aggregates, on matrix, of bright acicular crystals with a slightly greenish brown color. The sample, as is written on the back of the Emringer collection label, is from a unique find at the locality so the sample must be considered as a rarity.
Chamrousse, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 12.7 × 8.2 × 5.5 cm = 5.00” × 3.23” × 2.17”

Main crystal size: 4.2 × 0.7 cm = 1.65” × 0.28”

Former collection of Gilles Emringer
Sphalerite with Siderite
 

TP27AE2: Aggregate of complex equant Sphalerite crystals that are extraordinarily transparent and bright, with a very intense color and a vivid inner “fire.” On a matrix of very pale cream tabular Siderite crystals.
La Mure coal mines, La Mure, Matheysine-Trièves, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 3.7 × 3.5 × 2.2 cm = 1.46” × 1.38” × 0.87”

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

Sphalerite with Siderite. Sphalerite with Siderite.
Sphalerite with Bournonite and Siderite
Sphalerite with Bournonite and Siderite. Sphalerite with Bournonite and Siderite.
 

TV46AM8: Group of complex equant crystals of Sphalerite, very transparent and lustrous, with an intense color and a vivid interior "fire", on a matrix of lenticular crystals of Siderite with a very light cream color, and twinned Bournonite crystals.
La Mure coal mines, La Mure, Matheysine-Trièves, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (±1970)

Specimen size: 6.5 × 4.3 × 1.6 cm = 2.56” × 1.69” × 0.63”

Main crystal size: 1.6 × 1.5 cm = 0.63” × 0.59”

Sphalerite with Siderite
 

TH50Z9: Small but very well defined, bright and translucent crystals with a tan-honey color. They are on a matrix of massive Sphalerite with the lenticular Siderite crystals so characteristic of the locality.
La Mure coal mines, La Mure, Matheysine-Trièves, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 8.7 × 7 × 3 cm = 3.43” × 2.76” × 1.18”

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

Sphalerite with Siderite. Sphalerite with Siderite.
Siderite with Calcite
Siderite with Calcite. Front
Front
Siderite with Calcite. Rear
Rear

Fluorescent light (daylight)
Siderite with Calcite
 

SV2160TGM: Group of very sharp lenticular crystals of Siderite with different shades of brown, some of them very aerial and more developed. On the back of the piece a delicate group of very fine tabular Calcite crystals with a pale cream color adorns the piece.
It is amazing that the specimen came from an area of coal mines, at La Mure.
La Mure coal mines, La Mure, Matheysine-Trièves, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 6.6 × 3.6 × 4.5 cm = 2.60” × 1.42” × 1.77”

Main crystal size: 5.2 × 3.2 cm = 2.05” × 1.26”

Siderite with Quartz and Baryte
 

ED89Y9: Aggregates of very flattened lenticular Siderite crystals on a matrix of Quartz crystals with very sharp white rhombohedral Calcite crystals and a Baryte crystal with very well defined faces and edges, a very rare species at Le Mure.
La Mure coal mines, La Mure, Matheysine-Trièves, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 12.7 × 12.5 × 4 cm = 5.00” × 4.92” × 1.57”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 0.9 cm = 0.67” × 0.35”

Former collection of the Lyon area
Siderite with Quartz and Baryte.
Siderite with Quartz and Baryte. Siderite with Quartz and Baryte.
Siderite with Quartz
Siderite with Quartz. Front
Front
Siderite with Quartz. Side
Side
Siderite with Quartz.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ETB87AO0: Lenticular and very flattened crystals of Siderite, with the typical curvatures and undulations seen in specimens from this deposit, with good luster and a very light and uniform brown color. On matrix, with Quartz crystals. An excellent French classic.
La Mure coal mines, La Mure, Matheysine-Trièves, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 12.4 × 6.1 × 2.5 cm = 4.88” × 2.40” × 0.98”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 1.2 cm = 0.67” × 0.47”

