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Carles Curto Text: Carles Curto (formerly curator of the Geology Museum, Barcelona) & Jordi Fabre
Alfredo Petrov Translation: Alfredo Petrov
Assistance from John S. White (former Smithsonian curator) John S. White




Expo mineral Virtual Show 2023 (2)



Expo mineral Virtual Show 2023



Tucson Show Virtual 2022

Sainte- Marie-aux-Mines
Virtual 2021


Tucson Show Virtual 2021


Expominer Virtual 2020

Munich Virtual 2020 Sainte- Marie-aux-Mines
Virtual 2020


USA

Franklinite with Calcite
Franklinite with Calcite. Front
Front
Franklinite with Calcite. Side
Side
Franklinite with Calcite. Side
Side
Franklinite with Calcite. Rear
Rear

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MMX96AN9: Octahedral crystals of Franklinite with very sharp crystal forms and with the dominant octahedron beveled by the dodecahedron. One of the crystals is clearly dominant and very aerial on a Calcite matrix. We emphasize that the crystal, in addition to being very aerial and complete, is practically free of damage, something really unusual in this type of specimen.
To all this we must add that the specimen comes from the prestigious collections of John Kolic and Chester Lemanski.
East Limb Fill Quarry, Sterling Mine, Sterling Hill, Ogdensburg, Franklin mining district, Sussex County, New Jersey  USA (16/06/2004)

Specimen size: 5.5 × 2.7 × 3.4 cm = 2.17” × 1.06” × 1.34”

Main crystal size: 3.4 × 3 cm = 1.34” × 1.18”

Co-Type locality

Calcite intense fluorescence long & short UV

Former collections of John Kolic and Chester Lemanski.



Beryl (variety red beryl)

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TV89AL5: Group of Beryl crystals (variety red beryl), one of them clearly dominant, doubly terminated, shiny, with a very intense color, on matrix. An excellent American classic that for years has disappeared from the market due to the cessation of work on the deposit.
Wah Wah Mountains, Beaver County, Utah  USA

Specimen size: 6.3 × 5.6 × 4 cm = 2.48” × 2.20” × 1.57”

Main crystal size: 1.6 × 1.3 cm = 0.63” × 0.51”


minID: K0C-0QD



Beryl (variety red beryl). Beryl (variety red beryl).
Cerussite with Malachite
Cerussite with Malachite. Front
Front
Cerussite with Malachite. Rear
Rear
Cerussite with Malachite. Side
Side
Cerussite with Malachite. Side
Side

Fluorescent light (daylight)
Cerussite with Malachite
 

TT48AL5: Group of flattened, twinned crystals, with lattice growths, colorless, transparent, with good luster and small inclusions of Malachite. Of the best quality for a historical locality, especially for its perfection since these specimens are usually very fragile, often have damage, but this piece is nevertheless perfect. The sample comes from the Dick Norris collection (no. 179) whose label, together with a previous one by Dave Bunk, we will send to the buyer.
Mammoth-St. Anthony Mine, St. Anthony deposit, Tiger, Mammoth District, Pinal County, Arizona  USA

Specimen size: 4.7 × 3.4 × 3.2 cm = 1.85” × 1.34” × 1.26”

Main crystal size: 4.6 × 3.1 cm = 1.81” × 1.22”

Fluorescent short UV

Former Collection of Dick Morris

minID: 9CD-N1L



Epidote with Quartz

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MAE87AO3: Large Epidote crystals on matrix and with Quartz. With very sharp crystal forms, many of them doubly terminated and with deep green tones with lighter internal reflections. An excellent American classic.
Green Monster Mountain, Prince of Wales Island, Ketchikan District, Prince of Wales-Outer Ketchikan Borough, Alaska  USA

Specimen size: 11.7 × 8.7 × 4.6 cm = 4.61” × 3.43” × 1.81”

Main crystal size: 6.1 × 5.1 cm = 2.40” × 2.01”




Epidote with Quartz. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Epidote with Quartz. Side / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Side / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Epidote with Quartz. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén

MEXICO - CANADA

Mexico

Azurite with Malachite
Azurite with Malachite. Front
Front
Azurite with Malachite. Front
Front
Azurite with Malachite. Rear
Rear
Azurite with Malachite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TLB72AN3: Very aerial aggregate of thick crystals, with an elongated lenticular habit, very sharp crystal forms with slight curvatures, on Azurite matrix. Has a deep blue color (“electric blue”) typical of the best Milpillas specimens. With transparencies on the edges and a very intense luster. The aggregate is partially covered on the back by aggregates of fibrous Malachite crystals with a silky luster, very characteristic of the famous Milpillas vug that yielded such isolated crystals with this lenticular habit and with fibrous Malachite on the back of most of that vug's specimens.
Milpillas Mine, level 1280, Cuitaca, Municipio Santa Cruz, Sonora  Mexico (2016)

