Reference Specimens
Portugal - Panasqueira

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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


Cassiterite

Cassiterite with Fluorapatite, Siderite and Quartz
Cassiterite with Fluorapatite, Siderite and Quartz.
 

NE60M7: Very well defined twin on matrix with small crystals of Fluorapatite, Siderite and Quartz. The Cassiterite crystal has a contact on the back.
Minas da Panasqueira, level 2, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal

Specimen size: 1.7 × 1.3 × 1.2 cm = 0.67” × 0.51” × 0.47”

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

Fluorapatite fluorescent long & short UV
Cassiterite with Muscovite
 

AF38Y6: Group of very bright crystals with notable transparency. They form complex cyclic twins and are slightly coated by Muscovite micro-crystals. The Cassiterite crystals have a very notable size for the locality.
Minas da Panasqueira, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (1987-2013)

Specimen size: 3.7 × 2.7 × 2 cm = 1.46” × 1.06” × 0.79”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 1.6 cm = 0.67” × 0.63”

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Cassiterite with Muscovite.
Cassiterite on Ferberite
Cassiterite on Ferberite. Front
Front
Cassiterite on Ferberite. Top
Top
Cassiterite on Ferberite. Side
Side
 

NB94AF5: Single Cassiterite crystal with an unusual size for the locality. It forms a cyclic twin with very well defined faces and edges, and on the terminal faces is a parallel growth of Ferberite crystals. Exceptional for Panasqueira.
Minas da Panasqueira, levels 0-1, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (04/2017)

Specimen size: 4 × 2.7 × 2.7 cm = 1.57” × 1.06” × 1.06”

Main crystal size: 2.7 × 2.5 cm = 1.06” × 0.98”

Cassiterite with Arsenopyrite, Fluorapatite, Calcite and Muscovite
 

ND68AA7: Isolated twinned Cassiterite crystals that are very well defined and with a considerable size for the locality. They are on an Arsenopyrite matrix with tabular Fluorapatite crystals and spheroidal Muscovite aggregates. The back side could be almost considered as a different sample because it is dominated by an aggregate of very bright Arsenopyrite crystals with an excellent development and partially coated by Muscovite.
Minas da Panasqueira, level 0, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (07/2014)

Specimen size: 6.5 × 5.8 × 3.6 cm = 2.56” × 2.28” × 1.42”

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

Fluorapatite fluorescent long & short UV
Cassiterite with Arsenopyrite, Fluorapatite, Calcite and Muscovite. Front
Front
Cassiterite with Arsenopyrite, Fluorapatite, Calcite and Muscovite. Rear
Rear
Cassiterite with Arsenopyrite, Fluorapatite, Calcite and Muscovite.
Cassiterite with Muscovite and Schorl-Dravite
Cassiterite with Muscovite and Schorl-Dravite. Cassiterite with Muscovite and Schorl-Dravite.
 

AB47Y6: Very aerial and almost floater group of very bright crystals that have notable transparency and form complex cyclic twins. They are on a rocky matrix, with Muscovite and small acicular tourmaline (Schorl-Dravite) crystals.
This specimen has been reviewed and published in the magazine ‘Lapis’ on page 43, volume 39, number 7-8, July-August 2014
Minas da Panasqueira, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (1987-2013)

Specimen size: 10.2 × 6.8 × 4.5 cm = 4.02” × 2.68” × 1.77”

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Cassiterite with Quartz, Fluorapatite and Arsenopyrite
 

TR96AL3: Groups of twinned Cassiterite crystals, very sharp, shiny and translucent on the edges. On matrix, with short elongated Fluorapatite crystals of almost white color, aggregates of elongated crystals of Arsenopyrite and Quartz crystals.
Minas da Panasqueira, level 1, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (2018)

Specimen size: 10.4 × 6.8 × 3.9 cm = 4.09” × 2.68” × 1.54”

Main crystal size: 1.3 × 0.7 cm = 0.51” × 0.28”

Fluorapatite fluorescent long & short UV
Cassiterite with Quartz, Fluorapatite and Arsenopyrite. Cassiterite with Quartz, Fluorapatite and Arsenopyrite.
Cassiterite on Quartz
Cassiterite on Quartz. Front
Front
Cassiterite on Quartz. Rear
Rear
Cassiterite on Quartz.
 

MQ47AH0: Twinned Cassiterite crystals with very well defined faces and edges, translucent, bright and with a brown color with reddish reflections. They are implanted on a group of Quartz crystals, some of them doubly terminated, with Pyrite and Muscovite. The sample is old, found more than twenty years ago.
Minas da Panasqueira, level 2, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal

Specimen size: 12.3 × 11 × 7 cm = 4.84” × 4.33” × 2.76”

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

Quartz
 

WPF66CD2: Very well-developed Quartz crystal with parallel growth on the terminal faces and several very sharp, black, and shiny crystals of Cassiterite. The Quartz is partially coated with small lenticular crystals of Siderite, in turn covered with very shiny microcrystals of Pyrite.
Like all specimens in Raúl Sanabria's collection, it was chosen with great care, always aiming to have something special that sets it apart.
Minas da Panasqueira, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal

Specimen size: 17.5 × 9.8 × 9.4 cm = 6.89” × 3.86” × 3.70”

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

Former collection of Raúl Sanabria

Recorded under neon light

Recorded under neon light
Cassiterite with Quartz and Siderite
Cassiterite with Quartz and Siderite. Cassiterite with Quartz and Siderite.
 