Siderite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EJM27AN7: Druse on matrix of flattened lenticular crystals of Siderite, translucent, with good luster and a light and uniform brown color with golden tones. An excellent French classic.
La Mure coal mines, La Mure, Matheysine-Trièves, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 13.2 × 7.4 × 3 cm = 5.20” × 2.91” × 1.18”

Main crystal size: 3.1 × 2.2 cm = 1.22” × 0.87”

Siderite. Siderite.
Siderite with Calcite and Pyrite
Siderite with Calcite and Pyrite. Siderite with Calcite and Pyrite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ERM68AP2: Flattened lenticular Siderite crystals, translucent, lustrous, and light brown in color, uniform, with golden tones. On matrix, with white lenticular Calcite crystals and small Pyrite crystals.
An excellent French classic,
La Mure coal mines, La Mure, Matheysine-Trièves, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 16.2 × 9.8 × 5.3 cm = 6.38” × 3.86” × 2.09”

Main crystal size: 2.7 × 1.3 cm = 1.06” × 0.51”

Dolomite with Siderite
Dolomite with Siderite  

SD87AC0: Drusy growth, on a rocky matrix, of sharp rhombohedral Siderite crystals with a brown color coated by white rhombohedral Dolomite crystals between transparent and translucent and small Quartz crystals. A French classic.
La Mure coal mines, La Mure, Matheysine-Trièves, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 15.8 × 9.4 × 3.9 cm = 6.22” × 3.70” × 1.54”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.8 cm = 0.39” × 0.31”

Former collection of Francesco S. Stoppani
Dolomite with Siderite. Dolomite with Siderite.
Tetrahedrite with Siderite
Tetrahedrite with Siderite. Front
Front
Tetrahedrite with Siderite. Side
Side
Tetrahedrite with Siderite. Side
Side

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ERM69AO7: Group of tetrahedral crystals of Tetrahedrite with very distinct polycrystalline growths. Lustrous, on matrix with lenticular crystals of Siderite and coatings of Chalcopyrite microcrystals.
The specimen is excellent for the locality both for its quality and for the size of the crystals.
La Mure coal mines, La Mure, Matheysine-Trièves, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 5.1 × 3.6 × 3.5 cm = 2.01” × 1.42” × 1.38”

Main crystal size: 2.7 × 2 cm = 1.06” × 0.79”

Baryte with inclusions
 

LN58AK0: Very sharp crystal with very marked parallel growths, a tabular-laminar habit, bright and transparent to translucent, with inclusions and with the edges profiled by a snowy white geometric zoning. The specimen, found on an area near the old Le Mure mine, is from the Philippe Morelon collection (number 349) whose label, which includes more information on the back, will be sent to the buyer.
La Mure area, La Mure, Matheysine-Trièves, Grenoble, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (04/2012)

Specimen size: 9.7 × 7.6 × 0.6 cm = 3.82” × 2.99” × 0.24”

Former collection of Philippe Morelon
Baryte with inclusions. Front
Front
Baryte with inclusions. Rear
Rear
Calcite
Calcite. Calcite.
Calcite  

SX67AC0: Aggregate of prismatic crystals with echeloned growths and flat rhombohedral terminations. The crystals, on matrix, are bright, between transparent and translucent, and have a snow white color. As is the case with so many specimens in this collection, the locality is quiet unknown.
Vicat Quarry, Montalieu-Vercieu, Morestel, Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 9.5 × 7.1 × 5.5 cm = 3.74” × 2.80” × 2.17”

Main crystal size: 3 × 1.2 cm = 1.18” × 0.47”

Fluorescence short UV & minor fluorescence long UV

Former collection of Francesco S. Stoppani
Calcite
Calcite  

SR28AD3: Spheroidal Calcite with concentric growths. The spheres have a yellow color and are on a basalt matrix. Very similar to those from Montalto di Castro, the classic Italian locality, but this one is from the Puy de Dôme area.
The sample is from the Francesco S. Stoppani collection (catalog number 0316), whose label we’ll send to the buyer. As is the case with so many specimens in this collection, the sample is of great quality for the locality.
Curebourse, Vic-sur-Cère, Aurillac, Cantal, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 12.3 × 11.7 × 6.7 cm = 4.84” × 4.61” × 2.64”

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

Former collection of Francesco S. Stoppani
Calcite. Calcite.
Fluorite
Fluorite. Fluorite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EGH56AN5: Druse of very sharp Fluorite crystals, between transparent and translucent, with good luster and an intense yellow color with a fine geometric zoning on the violet edges.
From a limited find of great quality for what is known from this mine.

