Reference Specimens
South America (excl. Brazil)

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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

Argentina


Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite. Front
Front
Rhodochrosite. Side
Side
Rhodochrosite. Side
Side
 

MT91AD9: Stalactitic growth with botryoidal forms at the narrow area and fluidal ones where it widens. A morphologic curiosity, unusual for the Capillitas mine.
Capillitas Mine, Andalgalá Department, Catamarca  Argentina (2015)

Specimen size: 6.4 × 4.2 × 4.2 cm = 2.52” × 1.65” × 1.65”

Rhodochrosite stalactite
 

CT52D6: As you can see in the photo this stalactite of Rhodochrosite has been polished at the bottom. In this case we feel that this helps one appreciate the beauty of its interior. Apart from the length, the fact that there are two stalactites, their great color and form means that we have decided to publish this specimen, even though it does not match our normal criteria for collectible specimens. It has a special quality that we think would make it of interest to anyone who collects minerals.
Capillitas Mine, Andalgalá Department, Catamarca  Argentina

Specimen size: 12 × 4.2 × 3 cm = 4.72” × 1.65” × 1.18”

Rhodochrosite stalactite. Front
Front
Rhodochrosite stalactite. Bottom
Bottom
Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite. Rhodochrosite.
 

MB87AD9: Botryoidal aggregate with spherulitic nucleus and concentric growths with very well defined color changes, from pale pink to intense red.
Capillitas Mine, Andalgalá Department, Catamarca  Argentina (2015)

Specimen size: 12.4 × 6.8 × 4.3 cm = 4.88” × 2.68” × 1.69”

Florencite-(Ce) with Albite, Siderite and smoky Quartz
 

RA63J2: Tabular crystals of hexagonal but partially rounded shape. On a matrix of Albite crystals and with small crystals of Siderite.
Papachacra Formation, Portezuelo granite, Belén Department, Catamarca  Argentina (1993)

Specimen size: 7.4 × 5.9 × 3 cm = 2.91” × 2.32” × 1.18”

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

Albite minor fluorescence long & short UV
Florencite-(Ce) with Albite, Siderite and smoky Quartz. Florencite-(Ce) with Albite, Siderite and smoky Quartz.
Florencite-(Ce) with Quartz and Microcline
Florencite-(Ce) with Quartz and Microcline. Florencite-(Ce) with Quartz and Microcline.
 

EX26F2: Florencite-(Ce) is a very rare phosphate. In this case the small red crystals are distributed on Microcline and accompanied by Quartz and Mica.
Papachacra Formation, Portezuelo granite, Belén Department, Catamarca  Argentina (2003)

Specimen size: 8 × 5 × 4.5 cm = 3.15” × 1.97” × 1.77”

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

Fluorite with Microcline
 

GR36AK6: Octahedral Fluorite crystals modified by cube faces, on Microcline matrix, translucent and with a much more intense and deep geometric color zoning on the edges.
The specimen came from the Casado Margolles collection (reg. FRM 201) and had previously been in the Jan Buma collection (No. 050109). We will give both labels to the buyer.
Papachacra Formation, Portezuelo granite, Belén Department, Catamarca  Argentina (±2005)

Specimen size: 6.8 × 5.2 × 2.6 cm = 2.68” × 2.05” × 1.02”

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

Former collection of Casado Margolles
Fluorite with Microcline. Fluorite with Microcline.
Descloizite with Quartz
Descloizite with Quartz. Descloizite with Quartz.
 

NQ14AL5: Descloizite crystals with an equidimensional habit very different from those known in other localities, with very sharp faces and edges, a very dark green color, almost black, on matrix, with Quartz. The specimen is accompanied by two old handwritten labels in which the original collection does not appear.
Los Pilones, Cruz del Eje Departament, Córdoba Province  Argentina

Specimen size: 4.7 × 3.6 × 2.6 cm = 1.85” × 1.42” × 1.02”

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

Fluorite
 

TH61I8: Group of cubic crystals with very well-marked echeloned bevels. Transparency and luster are excellent and the color is extraordinarily deep. An absolute novelty, because Fluorite from this zone was not previously known.
The specimen has been reviewed, photographed and published as a new discovery in the magazine ‘Mineral Up’ on page 14 in number 2007/2.
Villa Carlos Paz, Punilla Department, Córdoba Province  Argentina

Specimen size: 4.8 × 4 × 2.1 cm = 1.89” × 1.57” × 0.83”

Main crystal size: 2.3 × 2.2 cm = 0.91” × 0.87”

Minor fluorescence short UV
Fluorite.
Smoky Quartz with Microcline and Albite
Smoky Quartz with Microcline and Albite.
 