AD96Y6: Group of bright Cassiterite crystals forming complex cyclic twins. They are on a matrix of transparent Quartz crystals with some rough Siderite. This sample was in the Folch duplicates collection, whose label we’ll send to the buyer. It has an added interest because it is from Vale da Ermida, a zone somewhat away from the main mining area and is currently abandoned and awash.
Vale da Ermida, Panasqueira, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Centro  Portugal (±1964)

Specimen size: 7.7 × 5.7 × 4.9 cm = 3.03” × 2.24” × 1.93”

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

Former collection of Alain Martaud

Topaz

Topaz with Chlorite inclusions, Arsenopyrite, Chalcopyrite and Muscovite
 

NA96AA9: Aggregate of Topaz crystals, one of them clearly dominant, partially doubly terminated and of a considerable size for the known on the locality. The crystals have very well defined faces and edges, are very rich in Chlorite inclusions, are partially coated by small leafy Muscovite and are with Arsenopyrite and Chalcopyrite. The upper levels of Panasqueira are currently offering surprising and pleasant novelties, with samples that are very different from what has been known from this mine.
Minas da Panasqueira, level 0, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (11/2014)

Specimen size: 4.5 × 3.7 × 3.8 cm = 1.77” × 1.46” × 1.50”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.1 cm = 0.79” × 0.43”

Topaz with Chlorite inclusions, Arsenopyrite, Chalcopyrite and Muscovite. Topaz with Chlorite inclusions, Arsenopyrite, Chalcopyrite and Muscovite.
Topaz with Chlorite, Muscovite, Pyrite, Fluorapatite and Siderite
Topaz with Chlorite, Muscovite, Pyrite, Fluorapatite and Siderite. Topaz with Chlorite, Muscovite, Pyrite, Fluorapatite and Siderite.
 

NJ96AC4: Irregular aggregate of Topaz crystals with very well defined faces and edges. They are colorless, very bright and are on matrix, with Chlorite, Muscovite, Fluorapatite, Siderite and Pyrite. The upper levels of Panasqueira are currently offering surprising and pleasant novelties, with samples that are different from what is already known.
Minas da Panasqueira, level 0, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (03/2015)

Specimen size: 5.7 × 4.5 × 2.6 cm = 2.24” × 1.77” × 1.02”

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

Fluorescent short UV
Topaz with Pyrite, Cassiterite, Fluorite, Muscovite and Chlorite
 

NG36AF0: Irregular aggregate of Topaz crystals with very well defined faces and edges, colorless, bright and on matrix, with twinned Cassiterite, Quartz, Fluorite, small cubic Pyrite crystals and Chlorite infilling around the Topaz crystals. The upper levels of Panasqueira are currently offering surprising and pleasant novelties, with samples that are different from what is already known.
Minas da Panasqueira, level 0, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (2015)

Specimen size: 6.3 × 3.8 × 2.3 cm = 2.48” × 1.50” × 0.91”

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

Fluorescent short UV
Topaz with Pyrite, Cassiterite, Fluorite, Muscovite and Chlorite. Topaz with Pyrite, Cassiterite, Fluorite, Muscovite and Chlorite.
Fluorite with Topaz, Quartz, Arsenopyrite and Muscovite
Fluorite with Topaz, Quartz, Arsenopyrite and Muscovite. Fluorite with Topaz, Quartz, Arsenopyrite and Muscovite.
Fluorite with Topaz, Quartz, Arsenopyrite and Muscovite.
 

NA97AB6: Small spheroidal aggregates of cubo-octahedral Fluorite crystals, with a color between blue and lilac, that are partially coating the faces of a group of clear and bright Quartz crystals partially coated by Chlorite, with Arsenopyrite crystals, small Muscovite aggregates and an aggregate of Topaz crystals with very well defined faces and edges. The upper levels of Panasqueira are currently offering surprising and pleasant novelties, with samples that are very different from what has been known from this mine.
Minas da Panasqueira, level 0, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (04/2015)

Specimen size: 6.3 × 5.9 × 4.8 cm = 2.48” × 2.32” × 1.89”

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

Fluorite minor fluorescence short UV. Topaz fluorescent short UV
Topaz with Arsenopyrite, Fluorite, Muscovite and Chlorite
 