La Barre Mine, Saint-Jacques-d'Ambur, Pontgibaud, Saint-Ours, Riom, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (12/2019)

Specimen size: 3.9 × 2.7 × 1.6 cm = 1.54” × 1.06” × 0.63”

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

Fluorite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ETM66AN7: Group of very sharp Fluorite crystals, between transparent and translucent, with good luster and an intense yellow color with a fine geometric zoning on the violet edges. Of great quality for what is known at this mine, it comes only from one specific find.
La Barre Mine, Saint-Jacques-d'Ambur, Pontgibaud, Saint-Ours, Riom, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (09/2020)

Specimen size: 5 × 3.7 × 2.3 cm = 1.97” × 1.46” × 0.91”

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 1.1 cm = 0.47” × 0.43”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Fluorite. Fluorite.
Fluorite
Fluorite. Front
Front
Fluorite. Side
Side
Fluorite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EFF46AN7: Group of very sharp Fluorite crystals, between transparent and translucent, with good luster and an intense yellow color with a fine geometric zoning on the violet edges. Of great quality for what is known at this mine, it comes only from one specific find.
La Barre Mine, Saint-Jacques-d'Ambur, Pontgibaud, Saint-Ours, Riom, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (09/2020)

Specimen size: 5.6 × 4 × 2.8 cm = 2.20” × 1.57” × 1.10”

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

Fluorescent long & short UV
Fluorite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EGF76AN5: Druse of very sharp Fluorite crystals, between transparent and translucent, with good luster and an intense yellow color with a fine geometric zoning on the violet edges.
From a limited find of great quality for what is known from this mine.
La Barre Mine, Saint-Jacques-d'Ambur, Pontgibaud, Saint-Ours, Riom, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (12/2019)

Specimen size: 6 × 3 × 2.5 cm = 2.36” × 1.18” × 0.98”

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

Fluorescent long & short UV
Fluorite. Fluorite.
Fluorite
Fluorite. Fluorite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EMP27AN5: Druse of very sharp Fluorite crystals, between transparent and translucent, with good luster and an intense yellow color with a fine geometric zoning on the violet edges.
From a limited find of great quality for what is known from this mine.
La Barre Mine, Saint-Jacques-d'Ambur, Pontgibaud, Saint-Ours, Riom, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (12/2019)

Specimen size: 6 × 4.6 × 3.3 cm = 2.36” × 1.81” × 1.30”

Main crystal size: 1.1 × 1 cm = 0.43” × 0.39”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Fluorite with Baryte

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EFT27AO0: Druse of very sharp Fluorite crystals, between transparent and translucent, with good luster and an intense yellow color with a fine geometric zoning of blue-violet color on the edges. Of great quality for what is known at this mine, it comes from a very limited find.
La Barre Mine, Saint-Jacques-d'Ambur, Pontgibaud, Saint-Ours, Riom, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (09/2020)

Specimen size: 6.1 × 5.5 × 2.4 cm = 2.40” × 2.17” × 0.94”

Main crystal size: 1.1 × 1 cm = 0.43” × 0.39”

Fluorite with Baryte. Fluorite with Baryte.
Fluorite
Fluorite. Fluorite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EPF69AN5: Druse of very sharp Fluorite crystals, between transparent and translucent, with good luster and an intense yellow color with a fine geometric zoning on the violet edges, and also with light blue crystals, which were rare from this find.
A limited find, of great quality for what is known from this mine.
La Barre Mine, Saint-Jacques-d'Ambur, Pontgibaud, Saint-Ours, Riom, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (12/2019)