RL11I0: The crystals have classic forms and they are very well grown and have very well defined faces and edges. They contrast with the matrix of Microcline on which white Albite has grown.
Papachacra Formation, Portezuelo granite, Belén Department, Catamarca  Argentina (1993)

Specimen size: 9.8 × 7.2 × 3.4 cm = 3.86” × 2.83” × 1.34”

Main crystal size: 5.8 × 2.7 cm = 2.28” × 1.06”

Albite fluorescent short UV
Topaz
 

NA26AK6: Very sharp Topaz crystal with well defined faces and edges and excellent terminal faces. Transparent, colorless, very lustrous and with a clearly hexagonal recess in one of the terminal faces that is probably the hole left by a Quartz crystal.
Papachacra Formation, Portezuelo granite, Belén Department, Catamarca  Argentina

Specimen size: 3.1 × 1.6 × 1.9 cm = 1.22” × 0.63” × 0.75”

Topaz.
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite)
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite). Front
Front
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite). Rear
Rear
 

TE13Q4: Parallel and skeletal growths of octahedral crystals, pseudomorphs after Magnetite, and almost completely covered by a second generation of laminar and bright crystals of Hematite.
Payún Matru Volcano, Malargüe, Malargüe Department, Mendoza Province  Argentina (2008)

Specimen size: 5.3 × 3.3 × 2.2 cm = 2.09” × 1.30” × 0.87”

Main crystal size: 3.5 × 1.5 cm = 1.38” × 0.59”

Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite)
 

TG14Q4: Parallel and skeletal growths of octahedral crystals, pseudomorphs after Magnetite, and almost completely covered by a second generation of laminar and bright crystals of Hematite.
Payún Matru Volcano, Malargüe, Malargüe Department, Mendoza Province  Argentina (2008)

Specimen size: 5.6 × 5.5 × 4.2 cm = 2.20” × 2.17” × 1.65”

Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite). Front
Front
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite). Rear
Rear
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite)
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite). Front
Front
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite). Rear
Rear
 

EB26Z1: Sharp doubly terminated crystal pseudomorphous after Magnetite. It is elongated, with very well defined skeletal forms and partially coated by small recrystallized lenticular Hematite crystals.
Payún Matru Volcano, Malargüe, Malargüe Department, Mendoza Province  Argentina (2008)

Specimen size: 6.6 × 4 × 3.6 cm = 2.60” × 1.57” × 1.42”

Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite)
 

EJ64Z1: Aggregate of Hematite crystals pseudomorphous after Magnetite, with a very sharp octahedral shape, very well defined parallel growths and some of them with skeletal forms.
Payún Matru Volcano, Malargüe, Malargüe Department, Mendoza Province  Argentina (2008)

Specimen size: 7.2 × 3.8 × 4 cm = 2.83” × 1.50” × 1.57”

Main crystal size: 2.5 × 2 cm = 0.98” × 0.79”

Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite). Front
Front
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite). Side
Side
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite)
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite).
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite)  

HM150TB: Very aerial group of Hematite pseudomorphs after octahedral Magnetite crystals, with bright luster, very sharp, and on matrix.
Payún Matru Volcano, Malargüe, Malargüe Department, Mendoza Province  Argentina (2008)

Specimen size: 7.3 × 5.4 × 4.3 cm = 2.87” × 2.13” × 1.69”

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

Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite)
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite)  

HM150TD: Very aerial group of octahedral pseudomorphs of Hematite after Magnetite crystals, with cube faces and skeletal growths, lustrous and very sharp.
Payún Matru Volcano, Malargüe, Malargüe Department, Mendoza Province  Argentina (2008)

Specimen size: 8.4 × 5.5 × 4.7 cm = 3.31” × 2.17” × 1.85”

Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite).
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite)
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite). Front
Front
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite). Side
Side
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite). Rear
Rear
 

EK87K3: On the specimen coexist two generations of crystals of Hematite. The first one has arborescent growths of octahedral crystals that are pseudomorphs after Magnetite (the variety Martite). On those octahedrons is formed a second generation of very bright laminar crystals of Hematite. Aside from its mineralogical interest, the specimen is notably esthetic. A very good sample.
The specimen has been reviewed, photographed and published as a new discovery in the magazine ‘Rivista Mineralogica Italiana’ on page 286 in number 2007/4.
Payún Matru Volcano, Malargüe, Malargüe Department, Mendoza Province  Argentina (04/2007)

Specimen size: 9.1 × 10.3 × 7.7 cm = 3.58” × 4.06” × 3.03”

Main crystal size: 3.5 × 3.3 cm = 1.38” × 1.30”

Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite)
 

EL66Q1: Parallel growths of octahedral crystals, pseudomorphs of Magnetite with very well defined faces and edges. On the faces of the Hematite a second generation of very bright thin small laminar crystals of the same mineral has formed.
Payún Matru Volcano, Malargüe, Malargüe Department, Mendoza Province  Argentina (2008)

Specimen size: 9.7 × 7.7 × 5.7 cm = 3.82” × 3.03” × 2.24”

Main crystal size: 5 × 4.5 cm = 1.97” × 1.77”

Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite). Front
Front
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite). Rear
Rear
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite)
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite).