NA96AJ5: Topaz crystals with very well defined faces and edges, some of them with Chlorite inclusions. They are partially coated by small leafy Muscovite aggregates and small, very sharp and bright Arsenopyrite crystals.
Minas da Panasqueira, level 0, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (2015)

Specimen size: 6.7 × 5.9 × 3.6 cm = 2.64” × 2.32” × 1.42”

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

Fluorescent short UV
Topaz with Arsenopyrite, Fluorite, Muscovite and Chlorite. Topaz with Arsenopyrite, Fluorite, Muscovite and Chlorite.
Topaz with Arsenopyrite, Cuarzo, Chlorite and Fluorite
Topaz with Arsenopyrite, Cuarzo, Chlorite and Fluorite. Front
Front
Topaz with Arsenopyrite, Cuarzo, Chlorite and Fluorite. Rear
Rear
Topaz with Arsenopyrite, Cuarzo, Chlorite and Fluorite.
 

MA87AC8: Aggregate of Topaz crystals with very well defined faces and edges. They are colorless, transparent and bright and are on a matrix with Arsenopyrite and Quartz crystals. The sample has the whole back coated by chlorite, with Fluorite crystals. The upper levels of Panasqueira are currently offering surprising and pleasant novelties, with samples that are different from what is already known.
Minas da Panasqueira, level 0, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (05/2015)

Specimen size: 7.9 × 7.5 × 2.7 cm = 3.11” × 2.95” × 1.06”

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

Fluorescent short UV

Stannite

Stannite with Sphalerite and Arsenopyrite
 

NQ60F4: A curious and unusual form. The crystals of Sphalerite have such curved edges and faces that they appear to be almost spherical. The Stannite is a fine coating, which makes the Sphalerite appear satin. At the base there are some prismatic, well-developed crystals of Arsenopyrite that make this one seem aerial and esthetic.
Minas da Panasqueira, level 3, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (2004)

Specimen size: 4.2 × 3.2 × 2.7 cm = 1.65” × 1.26” × 1.06”

Stannite with Sphalerite and Arsenopyrite.
Fluorapatite with Siderite, Quartz, Stannite and Arsenopyrite
Fluorapatite with Siderite, Quartz, Stannite and Arsenopyrite. Fluorapatite with Siderite, Quartz, Stannite and Arsenopyrite.
 

NK14X9: Curious tabular Fluorapatite crystal with very well marked parallel growths. It is translucent, with Arsenopyrite inclusions and on matrix, with Arsenopyrite, Quartz, Siderite and Stannite crystals.
We’ll send a copy of the analysis of the Fluorapatite to the buyer.
Minas da Panasqueira, level 3, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (1998)

Specimen size: 4.6 × 3.9 × 3.9 cm = 1.81” × 1.54” × 1.54”

Main crystal size: 2.9 × 1.5 cm = 1.14” × 0.59”

Fluorapatite fluorescent long & short UV
Stannite with Chalcopyrite and Arsenopyrite
 

NF11X9: Stannite and Chalcopyrite intergrowths. The Stannite is slightly golden dark gray and the Chalcopyrite shows a brass color. The complexity of these growths, the poor definition of crystalline forms and the fact that Stannite also frequently substitutes for Sphalerite, resulted in Stannite having been almost unnoticed at Panasqueira. We’ll send a copy of the analysis to the buyer.
Minas da Panasqueira, level 3, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (2004)

Specimen size: 5 × 2.1 × 3.3 cm = 1.97” × 0.83” × 1.30”

Stannite with Chalcopyrite and Arsenopyrite. Stannite with Chalcopyrite and Arsenopyrite.
Quars with Siderite, Stannite, Chalcopyrite and Pyrite
Quars with Siderite, Stannite, Chalcopyrite and Pyrite. Quars with Siderite, Stannite, Chalcopyrite and Pyrite.
 

AA27AC9: Transparent Quartz crystal, coated by very pale lenticular Siderite crystals and dark Sphalerite aggregates coated by Stannite and with small Chalcopyrite and Pyrite crystals. The sample is from the Alain Martaud collection, whose label we’ll send to the buyer.
Minas da Panasqueira, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (1987-2013)

Specimen size: 8.5 × 4.2 × 4 cm = 3.35” × 1.65” × 1.57”

Main crystal size: 7.3 × 2.9 cm = 2.87” × 1.14”

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Stannite with Chalcopyrite, Pyrite, Marcasite, Siderite and Calcite
 

AB68AD6: Epigenic growth of very small Stannite crystals on a single Chalcopyrite crystal, with Siderite crystals, Calcite coatings and small Marcasite and Pyrite crystals partially coating the Stannite. We’ll send a copy of the analysis of the Stannite to the buyer of this sample.
Minas da Panasqueira, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (1987-2013)

Specimen size: 8.5 × 5.7 × 2.9 cm = 3.35” × 2.24” × 1.14”

Stannite with Chalcopyrite, Pyrite, Marcasite, Siderite and Calcite. Stannite with Chalcopyrite, Pyrite, Marcasite, Siderite and Calcite.
Chalcopyrite with Stannite, Arsenopyrite and Muscovite
Chalcopyrite with Stannite, Arsenopyrite and Muscovite.
Chalcopyrite with Stannite, Arsenopyrite and Muscovite. Chalcopyrite with Stannite, Arsenopyrite and Muscovite.
 