Specimen size: 8.3 × 5.8 × 2.9 cm = 3.27” × 2.28” × 1.14”

Main crystal size: 1.3 × 1 cm = 0.51” × 0.39”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Fluorite with Quartz

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TRA70AN4: Very sharp Fluorite crystals, one of them clearly dominant, transparent and with very distinct geometric color zoning, with blue bands around the edges and yellow in the heart of the crystal. The Fluorite is on matrix with white Quartz coatings.
An excellent French ‘modern classic’ from the Alain Martaud collection.
La Barre Mine, Saint-Jacques-d'Ambur, Pontgibaud, Saint-Ours, Riom, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2019)

Specimen size: 14.3 × 9.7 × 3.3 cm = 5.63” × 3.82” × 1.30”

Main crystal size: 2.4 × 2 cm = 0.94” × 0.79”

Fluorescent long & short UV

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Fluorite with Quartz. Fluorite with Quartz.
Fluorite with Quartz.
Fluorite
Fluorite. Front
Front
Fluorite. Side
Side

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EFM91AN5: Druse of very sharp Fluorite crystals, between transparent and translucent, with good luster and an intense blue color with a fine geometric violet zoning on the edges.
This specimen, with crystals of unusual size for the locality and of a dominant blue color, is rare for what is known from this mine and comes from one specific find that was part of the Alain Martaud collection, whose label we will send to the buyer.
La Barre Mine, Saint-Jacques-d'Ambur, Pontgibaud, Saint-Ours, Riom, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2020)

Specimen size: 12.2 × 6.7 × 5.1 cm = 4.80” × 2.64” × 2.01”

Main crystal size: 3.3 × 2.3 cm = 1.30” × 0.91”

Fluorescent long & short UV

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Fluorite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EFJ50AO0: Group of Fluorite crystals with a cubic shape and polycrystalline forms on some of their faces. Between transparent and translucent, with the particularly intense and uniform blue color characteristic of Puy-St-Gulmier, on the also characteristic base of crystalline Fluorite in lilac tones. The color is really exceptional.
Puy-Saint-Gulmier, Saint-Ours, Riom, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 7.1 × 5 × 5.2 cm = 2.80” × 1.97” × 2.05”

Main crystal size: 3 × 2  cm = 1.18” × 0.79”

Fluorite. Fluorite.
Fluorite.
Fluorite with Quartz
Fluorite with Quartz. Fluorite with Quartz.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TFR67AQ0: Druse of very sharp Fluorite crystals, very transparent and lustrous, of intense and uniform light blue color, on matrix, with Quartz. With the characteristic deep violet banding that is typical of Fluorite from this locality.
Le Beix Mine, Saint-Germain-près-Herment, Herment, Clermont-Ferrand District, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 9.2 × 6.9 × 5.4 cm = 3.62” × 2.72” × 2.13”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Fluorite with Quartz

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

LA96AK8: Group of very sharp Fluorite crystals, translucent, very lustrous and extraordinarily intense and uniform blue. The fluorite grew in the void left by a scalenohedral Calcite crystal with some relict faces covered by epitactic Quartz.
The specimen is from the Philippe Morelon collection (number 962), whose label we will send to the buyer.
Le Beix Mine, Saint-Germain-près-Herment, Herment, Clermont-Ferrand District, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (1980)

Specimen size: 11.3 × 6.2 × 4.7 cm = 4.45” × 2.44” × 1.85”

Main crystal size: 1.9 × 1.4 cm = 0.75” × 0.55”