Specimen size: 8.3 × 6.9 × 2.7 cm = 3.27” × 2.72” × 1.06”

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




Malachite after Azurite with Malachite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TF37AM5: Very aerial aggregate of sharp Azurite crystals with an unusual morphology for the deposit. They are lustrous, have a very deep and vivid color and are partially covered by fibrous Malachite. The Milpillas mine closed in June 2020.
Milpillas Mine, level 1100, Cuitaca, Municipio Santa Cruz, Sonora  Mexico (01/2020)

Specimen size: 10.4 × 6.1 × 3.8 cm = 4.09” × 2.40” × 1.50”

Main crystal size: 2.3 × 1.6 cm = 0.91” × 0.63”




Malachite after Azurite with Malachite. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Malachite after Azurite with Malachite.
Malachite after Azurite with Malachite. Malachite after Azurite with Malachite.

Canada

Analcime with Aegirine, Rhodochrosite and Natrolite
Analcime with Aegirine, Rhodochrosite and Natrolite. Front
Front
Analcime with Aegirine, Rhodochrosite and Natrolite. Side
Side
Analcime with Aegirine, Rhodochrosite and Natrolite. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Analcime with Aegirine, Rhodochrosite and Natrolite. Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TZH86AP9: Large trapezohedral Analcime crystal, with good luster and a snow-white color, on matrix, partially covered by smaller Analcime crystals, very shiny elongated prismatic Aegirine crystals, small lenticular crystals of Rhodochrosite, and white Natrolite crystals.
This specimen, a high-quality Canadian classic, comes from the Paul Muse collection.
Mont Saint-Hilaire, La Vallée-du-Richelieu RCM, Montérégie, Québec  Canada

Specimen size: 10.7 × 8.7 × 7.9 cm = 4.21” × 3.43” × 3.11”

Main crystal size: 8.8 × 8.7 cm = 3.46” × 3.43”

Former collection of Paul Muse



Augelite with Lazulite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MX97AL5: Parallel growth of two Augelite crystals with very well defined crystal forms, pale yellowish with color zoning, denser in the central area. Implanted in a matrix partially covered with Lazulite crystals, which are also present on the Augelite crystal faces. Of the best possible quality for the deposit.
The specimen has been photographed and published in the magazine ‘Paragénesis’, number 01/2020, page 89
Rapid Creek area, Dawson mining district, Yukon Territory  Canada

Specimen size: 5.7 × 5 × 3.5 cm = 2.24” × 1.97” × 1.38”

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


minID: 26T-WD8



Augelite with Lazulite. Augelite with Lazulite.
Augelite with Lazulite.

SPAIN

Galena
Galena. Galena.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TBR27AQ1: Group of Galena crystals with parallel growths on the edges, lustrous, and of more than considerable size for the deposit.
An excellent and very old Spanish classic in excellent condition and with better aesthetics than this Spanish Fluorite locality usually offers.
Distrito Linares-La Carolina, Santa Elena, Comarca Sierra Morena, Jaén, Andalusia  Spain

Specimen size: 16.3 × 9.4 × 5.5 cm = 6.42” × 3.70” × 2.17”

Main crystal size: 6.2 × 4.3 cm = 2.44” × 1.69”





SPANISH FLUORITE

Fluorite with Calcite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

NFF96AN3: Aggregates of Fluorite crystals with a cubic habit, bevelled by dodecahedron faces, transparent, with good luster and a very deep and uniform violet color, with that unusual vividness displayed by specimens from this locality. Implanted on a matrix of scalenohedral Calcite crystals.
Llamas Quarry, Obdulia vein, Caravia mining area, Las Cabañas, Duyos, Caravia, Comarca Oriente, Principality of Asturias (Asturias)  Spain

Specimen size: 14.4 × 10 × 7.6 cm = 5.67” × 3.94” × 2.99”

Main crystal size: 1.5 × 1 cm = 0.59” × 0.39”




Fluorite with Calcite. Fluorite with Calcite.
Fluorite with Calcite.
Fluorite with Baryte
Fluorite with Baryte. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Fluorite with Baryte. Detail
Detail
Fluorite with Baryte. Detail
Detail

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TC21800EMY: Group of transparent, cubic Fluorite crystals with good luster and an intense color, marked geometric zoning and with groups of white lamellar Baryte crystals. Everything that the name 'Berbes' represents comes with this specimen.
The specimen comes from the Raúl Sanabria Orellana collection, whose label we will send to the buyer.
La Cabaña, Berbes mining area, Valdelmar, Berbes, Ribadesella, Comarca Oriente, Principality of Asturias (Asturias)  Spain (1981)

Specimen size: 19 × 12.7 × 8.8 cm = 7.48” × 5.00” × 3.46”

Main crystal size: 3.7 × 3 cm = 1.46” × 1.18”

Former collection of Raúl Sanabria




PORTUGAL

Ferberite with Calcite-Dolomite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ETT37AQ1: Parallel growth of large Ferberite crystals, elongated, lustrous, and with coatings of rhombohedral Calcite-Dolomite crystals. Its definition and morphological perfection are outstanding, which is not common for this species in Panasqueira, not even in small specimens.
The specimen comes from the collection of Francisco Fernández Ortega.