NV27X9: Brass-colored Chalcopyrite crystals with superficial iridescence, with slightly golden dark gray Stannite intergrowths. They are on matrix, with Arsenopyrite crystals and Muscovite coatings. We’ll send a copy of the analysis of the Stannite to the buyer.
This specimen has been reviewed and published in the magazine ‘Lapis’ on page 49, volume 39, number 7-8, July-August 2014
Minas da Panasqueira, level 3, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (2004)

Specimen size: 10.5 × 8.8 × 6.3 cm = 4.13” × 3.46” × 2.48”

Chalcopyrite with Stannite, Arsenopyrite and Galena
 

NC16I7: Complex crystals of Chalcopyrite, very bright and with clearly curved faces and edges, covered by Stannite forming a crust, with minor Galena and prismatic crystals of Arsenopyrite. Interesting and original.
Minas da Panasqueira, level 3, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (2004)

Specimen size: 10.8 × 7.3 × 5.3 cm = 4.25” × 2.87” × 2.09”

Chalcopyrite with Stannite, Arsenopyrite and Galena.

PORTUGAL


Preguiça Mine

Descloizite is a mineral not well known in good quality specimens from the European continent. Even considering that the Preguiça Mine, in Portugal, was known for years for its Descloizite and a wide variety of zinc minerals, the quality of the samples was not especially high because the crystals were too small or not esthetic.
Between 2005 and 2006 groups of collectors from Huelva (Spain) were intensely working that mine and finally found some pockets with specimens of Descloizite of high quality, some of them particularly esthetic (and scarce) stalactitic or columnar and associated with white Calcite.
In our opinion these specimens can be considered as the best Descloizites found in Europe.

Just to be certain, we analyzed them and the analysis proved that they are definitely Descloizite. To be more exact, slightly copper rich Descloizite, but the mineral species is Descloizite. We will send a copy of this analysis to our customers who buy this material.

Descloizite with Calcite
Descloizite with Calcite.
 

NA10J1: Very aerial and esthetic columnar growths of small but extraordinarily defined and bright crystals. Those are dipyramidal and have very well defined faces and edges and most of them are doubly terminated. The matrix is a group of crystals of white Calcite.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2005-2006)

Specimen size: 3.9 × 2.3 × 2.1 cm = 1.54” × 0.91” × 0.83”

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

Descloizite
 

NV9I8: Columnar and arborescent groups, very aerial and esthetic, of dipyramidal crystals, most of them doubly terminated, with very well-defined faces and edges. They have good luster.
This specimen was photographed in the magazine ‘Le Règne Minéral’ number 75, page 23.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2005-2006)

Specimen size: 4.2 × 2.8 × 1.4 cm = 1.65” × 1.10” × 0.55”

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

Descloizite.
Descloizite with Calcite
Descloizite with Calcite.
 

NJ57I8: Columnar, very aerial growths of dipyramidal crystals, most of them doubly terminated, with very well-defined faces and edges. They have good luster and are on white Calcite crystals.
This specimen was photographed in the magazine ‘Le Règne Minéral’ number 75, page 23.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2005-2006)

Specimen size: 4.9 × 2.9 × 1.4 cm = 1.93” × 1.14” × 0.55”

Descloizite
 

NF13I7: Group on Limonite matrix of small bright crystals, most of them doubly terminated, forming dipyramids with very well-defined faces and edges. The specimen is very esthetic due its columnar growths, with very attractive crests and vugs.
This specimen was photographed and published as a novelty at the 2007 Tucson Show in the magazine ‘Le Règne Minéral’ number 74, page 9.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2005-2006)

Specimen size: 4.9 × 3.8 × 3.1 cm = 1.93” × 1.50” × 1.22”

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

Descloizite. Front
Front
Descloizite. Rear
Rear
Descloizite with Calcite
Descloizite with Calcite. Descloizite with Calcite.
 