Fluorescent long & short UV

Former collection of Philippe Morelon
Fluorite with Quartz. Front
Front
Fluorite with Quartz. Side
Side
Fluorite with Quartz. Rear
Rear
Fluorite with Quartz.
Fluorite with Quartz
Fluorite with Quartz. Fluorite with Quartz.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EXL66AO9: Obtained at Ste. Marie 2022
Group of very sharp Fluorite crystals, translucent, with excellent luster and an extraordinarily intense blue color, with the mauve tones typical in specimens from this locality. With traces of white Quartz matrix.
The specimen comes from the collection of Michel Maigrot.
Le Beix Mine, Saint-Germain-près-Herment, Herment, Clermont-Ferrand District, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 13.2 × 11.4 × 9.7 cm = 5.20” × 4.49” × 3.82”

Main crystal size: 3.1 × 2.9 cm = 1.22” × 1.14”

Fluorescent long & short UV

former collection of Michel Maigrot
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi)
 

EN27AM2: Gastropod (Helix ramondi) fossilized in translucent Opal-CT (variety lussatite), with a pearly luster and colors ranging from white to sky blue. No reconstruction or repairs of any kind. This French classic is very good quality for the locality.
Les Rois Mine, Mur-sur-Allier, Pont-du-Château, Clermont-Ferrand District, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 1.3 × 1.1 × 1 cm = 0.51” × 0.43” × 0.39”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi). Front
Front
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi). Rear
Rear
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi)
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi). Front
Front
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi). Rear
Rear

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MTM13AO3: Gastropod (Helix ramondi) fossilized in Opal-CT (lussatite variety) translucent, with a pearly luster and colors between white and sky-blue. In its original matrix, without reinforcements or repairs of any kind.
Les Rois Mine, Mur-sur-Allier, Pont-du-Château, Clermont-Ferrand District, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 1.3 × 1.2 × 0.5 cm = 0.51” × 0.47” × 0.20”

Minor fluorescence long & short UV
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi)
 

EP27AM2: Gastropod (Helix ramondi) fossilized in translucent Opal-CT (variety lussatite), with a pearly luster and colors ranging from white to sky blue. No reconstruction or repairs of any kind. This French classic is very good quality for the locality.
Les Rois Mine, Mur-sur-Allier, Pont-du-Château, Clermont-Ferrand District, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 1.4 × 1.1 × 1 cm = 0.55” × 0.43” × 0.39”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi). Front
Front
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi). Rear
Rear
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi)
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi).

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MRR57AO3: Gastropod (Helix ramondi) fossilized in Opal-CT (lussatite variety) translucent, with a pearly luster and colors between white and sky-blue.
Very good quality for the deposit, a French classic.
Les Rois Mine, Mur-sur-Allier, Pont-du-Château, Clermont-Ferrand District, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 2 × 1.8 × 1.7 cm = 0.79” × 0.71” × 0.67”

Minor fluorescence long & short UV
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi)

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MTX86AO3: Gastropod (Helix ramondi) fossilized in Opal-CT (lussatite variety) translucent, with a pearly luster and colors between white and sky-blue.
Very good quality for the deposit, a French classic.
Les Rois Mine, Mur-sur-Allier, Pont-du-Château, Clermont-Ferrand District, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 2.1 × 1.9 × 1.5 cm = 0.83” × 0.75” × 0.59”

Minor fluorescence long & short UV
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi). Front
Front
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi). Rear
Rear
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi)
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi).

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MFL86AO3: Gastropod (Helix ramondi) fossilized in Opal-CT (lussatite variety) translucent, with a pearly luster and colors between white and sky-blue. In its original matrix, without stabilization or repairs of any kind.
Very good quality for the deposit, a French classic.
Les Rois Mine, Mur-sur-Allier, Pont-du-Château, Clermont-Ferrand District, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 2.4 × 1.6 × 1.4 cm = 0.94” × 0.63” × 0.55”

Minor fluorescence long & short UV
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi)
 

EF89AM2: Gastropod (Helix ramondi) fossilized in translucent Opal-CT (variety lussatite), with a pearly luster and colors ranging from white to sky blue. No reconstruction or repairs of any kind. This French classic is very good quality for the locality.
Les Rois Mine, Mur-sur-Allier, Pont-du-Château, Clermont-Ferrand District, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 2.6 × 2.1 × 1.9 cm = 1.02” × 0.83” × 0.75”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi). Front
Front
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi). Rear
Rear
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi)