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TA57AI4: Very aerial parallel growth, on matrix, of very sharp Hematite crystals (after octahedral Magnetite) with very well defined skeletal growths, extraordinarily bright and partially coated by small recrystallized lenticular Hematite crystals. The sample is from an area currently defined as a National Park so it is not allowed to collect there any more.
Payún Matru Volcano, Malargüe, Malargüe Department, Mendoza Province  Argentina (2008)

Specimen size: 10 × 5.6 × 6.2 cm = 3.94” × 2.20” × 2.44”

Main crystal size: 3.8 × 3.2 cm = 1.50” × 1.26”

Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite)
 

EP96M5: A novelty this year in Munich, because it is from a very recent find. Parallel and skeletal growths of octahedral crystals, some of them extraordinarily elongated, pseudomorphs after Magnetite, very well defined, bright and almost completely covered by a second generation of small laminar crystals of Hematite.
This specimen was photographed for the ‘what’s new at Munich 2008’ section of the magazine ‘Mineralien Welt’ and appears on page 16 of number 1/2009.
Payún Matru Volcano, Malargüe, Malargüe Department, Mendoza Province  Argentina

Specimen size: 10.9 × 7.6 × 5.7 cm = 4.29” × 2.99” × 2.24”

Main crystal size: 7 × 5 cm = 2.76” × 1.97”

Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite). Front
Front
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite). Rear
Rear
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite)
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite). Front
Front
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite). Rear
Rear
Hematite after Magnetite (variety martite). Side
Side
 

ET96M5: A novelty this year in Munich, because it is from a very recent find. Parallel and skeletal growths of octahedral crystals, some of them extraordinarily elongated, pseudomorphs after Magnetite, very well defined, bright and almost completely covered by a second generation of small laminar crystals of Hematite.
Payún Matru Volcano, Malargüe, Malargüe Department, Mendoza Province  Argentina

Specimen size: 11.7 × 8.9 × 6.1 cm = 4.61” × 3.50” × 2.40”

Main crystal size: 6 × 3.9 cm = 2.36” × 1.54”


Argentinian Amethyst

Argentina it is not a well know mineralogical country. An Argentinean Quartz quarry's owners carried out work searching for fine Quartz specimens to sell on the mineral market. I have an excellent relationship with him, so I purchased the best of his production. For the moment they are finding huge, doubly terminated, and frequently sceptered Amethyst Quartz. The first generation is milky white Quartz, the second generation is a deep Amethyst colored Quartz. Most of the specimens are floaters and some of them are on matrix too. Size, form and phantom inclusions are very attractive and offer to the mineral world something new that in my opinion it will help to place Argentina on the collector's map.

Doubly terminated sceptered Quartz (variety amethyst)
 

ED46AL5: Scepter growth, partially doubly terminated Quartz (variety amethyst) crystal, transparent, with good luster, and with an intense violet color on a white Quartz crystal.
Don Nicolás Mine, Villa Rafael Benegas (Villa Benegas), Mina Clavero, San Alberto Department, Córdoba Province  Argentina (2004)

Specimen size: 3 × 1.4 × 1 cm = 1.18” × 0.55” × 0.39”

Doubly terminated sceptered Quartz (variety amethyst) . Front
Front
Doubly terminated sceptered Quartz (variety amethyst) . Rear
Rear
Quartz (variety amethyst) scepter
Quartz (variety amethyst) scepter.
 

ED61F0: The crystal has simple forms, with an amethyst scepter on a crystal of milky Quartz. The brilliance of the faces and the color zoning (it is like an hour glass, as one sometimes sees in Gypsum) are notable.
Don Nicolás Mine, Villa Rafael Benegas (Villa Benegas), Mina Clavero, San Alberto Department, Córdoba Province  Argentina (2004)

Specimen size: 3.5 × 1.2 × 1.3 cm = 1.38” × 0.47” × 0.51”

Doubly terminated Quartz (variety amethyst)
 

NB26K9: Partially doubly terminated crystal, with color zonations that are more intense on the terminations, on a group of milky Quartz crystals. Very uncommon locality.
Don Nicolás Mine, Villa Rafael Benegas (Villa Benegas), Mina Clavero, San Alberto Department, Córdoba Province  Argentina (2003)

Specimen size: 7 × 5.5 × 3.5 cm = 2.76” × 2.17” × 1.38”

Main crystal size: 3.3 × 1.4 cm = 1.30” × 0.55”

Doubly terminated Quartz (variety amethyst). Doubly terminated Quartz (variety amethyst).
Quartz (variety amethyst) scepter
Quartz (variety amethyst) scepter.
 