Minas da Panasqueira, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal

Specimen size: 21 × 8.5 × 7 cm = 8.27” × 3.35” × 2.76”

Main crystal size: 20 × 2.5 cm = 7.87” × 0.98”

Former collection of Francisco Fernández Ortega



Ferberite with Calcite-Dolomite. Front
Front
Ferberite with Calcite-Dolomite. Side
Side
Ferberite with Quartz, Calcite-Dolomite and Siderite
Ferberite with Quartz, Calcite-Dolomite and Siderite.
Ferberite with Quartz, Calcite-Dolomite and Siderite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TC24300PBV: Polycrystalline and parallel growths of large Ferberite crystals with very sharp habits, associated with a Quartz crystal and with white Calcite-Dolomite coatings and lenticular Siderite crystals.
A monster. Among the best known of this size.
Minas da Panasqueira, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal

Specimen size: 20.5 × 17 × 10.5 cm = 8.07” × 6.69” × 4.13”

Main crystal size: 18 × 6.7 cm = 7.09” × 2.64”

Former collection of Jordi Povill




FRANCE

Fluorite with Quartz

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TLM86AP9: Druse of very sharp Fluorite crystals with a very well defined cubic habit. Between transparent and translucent, with very bright luster and an extraordinarily intense and vivid yellow color, on matrix associated with small Quartz crystals.
The specimen comes from the Alain Martaud collection, whose label we will send to the buyer. It is from Les Escauffages, a very specific spot in the well-known Valzergues locality, which is famous for the quality of the specimens found there.
Les Escauffages, Valzergues Mines, Valzergues, Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Aveyron, Occitanie  France (±1983)

Specimen size: 19.6 × 10.6 × 5.7 cm = 7.72” × 4.17” × 2.24”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.2 cm = 0.79” × 0.47”

Minor fluorescence long & short UV

Former collection of Alain Martaud



Fluorite with Quartz. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Fluorite with Quartz. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Fluorite with Quartz.
Pyromorphite with Baryte
Pyromorphite with Baryte. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Pyromorphite with Baryte. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Pyromorphite with Baryte.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ETR47AQ1: Large group of prismatic crystals of Pyromorphite on Baryte, with very good luster and an unusually deep and uniform green color.
On the Baryte matrix there are small tabular crystals of the same Baryte but with a very orange color, probably due to inclusions of iron oxides.
Les Farges Mine (Des Farges Mine), Ussel, Corrèze, Nouvelle-Aquitaine  France

Specimen size: 17 × 17 × 7.5 cm cm = 6.69” × 6.69” × 2.95”




Baryte with Sphalerite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ERB46AP4: Great specimen, both for its size and for being very unusual, with very sharp Baryte crystals, between tabular and lamellar, and totally different from the classic ones from this deposit. In addition, the crystals are covered by very unusual orange Sphalerite crystals (analyzed) which form globular groups.
The specimen undoubtedly owes its rarity to the fact that it is very old and comes from the collection of Pierre-Marie Guy, who was the one who acquired it from the miner Robert Guy.
Les Cèdres Mine, Les Malines mining district, Saint-Laurent-le-Minier, Le Vigan, Gard Department, Occitanie  France (±1978)

Specimen size: 19.8 × 9.8 × 9.4 cm = 7.80” × 3.86” × 3.70”

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

Fluorescent long UV & minor fluorescence short UV

With analysis copy

Former collection of Pierre-Marie Guy



Baryte with Sphalerite. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Baryte with Sphalerite. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Baryte with Sphalerite. Detail / Foto: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Foto: Joaquim Callén
Baryte with Sphalerite. Detail / Foto: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Foto: Joaquim Callén
Calcite with Sphalerite
Calcite with Sphalerite. Calcite with Sphalerite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EFM86AQ1: Equant crystals of Calcite, very rich in faces, transparent, with good luster and uniform yellow color, on matrix, with small Sphalerite crystals.
This specimen, which due to its quality and the size of the crystals should be considered as uncommon for the locality, comes from the collection of Pierre-Marie Guy.
Trèves Mine, Fournels Valley, Trèves, Gard, Occitanie  France (1971)

Specimen size: 24.5 × 12.3 × 13 cm = 9.65” × 4.84” × 5.12”

Main crystal size: 2.5 × 1.9 cm = 0.98” × 0.75”