Recorded under neon light

Recorded under neon light
 

MTB67CD3: Gastropod (Helix ramondi) fossilized in translucent Opal-CT (lussatite variety), with pearly luster and colors between white and sky-blue. In its original matrix, with only a slight reinforcement in the back to prevent the fossil from falling off.
Very elegant and of very good quality for the locality.
Les Rois Mine, Mur-sur-Allier, Pont-du-Château, Clermont-Ferrand District, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 4.2 × 3.9 × 3.4 cm = 1.65” × 1.54” × 1.34”

Main crystal size: 1.8 × 1.7 cm = 0.71” × 0.67”

Opal-CT (variety lussatite)
 

ME26AL3: Botryoidal growth of lussatite, a variety of Opal-CT of volcanic origin, translucent, shiny and with dominant blue tones, replacing a fossil. The specimen is of good quality for what is known at this locality.
Mur-sur-Allier, Pont-du-Château, Clermont-Ferrand District, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 4.8 × 3.3 × 2.2 cm = 1.89” × 1.30” × 0.87”

Main crystal size: 2.1 × 0.5 cm = 0.83” × 0.20”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Opal-CT (variety lussatite). Opal-CT (variety lussatite).
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi)
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi). Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi).

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MLR86AP3: Gastropod (Helix ramondi) fossilized in translucent Opal-CT (variety lussatite), with pearly luster and colors between white and sky blue. It is in its original matrix, without stabilization or repair of any kind. Of very good quality for the deposit, a French classic.
Les Rois Mine, Mur-sur-Allier, Pont-du-Château, Clermont-Ferrand District, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 5.3 × 4.7 × 2 cm = 2.09” × 1.85” × 0.79”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.6 cm = 0.79” × 0.63”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi)
 

EF99AL7: Gastropod (Helix ramondi) fossilized in Opal-CT (variety lussatite) translucent, with a pearly luster and colors varying from white to sky blue. In its original matrix, without glue or repairs of any kind. Very good quality for the locality, a French classic.
Les Rois Mine, Mur-sur-Allier, Pont-du-Château, Clermont-Ferrand District, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 6.9 × 5.1 × 3.2 cm = 2.72” × 2.01” × 1.26”

Main crystal size: 2.2 × 2 cm = 0.87” × 0.79”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi). Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi).
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi)
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi). Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi). Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Opal-CT (variety lussatite) after fossil (Helix ramondi). Detail / Foto: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Foto: Joaquim Callén

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ERB86AP0: Three gastropods (Helix ramondi) fossilized in Opal-CT (lussatite variety) translucent, with a pearly luster and colors varying between white and sky-blue. In its original matrix, without repairs or stabilization of any kind.
Of the best quality for this deposit, a French classic.
Les Rois Mine, Mur-sur-Allier, Pont-du-Château, Clermont-Ferrand District, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (±2015)

Specimen size: 10.6 × 7.1 × 6.6 cm = 4.17” × 2.80” × 2.60”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.9 cm = 0.79” × 0.75”

Minor fluorescence long & short UV
Baryte

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TLM96AP9: Fine miniature with a very aerial group, in a scepter, of very sharp Baryte crystals with sharp crystal forms. Transparent, with good luster and an intense and uniform color.
This classic French specimen comes from the discoveries made by Lisarde between 1974 and 1990, and it was in the Alain Martaud collection, whose label we will send to the buyer.
Croiseur vein, Liauzun Ravine, Olloix, Saint-Amant-Tallende, Clermont-Ferrand District, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (1974-1990)

Specimen size: 3.6 × 2.1 × 2.4 cm = 1.42” × 0.83” × 0.94”

Main crystal size: 3 × 2 cm = 1.18” × 0.79”

Fluorescence short UV & minor fluorescence long UV

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Baryte.
Baryte
Baryte. Baryte.
 