NR47E0: Doubly terminated crystals that have grown in parallel and that have good color, transparency and with the scepter form growing on a first generation of colorless Quartz. It is esthetic and all the terminations are perfect.
Don Nicolás Mine, Villa Rafael Benegas (Villa Benegas), Mina Clavero, San Alberto Department, Córdoba Province  Argentina (2003)

Specimen size: 7.5 × 4 × 2.5 cm = 2.95” × 1.57” × 0.98”

Main crystal size: 5.7 × 2.7 cm = 2.24” × 1.06”

Quartz (variety amethyst) scepter and doubly terminated
 

EE17AD4: Parallel growth of doubly terminated amethyst crystals that formed a scepter partially coating a white Quartz crystal. The color of the amethyst crystals is very deep and intense.
Don Nicolás Mine, Villa Rafael Benegas (Villa Benegas), Mina Clavero, San Alberto Department, Córdoba Province  Argentina (01-06/2002)

Specimen size: 9.4 × 4.5 × 4.4 cm = 3.70” × 1.77” × 1.73”

Main crystal size: 8.5 × 4.4 cm = 3.35” × 1.73”

Quartz (variety amethyst) scepter and doubly terminated. Front
Front
Quartz (variety amethyst) scepter and doubly terminated. Side
Side
Quartz (variety amethyst) scepter and doubly terminated. Side
Side
Quartz (variety amethyst) scepter
Quartz (variety amethyst) scepter. Quartz (variety amethyst) scepter.
 

EB48F0: A very special specimen due to the considerable size of the crystals, their parallel growth, the scepter formation, and the quality and intensity of the color.
Don Nicolás Mine, Villa Rafael Benegas (Villa Benegas), Mina Clavero, San Alberto Department, Córdoba Province  Argentina (2004)

Specimen size: 10.5 × 6.5 × 5 cm = 4.13” × 2.56” × 1.97”

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

Quartz (variety amethyst) doubly terminated
 

EA49AD4: Aggregate of doubly terminated Quartz (amethyst) crystals, two of them forming a parallel growth. They have grown on a white Quartz crystal. The color of the amethyst crystals is very deep and intense and they are very large for the locality.
Don Nicolás Mine, Villa Rafael Benegas (Villa Benegas), Mina Clavero, San Alberto Department, Córdoba Province  Argentina (01-06/2002)

Specimen size: 13 × 7.8 × 6 cm = 5.12” × 3.07” × 2.36”

Main crystal size: 12.8 × 6.9 cm = 5.04” × 2.72”

Quartz (variety amethyst) doubly terminated. Front
Front
Quartz (variety amethyst) doubly terminated. Side
Side
Quartz (variety amethyst) doubly terminated
Quartz (variety amethyst) doubly terminated. Front
Front
Quartz (variety amethyst) doubly terminated. Rear
Rear
 

NX56AL0: Group of doubly terminated Quartz crystals (amethyst variety), with very well defined faces and edges, translucent and with an intense deep color, deeper at the ends of the crystal. It is getting ever less common to find specimens from this locality, which was worked for only a brief time.
La Francesa Mine, Villa Rafael Benegas (Villa Benegas), Mina Clavero, San Alberto Department, Córdoba Province  Argentina (2003)

Specimen size: 5.8 × 5 × 4.2 cm = 2.28” × 1.97” × 1.65”

Main crystal size: 3.8 × 2.9 cm = 1.50” × 1.14”

Quartz (variety amethyst) doubly terminated
 

EN56AL0: Quartz crystals (amethyst variety), some of them doubly terminated, that grow as scepters on white Quartz crystals. The amethyst is translucent and has an intense deep color, deeper at the ends of the crystals. It is getting less and less common to find specimens from this locality, which was worked for only a brief time.
La Francesa Mine, Villa Rafael Benegas (Villa Benegas), Mina Clavero, San Alberto Department, Córdoba Province  Argentina (01-06/2002)

Specimen size: 6.4 × 4.9 × 4.7 cm = 2.52” × 1.93” × 1.85”

Main crystal size: 5.8 × 2.8 cm = 2.28” × 1.10”

Quartz (variety amethyst) doubly terminated. Front
Front
Quartz (variety amethyst) doubly terminated. Rear
Rear
Quartz (variety amethyst) doubly terminated. Top
Top

Bolivia


Povondraite with Microcline, Magnesite and Clinoenstatite
Povondraite with Microcline, Magnesite and Clinoenstatite. Povondraite with Microcline, Magnesite and Clinoenstatite.
Povondraite with Microcline, Magnesite and Clinoenstatite  

TH90AL1: Spheroidal groups of rhombohedral crystals with very well-defined faces and edges and bright luster, on matrix, with small white crystals of Microcline and also small crystals of Magnesite and Clinoenstatite. This high quality specimen was originally dug by Alfredo Petrov in the early 90s, and comes to us via the collection of Rock H. Currier (No. 7345), whose label we will send to the buyer.
The specimen has been photographed and published in the magazine ‘Paragénesis’, number 01/2020, page 62
San Francisco Mine, Alto Chapare District, Chapare Province, Cochabamba Department  Bolivia (±2002)

Specimen size: 3.7 × 3.2 × 2 cm = 1.46” × 1.26” × 0.79”

Main crystal size: 0.8 × 0.5 cm = 0.31” × 0.20”

Former collection of Rock Currier
Ferberite
 

TEL64AN9: Group of Ferberite crystals, one of them clearly dominant and outstanding, with sharp and lustrous crystal forms. It comes from a locality where few specimens of this quality have been seen.
We will ship the specimen in its original Perky box from the Robert J. Noble collection, which also contains the label.
Mount Chambillaya mining district, Quime, Inquisivi Province, La Paz Departament  Bolivia

Specimen size: 2.9 × 2.4 × 1.3 cm = 1.14” × 0.94” × 0.51”

Main crystal size: 2.2 × 2.1 cm = 0.87” × 0.83”

Former collection of Bob Noble
Ferberite. Ferberite.
Cassiterite with Quartz
Cassiterite with Quartz. Cassiterite with Quartz.
 