NA26J1: Columnar growths of very bright small crystals, many of them doubly terminated and forming dipyramids of very well defined faces and edges. The groups contrast on a wall of scalenohedral crystals of white Calcite on a matrix of Limonite.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2005-2006)

Specimen size: 5.2 × 5 × 3 cm = 2.05” × 1.97” × 1.18”

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

Descloizite with Calcite
 

NE6I8: Columnar, very aerial growths of dipyramidal crystals, most of them doubly terminated, with very well-defined faces and edges. They have good luster and are on white Calcite crystals.
The specimen has been published in the magazine ‘Mineral Up’ on page 19 in number 2008/2.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2005-2006)

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

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

Descloizite with Calcite.
Descloizite with Calcite
Descloizite with Calcite. Front
Front
Descloizite with Calcite. Rear
Rear
 

NA76T4: Groups of dipyramidal crystals of Descloizite with very well defined faces and edges and very bright, with very acute crystals, between colorless and white, of Calcite.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2005-2006)

Specimen size: 6.4 × 4.1 × 2.3 cm = 2.52” × 1.61” × 0.91”

Descloizite with Calcite
 

NV86M9: Very aerial and esthetic columnar growths of small, extraordinarily sharp and very bright crystals. They are dipyramidal and most of them doubly terminated. A group of white crystals of Calcite is on the Descloizite groups.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2005-2006)

Specimen size: 6.7 × 5.5 × 2.7 cm = 2.64” × 2.17” × 1.06”

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

Descloizite with Calcite. Descloizite with Calcite.
Descloizite with Calcite
Descloizite with Calcite. Front
Front
Descloizite with Calcite. Rear
Rear
 

ND66I7: Group of columnar growths of small, very bright crystals, most of them doubly terminated, forming dipyramids with very well defined faces and edges. On one of the growths there is an esthetic group of lenticular crystals of white Calcite.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2005-2006)

Specimen size: 7.3 × 4.9 × 5 cm = 2.87” × 1.93” × 1.97”

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

Descloizite with Calcite
 

NB28V8: Group on Limonite matrix of small bright crystals, most of them doubly terminated, forming dipyramids with very well-defined faces and edges. The specimen is very esthetic due its columnar growths, with very attractive crests and vugs.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2005-2006)

Specimen size: 9 × 4.5 × 3.3 cm = 3.54” × 1.77” × 1.30”

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

Descloizite with Calcite. Descloizite with Calcite.
Descloizite
Descloizite. Descloizite.
 

NY6V8: Group on matrix of Limonite of small, very bright crystals, a lot of them doubly terminated, that form sharp dipyramids.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2005-2006)

Specimen size: 10.3 × 6.5 × 4.2 cm = 4.06” × 2.56” × 1.65”

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

Descloizite with Calcite
 

NG50I7: Flattened group of columnar growths of small very bright crystals, most of them doubly terminated, forming dipyramids with very well-defined faces and edges. On one of the sides, in which Descloizite is more visible, there is a botryoidal growth of Calcite, while the opposite side is completely covered by very acute scalenohedral crystals of white Calcite.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2005-2006)

Specimen size: 12.3 × 6.7 × 4.4 cm = 4.84” × 2.64” × 1.73”

Main crystal size: 0.1 × 01 cm = 0.04” × 0.39”

Descloizite with Calcite. Front
Front
Descloizite with Calcite. Rear
Rear
Calcite
Calcite. Front
Front
Calcite. Rear
Rear
 

NE11M9: Parallel growths of acute rhombohedral crystals, white and showing a slightly silky luster.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2005-2006)

Specimen size: 8.1 × 7.2 × 5.1 cm = 3.19” × 2.83” × 2.01”

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

Minor fluorescence long & short UV
Plattnerite with Calcite
 

MR10M9: Small but well defined and bright crystals of this very uncommon species. They are partially covered by stalagmitic growths of Calcite whose color is between orange and creamy.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (03/2007)

Specimen size: 6.7 × 3 × 2.2 cm = 2.64” × 1.18” × 0.87”

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

MQ10M9: Small but well defined and bright crystals of this very uncommon species. They are partially covered by stalagmitic growths of Calcite whose color is between orange and creamy.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (03/2007)

Specimen size: 6.8 × 3.2 × 3 cm = 2.68” × 1.26” × 1.18”

Calcite minor fluorescence long & short UV
Plattnerite with Calcite
 

MB62M9: Irregular aggregate of black crystals, small but very well defined and bright, of this very uncommon species. They are on globular Calcite whose color is between orange and creamy.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (03/2007)

Specimen size: 9.2 × 5.2 × 2.4 cm = 3.62” × 2.05” × 0.94”

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

MN12M9: Irregular aggregate of black crystals, small but very well defined and bright, of this very uncommon species. They are on a matrix of globular Calcite whose color is between orange and white.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (03/2007)

Specimen size: 10.5 × 6.9 × 4 cm = 4.13” × 2.72” × 1.57”

Calcite minor fluorescence long & short UV
Willemite
 

NF57J1: At this locality where the most well known mineral is Descloizite, there are other interesting samples. This Willemite has small but very well defined crystals whose clear color contrasts with the dark Limonite matrix. The specimen is intensely fluorescent under ultraviolet light. The sample has been analyzed and we will send a copy of the analysis to the buyer.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2005-2006)

Specimen size: 6.7 × 3.9 × 2.4 cm = 2.64” × 1.54” × 0.94”

Intense fluorescence short UV & fluorescent long UV
Willemite.
Willemite.
Willemite pseudo Cerussite
Willemite pseudo Cerussite.
 