Former collection of Pierre-Marie Guy



Fluorite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ERT35AO0: Great piece, both for its size and its quality, being (in size) one of the best known fluorites from this deposit. The large cubes, with good transparency and a nice uniform green color, have inclusions and on some edges octahedral faces that can be distinguished from cleavages because they are somewhat rough and show crystal figures. Exceptional specimen from a historic mine.
Marsanges Mine, Pratclos (Pratclaux) vein, Langeac, Brioude, Haute-Loire, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  France

Specimen size: 23.5 × 13.5 × 15.5 cm = 9.25” × 5.31” × 6.10”

Main crystal size: 8.9 × 8.3 cm = 3.50” × 3.27”




Fluorite. Front
Front
Fluorite. Side / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Side / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Fluorite. Light behind / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Light behind / Photo: Joaquim Callén

MOROCCO

Baryte
Baryte. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Baryte. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MFG16AP8: Parallel growths, on a limonite matrix, of fine tabular Baryte crystals, with slight curvatures, transparent, with great luster and an intense and uniform light blue color with very good contrast to the matrix, and in perfect condition, which in these barytes is like a small miracle.
Jebel Ouichane mines, Beni Bou Ifrour, Nador, Nador Province, Oriental Region  Morocco (11/2022)

Specimen size: 14.3 × 10.7 × 6.3 cm = 5.63” × 4.21” × 2.48”

Main crystal size: 3.5 × 2.2 cm = 1.38” × 0.87”




Azurite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TG57AN2: Group of elongated Azurite crystals, one of them clearly dominant, very rich in crystal forms and with excellent, very lustrous and smooth terminations, while the faces at the base of the prism look finely granulated. An excellent specimen, a souvenir of those extracted at the locality between 1979 and 1989.
Shaft IX (Puit IX), Touissit, Touissit District, Jerada Province, Oriental Region  Morocco (±1980)

Specimen size: 6.1 × 5.9 × 3.7 cm = 2.40” × 2.32” × 1.46”

Main crystal size: 3.7 × 2.1 cm = 1.46” × 0.83”




Azurite. Front
Front
Azurite. Top
Top
Azurite.
Twinned Cerussite
Twinned Cerussite. Photo: Joaquim Callén
Photo: Joaquim Callén
Twinned Cerussite. Photo: Joaquim Callén
Photo: Joaquim Callén
Twinned Cerussite. Photo: Joaquim Callén
Photo: Joaquim Callén

Fluorescent light (daylight)
Twinned Cerussite
 

EB11AK1: An extraordinary specimen that brings together various morphological habits of Cerussite, with very sharp arrow twins, parallel growths of elongated crystals and lattice growths. The crystals are translucent and very bright.
A superb example from the René Hubin collection whose label we will send to the buyer.
Touissit, Touissit District, Jerada Province, Oriental Region  Morocco

Specimen size: 11.1 × 8.3 × 3.7 cm = 4.37” × 3.27” × 1.46”

Main crystal size: 5.8 × 2.4 cm = 2.28” × 0.94”

Fluorescent long & short UV

Former collection of René Hubin



Acanthite with Siderite and Proustite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TX89AN0: Acanthite crystals on matrix, very sharp, with coatings in some areas of yellow Siderite. Proustite is also present and in general the specimen is notable both for the definition of the Acanthite crystals and for the fact that they are on a rock matrix, which is very rare in this deposit.
Imiter Mine, Jebel Saghro, Imiter District, Tinghir Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region  Morocco (2020)

Specimen size: 14.2 × 10.3 × 5 cm = 5.59” × 4.06” × 1.97”

Main crystal size: 1.5 × 1.1 cm = 0.59” × 0.43”




Acanthite with Siderite and Proustite. Acanthite with Siderite and Proustite.
Acanthite with Siderite and Proustite. Acanthite with Siderite and Proustite.
Silver with Calcite
Silver with Calcite. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Silver with Calcite. Rear / Foto: Joaquim Callén
Rear / Foto: Joaquim Callén
Silver with Calcite. Side / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Side / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Silver with Calcite. Detail / Foto: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Foto: Joaquim Callén

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EXX27AQ1: New from Sainte Marie 2023.
Dendritic growths of octahedral Silver crystals, very well defined and lustrous, in Calcite matrix.
The specimen comes from a Moroccan locality unknown until now for collectible specimens.
Zgounder Mine, Jebel Siroua, Taroudant Province, Souss-Massa Region  Morocco (2023)

Specimen size: 6.8 × 5.7 × 4.6 cm = 2.68” × 2.24” × 1.81”

Calcite fluorescent short UV




Gold from Guelmim-Oued Noun

During the year 2020, images, videos and many rumors began to circulate about the discovery of high-quality Golds in the Southwest of Morocco. With the Covid situation it was difficult to go to or to leave Morocco, so it was quite a long time until the first pieces arrived in Europe. Once here, very reliable analyses had to be done to ensure that these new Golds were natural. They were so perfect and, some of them so different from the Golds that had been known before from Southwestern Morocco that to avoid suspicions it was best to have the analytical data prior to putting them on sale. Between one thing and another we have had to wait a bit but at the end of 2020 we can finally offer these specimens of great beauty and very different from what has been known so far.
We attach here the analysis, which as you can see is very complete, to avoid doubts about it.