TLA14AO0: Very aerial group of cyclic Cassiterite twins, with sharp crystal forms, translucent, with very bright luster and a deep color. On matrix, with small Quartz crystals.
We will ship the specimen in its original Perky box from the Robert J. (Bob) Noble collection, which also contains the label.
Viloco Mine, Loayza Province, La Paz Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 2.2 × 1.8 × 1.4 cm = 0.87” × 0.71” × 0.55”

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

Former collection of Bob Noble
Cassiterite with Quartz
 

MT99X8: Very aerial group, on Quartz matrix, of cyclic-twinned Cassiterite crystals. They are bright and show very well defined faces and edges. The sample, as well as its mineralogical quality, is especially esthetic.
Viloco Mine, Loayza Province, La Paz Department  Bolivia (2012)

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

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.7 cm = 0.79” × 0.67”

Cassiterite with Quartz. Front
Front
Cassiterite with Quartz. Rear
Rear
Cassiterite with Quartz.
Cassiterite
Cassiterite.
Cassiterite.
 

TA67L3: Group of translucent Cassiterite twinned crystals, with more than an excellent luster and dark honey color. With Quartz crystals on matrix.
Viloco Mine, Loayza Province, La Paz Department  Bolivia (01/2008)

Specimen size: 7 × 5.6 × 2.9 cm = 2.76” × 2.20” × 1.14”

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

Cassiterite with Quartz and Calcite
Cassiterite with Quartz and Calcite  

HM280TM: Druse of twinned Cassiterite crystals, translucent, with very bright luster and partially covered by small Calcite and Quartz crystals.
Viloco Mine, Loayza Province, La Paz Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 10.6 × 10.1 × 3.2 cm = 4.17” × 3.98” × 1.26”

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

Cassiterite with Quartz and Calcite.
Cassiterite with Quartz and Calcite.
Ferberite
Ferberite. Ferberite.
 

TXF14AO4: Ferberite crystal with a short and thick prismatic shape, with very sharp crystal forms and with crystalline coatings of Arsenopyrite.
We will send the buyer the specimen in its original Perky box from the Robert J. (Bob) Noble collection, which also contains the label, stating that it was previously in the Melanson collection.
Viloco Mine, Loayza Province, La Paz Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 2.4 × 2.4 × 1.5 cm = 0.94” × 0.94” × 0.59”

Former collection of Bob Noble
Copper after Aragonite
 

TC58Q8: Floater prismatic crystals pseudomorphous after a twinned Aragonite, with a very sharp hexagonal shape and very well defined faces and edges and partially coated by Malachite.
San Agustín Mine, Corocoro, Pacajes Province, La Paz Department  Bolivia (03-04/2010)

Specimen size: 2.2 × 1.7 × 1.8 cm = 0.87” × 0.67” × 0.71”

Copper after Aragonite.
Copper after Aragonite
Copper after Aragonite.
 

TD58Q8: Floater group of doubly terminated prismatic crystals pseudomorphous after twinned Aragonite with a very sharp hexagonal shape and very well defined faces and edges.
San Agustín Mine, Corocoro, Pacajes Province, La Paz Department  Bolivia (03-04/2010)

Specimen size: 2.7 × 1.8 × 1.4 cm = 1.06” × 0.71” × 0.55”

Copper after Aragonite
 

ET37AE2: Floater spheroidal aggregate of native Copper crystals pseudomorphous after Aragonite. The condition has very well retained the original pseudohexagonal aragonite shape. These Bolivian classics are usually in individual crystals, the aggregates with a many crystals are very rare.
San Agustín Mine, Corocoro, Pacajes Province, La Paz Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 3 × 2.8 × 2.7 cm = 1.18” × 1.10” × 1.06”

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

Copper after Aragonite. Front
Front
Copper after Aragonite. Rear
Rear
Franckeite
Franckeite. Franckeite.
 

TXL13AN7: Radiated groups of Franckeite crystals with a flattened prismatic habit, sharp, well defined and with good luster, associated with small elongated Zinkenite crystals.
We will ship this piece in its original Perky box from the Robert J. Noble collection, which also contains the label.
Itos Mine, Oruro City, Cercado Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia

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

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

Former collection of Bob Noble
Franckeite with Zinkenite and Stannite
 

TT96AM5: Rosettes of lamellar Franckeite crystals, very lustrous, with coatings of acicular Zinkenite crystals and globular growths of Stannite crystals.
Itos Mine, Oruro City, Cercado Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 7.3 × 4.8 × 8.6 cm = 2.87” × 1.89” × 3.39”

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

Franckeite with Zinkenite and Stannite. Front
Front
Franckeite with Zinkenite and Stannite. Rear
Rear
Franckeite with Zinkenite and Stannite.
Copper after Aragonite
Copper after Aragonite. Copper after Aragonite.
 