TAF86AN4: Group of very sharp Baryte crystals, between lamellar and tabular, transparent, very lustrous and with an intense yellow color. This high-quality specimen comes from the Alain Martaud collection and is unusual for the locality, which is characterized by larger but less ‘fine’ Baryte crystals than this one.
Croiseur vein, Liauzun Ravine, Olloix, Saint-Amant-Tallende, Clermont-Ferrand District, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 5.5 × 3.4 × 2.6 cm = 2.17” × 1.34” × 1.02”

Main crystal size: 1.6 × 1.4 cm = 0.63” × 0.55”

Minor fluorescence long & short UV

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Baryte

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TPQ86AP9: Group of Baryte crystals with very sharp crystal forms. Transparent, with good luster and an intense and uniform color with golden tones.
This specimen, a French classic of great quality and large size, comes from the finds made by Lisarde between 1974 and 1990, and was in the collection of Alain Martaud, whose label we will send to the buyer.
Croiseur vein, Liauzun Ravine, Olloix, Saint-Amant-Tallende, Clermont-Ferrand District, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (1974-1990)

Specimen size: 16.4 × 11.4 × 14.4 cm = 6.46” × 4.49” × 5.67”

Main crystal size: 6.4 × 5.8 cm = 2.52” × 2.28”

Zoned fluorescence long & short UV

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Baryte. Baryte.
Baryte
Baryte. Front
Front
Baryte. Side
Side
Baryte. Baryte.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ERB97AN6: Druse of thick tabular Baryte crystals with very sharp crystal forms. They are transparent to translucent, with a very bright luster and an intense and uniform yellow color. One of the best known for the locality.
The specimen comes from the Alain Martaud collection, whose label we will send to the buyer.
Châtel-Guyon, Riom, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (±1997)

Specimen size: 13.6 × 8.2 × 2.3 cm = 5.35” × 3.23” × 0.91”

Main crystal size: 2.1 × 1 cm = 0.83” × 0.39”

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Aragonite with Calcite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TXY67AP9: White globular growths of Aragonite, on a limonite matrix, associated with acicular crystals of transparent, colorless and very lustrous Calcite.
This classic French specimen comes from the collection of Alain Martaud, whose label we will send the buyer.
Gergovie, La-Roche-Blanche, Veyre-Monton, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (±1985)

Specimen size: 11.4 × 11.2 × 7.9 cm = 4.49” × 4.41” × 3.11”

Main crystal size: 2 × 0.1 cm = 0.79” × 0.04”

Minor fluorescence short UV

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Aragonite with Calcite. Aragonite with Calcite.
Aragonite with Calcite
Aragonite with Calcite. Aragonite with Calcite.
Aragonite with Calcite  

SA96AD6: Radiating sprays, on matrix, of transparent colorless and very bright acicular Aragonite crystals with white spheroidal Calcite. As is the case with so many specimens in this collection, the sample is of great quality for the locality.
Gergovie, La-Roche-Blanche, Veyre-Monton, Puy-de-Dôme Department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 15.3 × 9.8 × 5 cm = 6.02” × 3.86” × 1.97”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.1 cm = 0.39” × 0.04”

Minor fluorescence short UV

Former collection of Francesco S. Stoppani
Quartz after Fluorite
 

EB66AM2: Very aerial Quartz on matrix, which has completely replaced a cubic Fluorite crystal. The replacement of Fluorite by Quartz, which is not just a coating, is evident in the smaller crystals on this specimen.
Aurouze, Mazerat-Aurouze, Brioude, Haute-Loire, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 5.2 × 4.6 × 2.4 cm = 2.05” × 1.81” × 0.94”

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

Quartz after Fluorite. Quartz after Fluorite.
Quartz after Fluorite.
Fluorite with Quartz and Sphalerite
Fluorite with Quartz and Sphalerite. Fluorite with Quartz and Sphalerite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TAW98AN3: Fluorite crystals with a cubic habit, very sharp and lustrous, transparent and with a yellowish green color, with Sphalerite inclusions and on a matrix of Quartz crystals.
The specimen, from a 1995 find at this locality, comes from the Alain Martaud collection.
Marsanges Mine, La Grande Faille, Langeac, Brioude, Haute-Loire, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (1995)