 

To see more specimens from this locality you can use this link


Gold (spinel twin)

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TX67AN0: These elegant Golds were first found in 2020. This specimen is different from others of the same find, but it also has excellent crystallization, the dominant crystal forms being the dodecahedron and octahedron, with a sharp spinel-law twin. The material has been carefully analyzed and we will send a copy of the analysis to the buyer.
Aouint Ighoman, Assa-Zag Province, Guelmim-Oued Noun Region  Morocco (2020)

Specimen size: 1.5 × 1 × 0.9 cm = 0.59” × 0.39” × 0.35”

With analysis copy

Weight: 3.7 grams



Gold (spinel twin). Front
Front
Gold (spinel twin). Rear
Rear
Gold (spinel twin). Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Gold (spinel twin). Side / Photo: Mark Mauthner
Side / Photo: Mark Mauthner
Gold (spinel twin)
Gold (spinel twin). Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Gold (spinel twin). Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MN96AM5: These elegant Golds were found for the first time in 2020. The specimen shows excellent crystallization, with the dominant dodecahedron, with some hopper faces, and very sharp and stylized growths and with a very distinct spinel-law twin. Absolute novelty and of great quality. The material has been carefully analyzed and we will send a copy of the analysis to the buyer.
Aouint Ighoman, Assa-Zag Province, Guelmim-Oued Noun Region  Morocco (2020)

Specimen size: 2.3 × 0.6 × 0.5 cm = 0.91” × 0.24” × 0.20”

Main crystal size: 0.6 × 0.3 cm = 0.24” × 0.12”

With analysis copy

Weight: 2.8 grams



Gold (spinel twin)

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MR46AM5: These elegant Golds were found for the first time in 2020. This specimen shows an excellent crystallization, with the dominant octahedron, flattened and very sharp, with slight twists following the main axis, with very distinct spinel-law twinning. Absolute novelty and of great quality. The material has been carefully analyzed and we will send a copy of the analysis to the buyer.
Aouint Ighoman, Assa-Zag Province, Guelmim-Oued Noun Region  Morocco (2020)

Specimen size: 2.7 × 0.4 × 0.4 cm = 1.06” × 0.16” × 0.16”

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

With analysis copy

Weight: 1.9 grams



Gold (spinel twin). Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Gold (spinel twin). Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Gold (spinel twin)
Gold (spinel twin). Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Gold (spinel twin). Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MG7AM5: These elegant Golds were found for the first time in 2020. The specimen shows excellent crystallization, with a dominant and very sharp octahedron, some parts with hopper formations, in parallel growths, very stylized and with a very distinct spinel-law twin. Absolute novelty and of great quality. The material has been carefully analyzed and we will send a copy of the analysis to the buyer.
Aouint Ighoman, Assa-Zag Province, Guelmim-Oued Noun Region  Morocco (2020)

Specimen size: 3.4 × 0.5 × 0.5 cm = 1.34” × 0.20” × 0.20”

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

With analysis copy

Weight: 2.9 grams



Gold (spinel twin)

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EFR88AO0: Stylized parallel growths of Gold crystals with a very well defined morphology, with the dominant forms of the octahedron in parallel growths and with a very marked spinel-law twin. Among the top pieces of those found so far.
Aouint Ighoman, Assa-Zag Province, Guelmim-Oued Noun Region  Morocco (09/2021)

Specimen size: 5.6 × 0.6 × 0.6 cm = 2.20” × 0.24” × 0.24”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.3 cm = 0.39” × 0.12”

With analysis copy

Weight: 4.2 grams



Gold (spinel twin). Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Gold (spinel twin). Side / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Side / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Gold (spinel twin). Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén

AFRICA

Kolwezite and Malachite after Co-rich Dolomite on Malachite and Chrysocolla after Baryte
Kolwezite and Malachite after Co-rich Dolomite on Malachite and Chrysocolla after Baryte. Front
Front
Kolwezite and Malachite after Co-rich Dolomite on Malachite and Chrysocolla after Baryte. Side
Side
Kolwezite and Malachite after Co-rich Dolomite on Malachite and Chrysocolla after Baryte. Detail / Foto: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Foto: Joaquim Callén