TF12AJ1: Complete and doubly terminated, prismatic Copper replacement. It has very sharp edges and faces.
We will send the sample in its original Perkin’s box from the R.J. Noble collection, also containing the collection label on which it appears that it had previously been in the Sullivan collection.
Corocoro, Pacajes Province, La Paz Department  Bolivia

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

Former collection of Bob Noble
Andorite
 

TAX96AO3: Complete floater crystal of Andorite with sharp crystal forms, good terminations, good luster, and fine parallel growth striations.
We will send the buyer the specimen in its original Perky box from the Robert J. (Bob) Noble collection, which also contains the label.
San José Mine, Oruro City, Cercado Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 3 × 1.9 × 0.7 cm = 1.18” × 0.75” × 0.28”

Former collection of Bob Noble
Andorite. Andorite.
Andorite
Andorite. Front
Front
Andorite. Front
Front
Andorite. Side
Side
 

TBE68AO4: Very aerial group of flattened Andorite crystals, some of them doubly terminated, lustrous, with fine striations, with coatings and on matrix. Of great quality for the species and much more aesthetic than is usual in andorites.
We will send the buyer the specimen in its original Perky box from the Robert J. (Bob) Noble collection, which also contains the label.
San José Mine, Oruro City, Cercado Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 3.1 × 2.8 × 1.9 cm = 1.22” × 1.10” × 0.75”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.7 cm = 0.79” × 0.67”

Former collection of Bob Noble
Andorite with Cervantite
Andorite with Cervantite  

NC96AN0: Parallel growth of flattened Andorite crystals, doubly terminated, very sharp, with good luster and partially covered by acicular Cervantite with a pale cream color.
The specimen comes from the Ignacio Gaspar Sintes collection (number AND-3), whose catalogue card we will send to the buyer.
San José Mine, Oruro City, Cercado Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 3.3 × 2.5 × 1,1 cm = 1.30” × 0.98” × 0.39”

Former collection of Ignacio Gaspar
Andorite with Cervantite. Front
Front
Andorite with Cervantite. Side
Side
Andorite with Cervantite.
Andorite
Andorite. Front
Front
Andorite. Side
Side

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

NCX66AO0: Aerial growth of Andorite crystals with well defined faces and edges, with a very marked fine vertical striation and with a bright luster compared to what is usual for the species.
San José Mine, Oruro City, Cercado Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 3.9 × 2.7 × 2 cm = 1.54” × 1.06” × 0.79”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.4 cm = 0.79” × 0.55”

Andorite with Pyrite and Zinkenite
 

TN99G9: Great esthetics on this Andorite!. It has some definite and aerial crystals, some of them doubly terminated and perfectly positioned on a matrix of bright Pyrite crystals. Some acicular crystals of Zinkenite complete the piece.
San José Mine, Oruro City, Cercado Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia (10/2004)

Specimen size: 4.3 × 3.6 × 2.6 cm = 1.69” × 1.42” × 1.02”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 1.1 cm = 0.67” × 0.43”

Andorite with Pyrite and Zinkenite. Andorite with Pyrite and Zinkenite.
Andorite with Pyrite and Zinkenite.
Andorite with Zinkenite
Andorite with Zinkenite.
 

EK86I1: The crystal is doubly terminated, more defined than usual for this species. Its platy form has grown on a matrix of acicular crystals of Zinkenite.
San José Mine, Oruro City, Cercado Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia (2006)

Specimen size: 4.5 × 3.3 × 1.8 cm = 1.77” × 1.30” × 0.71”

Main crystal size: 3.4 × 2.7 cm = 1.34” × 1.06”

Ferrokesterite with Andorite on Pyrite
 

TT87AL4: Polycrystalline group, quite sharp compared to the usual for the species of Ferrokësterite, a rare copper, iron and tin sulfide, associated with a lighter metallic gray Andorite crystal. On a matrix covered with small, very bright crystals of Pyrite.
The specimen comes from the Robert J. Noble collection, whose label, which states that it previously came from Alfredo Petrov (Tucson 2009), we will send to the buyer.
San José Mine, Oruro City, Cercado Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 2.9 × 2.7 × 1.8 cm = 1.14” × 1.06” × 0.71”

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

Former collection of Bob Noble
Ferrokesterite with Andorite on Pyrite. Ferrokesterite with Andorite on Pyrite.
Ferrokesterite with Andorite on Pyrite.
Franckeite
Franckeite. Franckeite.
 

TV10AJ4: Spheroidal aggregates, aerial and very well defined, of short prismatic Franckeite crystals.
The sample is from the José Luis Vallecillo collection in Madrid.
San José Mine, Oruro City, Cercado Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 2.5 × 1.5 × 1.2 cm = 0.98” × 0.59” × 0.47”

Former collection of José Luis Vallecillo
Franckeite with Quartz and Pyrite
 

EX67M8: Spherical growths of very well defined and bright small crystals, with Pyrite and on matrix. An excellent sample of this rare species.
San José Mine, Oruro City, Cercado Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 4.1 × 3.5 × 2.6 cm = 1.61” × 1.38” × 1.02”

Franckeite with Quartz and Pyrite. Franckeite with Quartz and Pyrite.
Zinkenite
Zinkenite.
Zinkenite.
 