NL57J5: One of the novelties of the year from Preguiça Mine. Willemite replaced small crystals that we suppose were Cerussite, not analytically confirmed because Willemite completely replaced the preexisting species.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2005-2006)

Specimen size: 3.8 × 2 × 2.2 cm = 1.50” × 0.79” × 0.87”

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

Intense fluorescence short UV & fluorescent long UV
Willemite with Plattnerite
 

NA9J5: One of the novelties of the year from Preguiça Mine. Willemite replaced small crystals that we suppose were Cerussite, not analytically confirmed because Willemite completely replaced the preexisting species. With the Willemite there are also small crystals of Plattnerite that we analyzed. We’ll send a copy of the analysis to the buyer.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2005-2006)

Specimen size: 10 × 7.5 × 4 cm = 3.94” × 2.95” × 1.57”

Main crystal size: 0.6 × 0.1 cm = 0.24” × 0.04”

Intense fluorescence short UV & fluorescent long UV
Willemite with Plattnerite.
Willemite with Plattnerite.
Descloizite after Vanadinite
Descloizite after Vanadinite.
 

NC7N7: The Preguiça Mine is currently well known and the species from there well described. Anyway, an unusual find was made there in 2006, a pseudomorph of Descloizite after Vanadinite. The analysis we did shows only Descloizite but the crystal form is without doubt that of former Vanadinite.
This specimen was photographed in the magazine ‘Le Règne Minéral’ number 88, page 42.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2006)

Specimen size: 2.4 × 2.2 × 2.2 cm = 0.94” × 0.87” × 0.87”

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

Descloizite after Vanadinite
 

NH9N7: The Preguiça Mine is currently well known and the species from there well described. Anyway, an unusual find was made there in 2006, a pseudomorph of Descloizite after Vanadinite. The analysis we did shows only Descloizite but the crystal form is without doubt that of former Vanadinite.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2006)

Specimen size: 6.3 × 5 × 3 cm = 2.48” × 1.97” × 1.18”

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

Descloizite after Vanadinite. Descloizite after Vanadinite.
Descloizite after Vanadinite
Descloizite after Vanadinite. Descloizite after Vanadinite.
 

NM58N7: The Preguiça Mine is currently well known and the species from there well described. Anyway, an unusual find was made there in 2006, a pseudomorph of Descloizite after Vanadinite. The analysis we did shows only Descloizite but the crystal form is without doubt that of former Vanadinite.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2006)

Specimen size: 7.2 × 6.3 × 2.6 cm = 2.83” × 2.48” × 1.02”

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

Descloizite after Vanadinite
 

NP8N7: The Preguiça Mine is currently well known and the species from there well described. Anyway, an unusual find was made there in 2006, a pseudomorph of Descloizite after Vanadinite. The analysis we did shows only Descloizite but the crystal form is without doubt that of former Vanadinite.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2006)

Specimen size: 8.5 × 6.4 × 3.1 cm = 3.35” × 2.52” × 1.22”

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

Descloizite after Vanadinite. Descloizite after Vanadinite.
Descloizite after Vanadinite
Descloizite after Vanadinite. Descloizite after Vanadinite.
 

NX10N7: The Preguiça Mine is currently well known and the species from there well described. Anyway, an unusual find was made there in 2006, a pseudomorph of Descloizite after Vanadinite. The analysis we did shows only Descloizite but the crystal form is without doubt that of former Vanadinite.
Preguiça Mine, Sobral da Adiça, Moura, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2006)

Specimen size: 9.3 × 8.8 × 3.3 cm = 3.66” × 3.46” × 1.30”

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


Baryte
Baryte  

HM110NF: Group of tabular Baryte crystals, one of them clearly dominant, transparent, shiny, with a slightly smoky color and abundant inclusions. Of good quality for this Portuguese locality which is little known to collectors.
Feitais deposit, Aljustrel, Beja District, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo  Portugal (2019)

Specimen size: 6 × 4.7 × 2.4 cm = 2.36” × 1.85” × 0.94”

Main crystal size: 4.3 × 2.8 cm = 1.69” × 1.10”

Baryte. Photo: Joaquim Callén
Photo: Joaquim Callén
Corkite on Plumbogummite
Corkite on Plumbogummite. Corkite on Plumbogummite.
 