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EJA97AQ0: New at Sainte-Marie 2023
A specimen that represents, apart from its evident aesthetics and its world novelty, a complete treatise on mineralogy, starting with a cobalt-bearing Dolomite (which has since disappeared during the process), followed by successive substitutions in which more copper was added, leaving as a final result Kolwezite-Malachite in pseudomorphic shapes after crystals of the initial cobalt-bearing Dolomite, and greenish blue Chrysocolla pseudomorphs after Baryte, with a stage of Malachite growth, also pseudomorphic after Baryte.
The discovery of this morphological and chemical complexity will soon be reported more extensively in an upcoming article in the French magazine Le Règne Minéral.
Tenke-Fungurume area, Kolwezi District, Lualaba, Katanga Copper Crescent, Katanga (Shaba)  Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire) (02-03/2023)

Specimen size: 9.2 × 7.3 × 5.5 cm = 3.62” × 2.87” × 2.17”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0..7 cm = 0.28” × 0.00”




Wollastonite with Calcite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TBA67AQ1: Very sharp Wollastonite crystal with very well defined parallel growths and polycrystalline terminations, somewhat greenish gray, and translucent.
The size and definition of the crystal forms are excellent for a species which is usually not very attractive. With minor Calcite in the holes of the faces.
  Madagascar

Specimen size: 12 × 3.3 × 2 cm = 4.72” × 1.30” × 0.79”

Minor fluorescence short UV

With analysis copy



Wollastonite with Calcite. Front
Front
Wollastonite with Calcite. Rear
Rear
Wollastonite with Calcite. Front / Photo: Mark Mauthner
Front / Photo: Mark Mauthner
Elbaite with Feldspar and Quartz
Elbaite with Feldspar and Quartz. Front
Front
Elbaite with Feldspar and Quartz. Detail top / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail top / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Elbaite with Feldspar and Quartz. Base / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Base / Photo: Joaquim Callén

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EF94AM0: Polychrome floater crystal of Elbaite, doubly terminated, with both terminations rich in faces, translucent, lustrous, with coatings of Feldspar and Quartz crystals. All the crystal terminations are perfect.
Sahatany Valley (Mt. Ibity), Vakinankaratra Region, Antananarivo Province  Madagascar (2017)

Specimen size: 16.8 × 6.2 × 5.3 cm = 6.61” × 2.44” × 2.09”

With analysis copy

minID: KK6-JKW



Azurite with Malachite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
Azurite with Malachite
 

NV36AM9: Group, on matrix, of very sharp Azurite crystals, with bright luster and a very vivid color, with small coatings of Malachite. An excellent Tsumeb classic with unusual morphology and excellent color.
The specimen comes from the Ignacio Gaspar Sintes collection (number AZU-16), whose label we will send to the buyer.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 9.5 × 6.7 × 6 cm = 3.74” × 2.64” × 2.36”

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

Former collection of Ignacio Gaspar



Azurite with Malachite. Front
Front
Azurite with Malachite. Side
Side
Azurite with Malachite.
Smithsonite (variety cobaltoan) with Quartz and Pyrite
Smithsonite (variety cobaltoan) with Quartz and Pyrite. Smithsonite (variety cobaltoan) with Quartz and Pyrite.
Smithsonite (variety cobaltoan) with Quartz and Pyrite.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MR50AL6: Group of rhombohedral crystals, with a lenticular habit, of Smithsonite with slight curvatures on faces and edges and of a uniform and intense pink color (cobalt-bearing variety), on matrix. Associated with small crystals of transparent Quartz and Pyrite.
This high quality specimen comes from the prestigious Desmond Sacco collection, whose label we will send to the buyer.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1980)

Specimen size: 10 × 8.8 × 3.7 cm = 3.94” × 3.46” × 1.46”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.9 cm = 0.39” × 0.35”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection

minID: CR3-LDL




CHINA

Bismuth with Chalcopyrite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TPA62AP3: Enormous crystal of Bismuth with well defined faces and edges, a metallic grey color, on a crystalline Chalcopyrite matrix. On the back it exhibits polysynthetic twinning and dissolution forms. Among the largest crystals known for the species.
From the Piaotang Mine in China where tungsten and tin are extracted from quartz veins.
Piaotang Mine, Dayu, Ganzhou Prefecture, Jiangxi Province  China (2021)

Specimen size: 7.5 × 7.2 × 4.2 cm = 2.95” × 2.83” × 1.65”

Main crystal size: 7.5 × 4.5 cm = 2.95” × 1.77”