LA30F3: The San Jose mine, Oruro is one of the few localities where this rare lead sulfosalt with antimony forms attractive specimens. The crystals have grown in groups of brilliant wheat sheaf with fine prisms.
From the David Lucas collection, number 594, and we will give the buyer his label.
San José Mine, Oruro City, Cercado Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 9.7 × 4.8 × 3.6 cm = 3.82” × 1.89” × 1.42”

Cassiterite
 

TR76F3: In this group the crystals are brilliant, and have perfectly defined faces and edges. They have the clear form of the twin, which is not often seen from this locality.
Huanuni Mine, Huanuni, Dalence Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 6.2 × 4 × 2.5 cm = 2.44” × 1.57” × 0.98”

Main crystal size: 2.8 × 2.3 cm = 1.10” × 0.91”

Cassiterite.
Ludlamite with Siderite
Ludlamite with Siderite. Ludlamite with Siderite.
 

MT13AM8: Group of sharp Ludlamite crystals of a good size for the species. Between translucent and transparent, with an intense and uniform color, on a Siderite matrix with small Pyrite crystals.
We will send the buyer the specimen in its original Perky box from the Robert J. Noble collection, which also contains the label, which shows that it was previously in the Alfredo Petrov collection.
Huanuni Mine, Huanuni, Dalence Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 1.8 × 1.8 × 1.3 cm = 0.71” × 0.71” × 0.51”

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

Former collection of Bob Noble
Ludlamite
 

EA40: Ludmalite it is one of the more famous Bolivian species. In this specimen it is not only fresh and doubly terminated but also extremely well placed on an unusual matrix formed by a combo of Siderite, Tourmaline and Quartz. As attractive as the photo suggests.
Huanuni Mine, Huanuni, Dalence Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 4.3 × 2.3 × 1.2 cm = 1.69” × 0.91” × 0.47”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 0.7 cm = 0.67” × 0.28”

Ludlamite.
Vivianite
Vivianite. Vivianite.
 

MT14AN0: Vivianite crystal with a prismatic habit and excellent terminations, transparent, with bright luster and an intense and uniform green color, on matrix.
We will send the specimen, which comes from a classic Bolivian locality for the species, in the original Perkins box from the Robert J. Noble collection, which also contains the label, which states that it was previously in the Sullivan collection.
Morococala Mine, Santa Fe Mining Distric, Dalence Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 3.2 × 2.1 × 1.1 cm = 1.26” × 0.83” × 0.43”

Main crystal size: 2.6 × 1.1 cm = 1.02” × 0.43”

Former collection of Bob Noble
Cylindrite
 

MA16G8: The piece is full of typical crystals of cylindrical habit (thus the name for the species). Crystals are numerous and more sharp and bright than is usual.
Trinacria Mine, Callipampa, Poopó Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 4.2 × 3.7 × 2.5 cm = 1.65” × 1.46” × 0.98”

Main crystal size: 1.8 × 0.2 cm = 0.71” × 0.08”

Cylindrite.
Cylindrite
Cylindrite. Front
Front
Cylindrite. Rear
Rear

Fluorescent light (daylight)
Cylindrite
 

EPX47AQ1: Centered groups of very sharp and lustrous Cylindrite crystals, with the typical cylindrical crystal shape of this species.
The specimen has a great pedigree, coming from the collection of Jean Béhier and previously in that of Jean Claude (Marquis) de Mauroy. Is from the type locality for the species.
Santa Cruz Mine, Poopó, Poopó Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 4.5 × 3.9 × 2.1 cm = 1.77” × 1.54” × 0.83”

Main crystal size: 2.6 × 0.1 cm = 1.02” × 0.04”

Type locality

Former collection of Jean Claude (Marquis) de Mauroy

Former collection of Jean Béhier
Phosphophyllite
 

TK13Q0: A novelty at Tucson 2010. Group of very much elongated crystals with very acute terminations. Most of the crystals are “swallowtail” twins. They have uniform pale green color and are on Limonite matrix. The sample is from a recent find, at a new locality.
Mina Wayllani, Machacamarca, Potosí  Bolivia (12/2009)

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

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

Phosphophyllite.
Phosphophyllite
Phosphophyllite.
 