MG64AG3: Coatings of very well defined micro-crystals of Corkite, a rare lead and iron sulfate-phosphate. They have an olive-green color, are very bright and are implanted on a clearer grayish-green Plumbogummite and on a limonite matrix.
The specimen has been reviewed, photographed and published as a new discovery in the magazine ‘Mineral Up’ on page 64 in number 2017/2
Serra da Mina Mine, Cercal, Santiago do Cacém, Setúbal District  Portugal (2016-2017)

Specimen size: 6.1 × 5.4 × 4.6 cm = 2.40” × 2.13” × 1.81”

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

Corkite with Plumbogummite
 

MJ36AJ5: Corkite microcrystals whose color is between brown and olive green, with Plumbogummite growths that are brown with orange and blue shades. On a matrix of botryoidal Goethite.
Serra da Mina Mine, Cercal, Santiago do Cacém, Setúbal District  Portugal (2016-2017)

Specimen size: 7 × 4.8 × 5.4 cm = 2.76” × 1.89” × 2.13”

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

Corkite with Plumbogummite. Corkite with Plumbogummite.
Corkite on Goethite
Corkite on Goethite. Corkite on Goethite.
 

MB36AJ5: Small flattened dipyramidal Corkite crystals with a pale brown color on a matrix of botryoidal Goethite.
Serra da Mina Mine, Cercal, Santiago do Cacém, Setúbal District  Portugal (2016-2017)

Specimen size: 8.4 × 5.6 × 3.4 cm = 3.31” × 2.20” × 1.34”

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

Corkite with Plumbogummite
 

ME12AM2: Coatings of very sharp and lustrous microcrystals of Corkite, a rare sulfate-phosphate of lead and iron, of olive-green color, implanted on greyish green plumbogummite that is somewhat lighter than the Corkite, on a Goethite - limonite matrix.
Serra da Mina Mine, Cercal, Santiago do Cacém, Setúbal District  Portugal (2016-2017)

Specimen size: 9.3 × 3.9 × 4.1 cm = 3.66” × 1.54” × 1.61”

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

Corkite with Plumbogummite. Corkite with Plumbogummite.
Fluorite
Fluorite.
Fluorite  

NA47AH2: Cubic crystal with two very well differentiated growth phases, the first one a cubic nucleus with a very deep violet color, and a second, a peripheral polycrystalline growth, transparent and with sky blue color. The sample is from the collection of Pedro Alves, the author of the article “Vale das Gatas Mining District” in the Mineral Up magazine (2017/1). We’ll send the collection label to the buyer.
Vinheiros Mine, level 4, Vale das Gatas mining group, Sabrosa, Vila Real District, Norte Region  Portugal (08/2011)

Specimen size: 1.7 × 1.6 × 1.3 cm = 0.67” × 0.63” × 0.51”

Fluorite
Fluorite  

NB67AH2: Polycrystalline growth of cubic crystals finely beveled by the dodecahedron. They are transparent and with a sky-blue color with irregular areas with a deep violet color. The sample is from the collection of Pedro Alves, the author of the article “Vale das Gatas Mining District” in Mineral Up magazine (2017/1). We’ll send the collection label to the buyer.
Vinheiros Mine, level 4, Vale das Gatas mining group, Sabrosa, Vila Real District, Norte Region  Portugal (08/2011)

Specimen size: 2.2 × 1.6 × 1.4 cm = 0.87” × 0.63” × 0.55”

Fluorite.
Fluorite with Quartz and Muscovite
Fluorite with Quartz and Muscovite.
Fluorite with Quartz and Muscovite  

NE88AH2: Polycrystalline growth of Fluorite crystals clearly beveled by the dodecahedron. They are transparent, bright, have a very intense sky-blue color and are on Quartz matrix, with small Muscovite blades. The sample is from the collection of Pedro Alves, the author of the article “Vale das Gatas Mining District” in Mineral Up magazine (2017/1). We’ll send the collection label to the buyer.
This specimen was published on the Mineralogical Record´s web page, in the ‘What's New’ section, report 49, May 7, 2018 edition.
Vinheiros Mine, level 4, Vale das Gatas mining group, Sabrosa, Vila Real District, Norte Region  Portugal (08/2011)

Specimen size: 2.7 × 2.7 × 2.8 cm = 1.06” × 1.06” × 1.10”

Fluorite with Quartz
Fluorite with Quartz  

NL28AH4: Polycrystalline growth of Fluorite crystal cubes beveled by the dodecahedron. They are transparent, bright and have a very intense sky-blue color and a central nucleus with a very deep violet color and are on a Quartz matrix.
The sample is from the mineral collection of Pedro Alves, the author of the article “Vale das Gatas Mining District” in Mineral Up magazine (2017/1). We’ll send the collection label to the buyer.
Vinheiros Mine, level 4, Vale das Gatas mining group, Sabrosa, Vila Real District, Norte Region  Portugal (08/2011)

Specimen size: 3.3 × 2.3 × 2.3 cm = 1.30” × 0.91” × 0.91”

Main crystal size: 1.9 × 1.5 cm = 0.75” × 0.59”

Fluorite with Quartz. Front
Front
Fluorite with Quartz. Side
Side
Fluorite
Fluorite.
Fluorite  