Specimen size: 12.7 × 11.6 × 5.5 cm = 5.00” × 4.57” × 2.17”

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

Fluorescent long & short UV

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Baryte

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TLM16AP2: Aggregate of Baryte crystals with a tabular habit, one of them clearly dominant and doubly terminated, with a slight bluish color and more transparent areas towards the termination of the crystal. The specimen has a somewhat higher quality than what is usually found in that mine, where Baryte is not the most prominent species.
This specimen comes from the collection of Alain Martaud whose label we will send to the buyer.
Marsanges Mine, La Grande Faille, Langeac, Brioude, Haute-Loire, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (±1965)

Specimen size: 7.4 × 4.5 × 3.2 cm = 2.91” × 1.77” × 1.26”

Main crystal size: 3.4 × 2.6 cm = 1.34” × 1.02”

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Baryte.
Fluorite with Quartz after Fluorite
Fluorite with Quartz after Fluorite. Fluorite with Quartz after Fluorite.
 

EX27AM2: Very sharp Fluorite crystals, transparent, shiny, yellow in color and rich in inclusions. On matrix with coatings of white Quartz microcrystals and relict forms of disappeared cubic Fluorite crystals.
The specimen is from the prestigious Pierre-Marie Guy fluorite collection.
Langeac, Brioude, Haute-Loire, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (1975-1976)

Specimen size: 5.5 × 5.3 × 4 cm = 2.17” × 2.09” × 1.57”

Main crystal size: 1.5 × 1.3 cm = 0.59” × 0.51”

Fluorescent long & short UV

Former collection of Pierre-Marie Guy
Rounded Fluorite
 

TD11F2: The rounded formations are notable for the variation on color, between lilac and light gray-green. They sit on a long matrix and contrast with the white Quartz and darker host rock.
Buxières-les-Mines, Moulins, Allier, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (2004)

Specimen size: 7.5 × 4.5 × 3.5 cm = 2.95” × 1.77” × 1.38”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Rounded Fluorite.
Rounded Fluorite.
Pyromorphite
Pyromorphite. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Pyromorphite. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
 

EPF47CD1: From an unusual locality, with sharp crystals and a good green color, this large and undamaged specimen of Pyromorphite is a good representation of what was found in the past in this classic French locality.
Nuissière Mine, Chénelette, Thizy-les-Bourgs, Villefranche-sur-Saône, Rhône, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 12.3 × 8 × 5 cm = 4.84” × 3.15” × 1.97”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.2 cm = 0.20” × 0.08”

Pyromorphite with Quartz
 

EA96AE3: Aggregates of acicular Pyromorphite crystals that are very bright, with a very uniform green color and on a matrix with Quartz crystals. The sample is from a not well known locality where good samples are very scarce.
Nuissière Mine, Chénelette, Thizy-les-Bourgs, Villefranche-sur-Saône, Rhône, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France (04-05/2011)

Specimen size: 12.3 × 10.4 × 7.1 cm = 4.84” × 4.09” × 2.80”

Main crystal size: 0.3 × 0.1 cm = 0.12” × 0.04”

Pyromorphite with Quartz. Front
Front
Pyromorphite with Quartz. Side
Side
Pyromorphite with Quartz.
Doubly terminated Quartz
Doubly terminated Quartz. Doubly terminated Quartz.
 

MB57K9: Doubly terminated Quartz crystal, with a short prism, very clear and brilliant, contrasting with a dark matrix. Very popular specimens at French mineral shows, where were called “Diamants de la Drôme” (Drôme Diamonds).
Rémuzat, Nyons, Drôme, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 9.3 × 6.5 × 5.5 cm = 3.66” × 2.56” × 2.17”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 1.3 cm = 0.67” × 0.51”


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