TH6Q0: A novelty at Tucson 2010. Group of very elongated crystals with very acute terminations. Most of the crystals are “swallowtail” twins. They have uniform pale green color and are on Limonite matrix. The sample is from a recent find, in a new locality.
The specimen has been reviewed, photographed and published as a new discovery in the magazine ‘Mineral Up’ on page 29 in number 2010/2
Mina Wayllani, Machacamarca, Potosí  Bolivia (12/2009)

Specimen size: 4 × 3.4 × 1.7 cm = 1.57” × 1.34” × 0.67”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 0.5 cm = 0.55” × 0.20”

Phosphophyllite
 

TJ6Q0: A novelty at Tucson 2010. Botryoidal growths of poorly developed crystals and uniform pale green color, on Limonite matrix. The sample is from a recent find, at a new locality.
Mina Wayllani, Machacamarca, Potosí  Bolivia (12/2009)

Specimen size: 5.2 × 2.2 × 2.1 cm = 2.05” × 0.87” × 0.83”

Phosphophyllite.
Valentinite
Valentinite. Front
Front
Valentinite. Top
Top
 

MJ56T7: Group of very individualized crystals, one of them clearly dominant, with simple and sharp forms, good color and luster and on matrix. An excellent sample from the Thomas P. Moore thumbnail collection.
Colavi Mine, Machacamarca District, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department  Bolivia (±2006)

Specimen size: 2.4 × 2.2 × 1.6 cm = 0.94” × 0.87” × 0.63”

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

Fluorescence on the matrix (short and long UV)
Ludlamite with Siderite and Pyrite
 

EB27V1: Group of very well defined crystals, with a good size for the species. They have an intense and uniform color and are on a matrix of Siderite with small crystals of Pyrite.
Colavi Mine, Machacamarca District, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department  Bolivia (±1990)

Specimen size: 5 × 3 × 2.3 cm = 1.97” × 1.18” × 0.91”

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

Ludlamite with Siderite and Pyrite.
Quartz (japan law twin)
Quartz (japan law twin). Quartz (japan law twin).
 

TE46AN1: Flattened Quartz crystals with a very well defined Japan-law twin, transparent, lustrous and rich in inclusions.
We will ship the specimen in its original Perky box from the Robert J. Noble collection, which also contains the label, which shows that it was previously in the Merrill collection.
Siglo Veinte Mine, Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 2.9 × 2.1 × 0.3 cm = 1.14” × 0.83” × 0.12”

Former collection of Bob Noble
Siderite with Calcite and Sphalerite
 

TT13AN2: Group of Siderite crystals with sharp crystal forms, with slight curvatures, a satin luster and a highly contrasted double coloration, with darker and lighter brown areas. On matrix, with small crystals of Calcite and Sphalerite.
We will send the specimen in its original Perky box from the Robert J. Noble collection, which also contains the label, which shows that it was previously in the Alfredo Petrov collection.
Siglo Veinte Mine, Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 2.6 × 2.5 × 1.7 cm = 1.02” × 0.98” × 0.67”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.4 cm = 0.79” × 0.55”

Former collection of Bob Noble
Siderite with Calcite and Sphalerite. Siderite with Calcite and Sphalerite.
Wurtzite with Quartz and Fluorapatite
Wurtzite with Quartz and Fluorapatite. Front
Front
Wurtzite with Quartz and Fluorapatite. Top
Top
 

TM68G9: A very rare species, scarcely appearing in esthetic pieces. In this case there is a complete rosette of bicolored crystals of Wurtzite (some of them bright black and some other brown) and so well positioned on the Quartz matrix that it results in an attractive specimen. The group is completed by a curious Fluorapatite crystal, tabular and extra-flat.
Siglo Veinte Mine, Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department  Bolivia (2005)

Specimen size: 3.5 × 3.5 × 4 cm = 1.38” × 1.38” × 1.57”

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 1 cm = 0.47” × 0.39”

Fluorapatite extremely fluorescent long & short UV
Vauxite
 

LH76F4: A concretion like growth made up of many small, intensely blue crystals. A fairly rare specimen that is hard to find, as it comes from one of the famous finds of the 1950s.
From the David Lucas collection, number 695 so we will give the buyer his label.
Siglo Veinte Mine, Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department  Bolivia (±1950)

Specimen size: 3.5 × 2.7 × 0.9 cm = 1.38” × 1.06” × 0.35”

Vauxite.
Paravauxite
Paravauxite.
Paravauxite.
 

ER37E6: Only one mine produces good Paravauxite and none have been found there for years. So when I get hold of one from a collection or Museum I am very pleased (this one comes from the Seaman Museum). Lots of crystals that, while small, have a ‘fresher’ look than is typical with this species. We will send you the original label from the museum.
Siglo Veinte Mine, Llallagua, Rafael Bustillo Province, Potosí Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 5.5 × 4 × 4.3 cm = 2.17” × 1.57” × 1.69”

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

Freibergite with Quartz and Pyrite
Freibergite with Quartz and Pyrite  

EF27AH0: Group of extremely sharp tetrahedral crystals. They are very well defined and bright and are on matrix with Quartz.
The sample has been analyzed and we’ll send a copy of the analysis with a label from Dr. Kranz of Bonn, Germany.
Pulacayo Mine, Huanchaca, Antonio Quijarro Province, Potosí Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 9.3 × 6.3 × 5.8 cm = 3.66” × 2.48” × 2.28”

Main crystal size: 0.8 × 0.6 cm = 0.31” × 0.24”

Freibergite with Quartz and Pyrite. Freibergite with Quartz and Pyrite.

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