NG49AH2: Polycrystalline growth of Fluorite crystals clearly beveled by the dodecahedron. They are transparent, bright and have a very intense sky-blue color and a central nucleus with a very deep violet color. A picture of this sample has been published in the article “Vale das Gatas Mining District” in Mineral Up magazine (2017/1, pg. 23), and it is from the collection of Pedro Alves, the article’s author, whose samples have been used to illustrate it. We’ll send the collection label to the buyer.
Vinheiros Mine, level 4, Vale das Gatas mining group, Sabrosa, Vila Real District, Norte Region  Portugal (08/2011)

Specimen size: 3.6 × 2.9 × 2.2 cm = 1.42” × 1.14” × 0.87”

Minor fluorescence long & short UV
Fluorite with Quartz and Chlorite
Fluorite with Quartz and Chlorite  

NC97AH2: Very sharp Fluorite crystal cubes. They are transparent and colorless but with deeply violet colored areas mainly concentrated on the edges. The Fluorite has grown on a doubly terminated and complete Quartz crystal. A picture of this sample has been published in the article “Vale das Gatas Mining District” in Mineral Up magazine (2017/1, pg. 35), and it is from the collection of Pedro Alves, the article’s author, whose samples have been used to illustrate it. We’ll send the collection label to the buyer.
Pontinha 3 Mine, Vale das Gatas Mine group, Sabrosa, Vila Real District, Norte Region  Portugal (03/2012)

Specimen size: 3.7 × 2.2 × 1.4 cm = 1.46” × 0.87” × 0.55”

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

Minor fluorescence long & short UV
Fluorite with Quartz and Chlorite. Front
Front
Fluorite with Quartz and Chlorite. Side
Side
Fluorite with Quartz and Chlorite. Fluorite with Quartz and Chlorite.
Fluorite
Fluorite.
Fluorite  

ND96AH2: A crystal with polycrystalline growths and rich with skeletal and dissolution shapes, translucent, bright, and with a very intense and deep violet color. We note the scarcity of samples from the Codeceira mine. A picture of this sample has been published in the article “Vale das Gatas Mining District” in Mineral Up magazine (2017/1, pg. 21), it is from the collection of Pedro Alves, the article’s author, whose samples have been used to illustrate it. We’ll send the collection label to the buyer.
Codeceira Mine, Vale das Gatas Mine group, Sabrosa, Vila Real District, Norte Region  Portugal

Specimen size: 2.2 × 2 × 1.6 cm = 0.87” × 0.79” × 0.63”

Doubly terminated Cassiterite
 

AE47Z1: Complete, untwinned, floater crystals showing the very well defined faces of two prisms and a dipyramid. The sample is from a known but very little disclosed Portuguese locality from which there have been scarce pieces of this quality.
Boticas, Vila Real District, Alto Trás-os-Montes, Norte Region  Portugal (1987-2013)

Specimen size: 2.8 × 2.6 × 2.7 cm = 1.10” × 1.02” × 1.06”

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Doubly terminated Cassiterite. Front
Front
Doubly terminated Cassiterite. Rear
Rear
Doubly terminated Cassiterite. Top
Top
Quartz
Quartz.
 

AA59Y8: Curious tubular Quartz growing with twists and curves whose surface is coated by small white crystals. The sample is from a locality that is very little known on the international collecting circuits.
Mina da Senhora da Assunção, Aldeia Nova, Sátão, Viseu  Portugal (2011)

Specimen size: 6.5 × 1.5 × 2.3 cm = 2.56” × 0.59” × 0.91”

Former collection of Alain Martaud
Pseudomalachite with Quartz
 

AD6Z1: Botryoidal and microcrystalline growths of this relatively rare phosphate. They have a very deep and uniform color, are brighter than usual and they are on a Quartz matrix.
Miguel Vacas Mine, Pardais and Conceição Parish, Vila Viçosa, Évora District  Portugal (±1980)

Specimen size: 6.5 × 6.3 × 5.7 cm = 2.56” × 2.48” × 2.24”

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

N6AI7: Botryoidal and microcrystalline growths on matrix of this relatively rare phosphate. Its green color is quite variable, darker when more crystalline. The specimen is very rich in Pseudomalachite.
Miguel Vacas Mine, Pardais and Conceição Parish, Vila Viçosa, Évora District  Portugal (1997)

Specimen size: 10.3 × 8 × 6.5 cm = 4.06” × 3.15” × 2.56”

Twinned Calcite
 

AM47Z0: Aggregate of twinned and complex Calcite crystals with the clearly dominant scalenohedron. They are transparent, bright and come from a Portuguese locality from which usually are not many samples.
Cantera Vale Rodrigues, Moita do Poço, Turquel, Alcobaça, Leiria  Portugal (2009)

Specimen size: 10.6 × 8.2 × 4.8 cm = 4.17” × 3.23” × 1.89”

Main crystal size: 3.5 × 2 cm = 1.38” × 0.79”

Former collection of Alain Martaud

Fluorescent long & short UV
Twinned Calcite. Twinned Calcite.

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