With analysis copy



Bismuth with Chalcopyrite. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Bismuth with Chalcopyrite. Side
Side
Imayoshiite with Sphalerite, Tobermorite (Group) and Calcite
Imayoshiite with Sphalerite, Tobermorite (Group) and Calcite. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Imayoshiite with Sphalerite, Tobermorite (Group) and Calcite. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MFR6AP3: One of the best, if not the best, Imayoshiite of very large size, coming from the 2021 finds that yielded the best known so far for the species. On a good size group of very lustrous twinned Sphalerite crystals several Calcite crystals with dominant scalenohedral forms have been precipitated and then were in turn covered almost entirely by whitish Tobermorite-Clinotobermorite crystals and, finally, a large quantity of Imayoshiite crystals of a pale cream color. Thanks to three "windows" in the Calcite crystals we can see the whole process of formation. This very "geological" specimen has been analyzed and we will send a copy of the analysis to the buyer.
To learn more about this species and the rest of the paragenesis discovered so far in this mine it is essential to read the article ‘Rare Borate Minerals from the Shijiangshan-Shalonggou Deposits, Hexigten Banner, Inner Mongolia, China', whose authors are César Menor-Salván, Berthold Ottens and Ed Richard, featured in Rocks & Minerals, September/October 2021, volume 96, number 5
Shijiangshan Mine, Yinwu, Linxi, Ulanhad League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region  China (09/2021)

Specimen size: 22.3 × 13.7 × 4.8 cm = 8.78” × 5.39” × 1.89”

Main crystal size: 1.1 × 0.8 cm = 0.43” × 0.31”

With analysis copy



Helvine with Quartz, Calcite and Chlorite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

BRB49AO6: Aggregate of tetrahedral crystals with very marked and deep polycrystalline growths, lustrous, dark brown with reddish tones. On matrix with transparent and lustrous Quartz crystals, white platy Calcite crystals and Chlorite coatings.
This specimen has a size and luster superior to that of other pieces, comes from an important European collection, has been analyzed, and we will send a copy of the analysis to the buyer.
Huanggang Mines, Hexigten Banner (Kèshíkèténg Qí), Chifeng (Ulanhad), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region  China (2013)

Specimen size: 11.5 × 6.8 × 6.4 cm = 4.53” × 2.68” × 2.52”

Main crystal size: 7.4 × 5.7 cm = 2.91” × 2.24”

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV

With analysis copy



Helvine with Quartz, Calcite and Chlorite. Front
Front
Helvine with Quartz, Calcite and Chlorite. Side
Side
Helvine with Quartz, Calcite and Chlorite.
Silver with Calcite
Silver with Calcite. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Silver with Calcite. Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Silver with Calcite. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TBY88AO2: A novelty on the market in 2022. Very aerial and aesthetic arborescent growth of Silver, with a very marked spinel-law twin plane. On matrix, with numerous small Calcite crystals that adorn it and differentiate it from the classic Hongda silvers.
These pieces come from a find made in a small gold working, currently closed, and which showed no evidence of such good silvers until now.
This specimen has been published on the Mineralogical Record´s web page, in the 'What’s New on the Internet Reports' section, report 63, April 15, 2022 edition, page 2
Jizishan deposit, Linqu, Weifang Prefecture, Shandong Province  China (±2014)

Specimen size: 9 × 3.2 × 1.3 cm = 3.54” × 1.26” × 0.51”

Main crystal size: 7.2 × 0.1 cm = 2.83” × 0.04”

Calcite fluorescence short UV & minor fluorescence long UV



Silver with Calcite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TAX10AO2: A novelty on the market in 2022. Very aerial and aesthetic arborescent growth of Silver, with a very marked spinel-law twin plane. On matrix, with numerous small Calcite crystals that adorn it and differentiate it from the classic Hongda silvers.
These pieces come from a find made in a small gold working, currently closed, and which showed no evidence of such good silvers until now.
Jizishan deposit, Linqu, Weifang Prefecture, Shandong Province  China (±2014)

Specimen size: 8.5 × 4.4 × 3 cm = 3.35” × 1.73” × 1.18”

Main crystal size: 5.5 × 0.1 cm = 2.17” × 0.04”

Calcite fluorescence short UV & minor fluorescence long UV



Silver with Calcite. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Silver with Calcite. Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Rear / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Silver with Calcite. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Silver with Calcite. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Kësterite with Mushistonite, Muscovite, Calcite and Fluorapatite
Kësterite with Mushistonite, Muscovite, Calcite and Fluorapatite. Front
Front
Kësterite with Mushistonite, Muscovite, Calcite and Fluorapatite. Rear
Rear
Kësterite with Mushistonite, Muscovite, Calcite and Fluorapatite. Detail
Detail
Kësterite with Mushistonite, Muscovite, Calcite and Fluorapatite. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TFF27AN4: Extensive group of Kësterite crystals with very sharp crystal forms and a yellowish brown color due to coatings of Mushistonite. The group is on matrix with lamellar Muscovite crystals, and small very lustrous water-clear crystals of Fluorapatite in the front, and larger crystals of pink Fluorapatite in the back, together with white rhombohedral Calcite crystals. An especially elegant specimen in which the perfection and the absence of damage to the crystals and their harmonious arrangement on the matrix make it aesthetically pleasing, something that does not normally occur in this species.
Mount Xuebaoding, Pingwu, Mianyang Prefecture, Sichuan Province  China

Specimen size: 7.8 × 6.9 × 4.1 cm = 3.07” × 2.72” × 1.61”

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

Calcite and Fluorapatite fluorescent long & short UV



Cassiterite with Quartz

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ER53AM5: Twinned Cassiterite crystals, on matrix, with Quartz crystals. The crystals have very well defined faces and edges, they are transparent to translucent and dark brown in color. The luster and size of the crystal are extraordinary. One of the best pieces found in this locality.
Amo deposit, Ximeng, Pu'er Prefecture, Yunnan Province  China (2002)

Specimen size: 11.8 × 9.7 × 7.5 cm = 4.65” × 3.82” × 2.95”

Main crystal size: 4.7 × 4.7 cm = 1.85” × 1.85”




Cassiterite with Quartz. Front
Front
Cassiterite with Quartz. Side / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Side / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Cassiterite with Quartz. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Babingtonite with Quartz, Prehnite and Analcime
Babingtonite with Quartz, Prehnite and Analcime. Front
Front
Babingtonite with Quartz, Prehnite and Analcime. Rear
Rear
Babingtonite with Quartz, Prehnite and Analcime. Rear
Rear
Babingtonite with Quartz, Prehnite and Analcime.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MD89AK0: Group of very sharp Babingtonite crystals, some of them doubly terminated, with very well defined faces and edges, very bright and on a matrix of transparent Quartz crystals. Also there are groups of green spheroidal Prehnite crystals and white trapezohedral Analcime crystals. Specimens of such quality are already classics for global mineralogy.
Babingtonite occurrences, Qiaojia, Zhaotong Prefecture, Yunnan Province  China (2010)

Specimen size: 14.7 × 12.5 × 5.9 cm = 5.79” × 4.92” × 2.32”

Main crystal size: 3 × 1.8 cm = 1.18” × 0.71”




Babingtonite with Quartz and Prehnite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MFB67AQ1: Very large Babingtonite crystals, flattened, many of them doubly terminated, in matrix, with pale green botryoidal Prehnite, and Quartz. Among the best for the species.
The specimen comes from a find in April 2023.
Babingtonite occurrences, Qiaojia, Zhaotong Prefecture, Yunnan Province  China (04/2023)

Specimen size: 16.3 × 12.4 × 7.7 cm = 6.42” × 4.88” × 3.03”

Main crystal size: 3.5 × 2.4 cm = 1.38” × 0.94”




Babingtonite with Quartz and Prehnite. Babingtonite with Quartz and Prehnite.

ASIA - AUSTRALIA

Fluorite with Muscovite
Fluorite with Muscovite. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Fluorite with Muscovite. Side / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Side / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Fluorite with Muscovite. Top / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Top / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Fluorite with Muscovite. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ERJ92AN5: Group of Fluorite crystals, basically octahedral in habit but also with smooth cube faces along with the octahedral faces (and other crystallographic forms) incorporating very extensive and easily visible fine polycrystalline growths. The crystals are large, transparent, with very bright luster and an intense and uniform pink color, on a matrix of very sharp lamellar crystals of Muscovite. Exceptional.
Chumar Bakhoor, Hunza Valley, Nagar District, Gilgit-Baltistan (Northern Areas)  Pakistan (2019)

Specimen size: 13.4 × 9.3 × 8.8 cm = 5.28” × 3.66” × 3.46”

Main crystal size: 9.3 × 6.8 cm = 3.66” × 2.68”

Fluorescent long & short UV



Spinel with Calcite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

BLA86AO5: Very sharp octahedral crystal of Spinel (ruby spinel variety), whose growth appears flattened by one of the faces being more developed than the rest. Between transparent and translucent, with good luster and a very vivid and uniform red color, on Calcite matrix.
Mogok Valley, Mogok Township, Pyin-Oo-Lwin District, Mandalay Region (Mandalay Division)  Myanmar (Burma)

Specimen size: 5.1 × 5 × 4.5 cm = 2.01” × 1.97” × 1.77”

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

Minor fluorescence long & short UV



Spinel with Calcite. Spinel with Calcite.
Diaspore with Margarite
Diaspore with Margarite. Front
Front
Diaspore with Margarite. Rear
Rear
Diaspore with Margarite. Front with light behind / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front with light behind / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Diaspore with Margarite. Detail with light behind / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail with light behind / Photo: Joaquim Callén

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

ER94AM1: A large doubly terminated scepter and stepped crystal of Diaspore with polycrystalline terminations, transparent, lustrous, yellow with green reflections and partially covered in some areas by leafy growths of Margarite. A very remarkable specimen both for its size and color and for its perfection.
The specimen has been reviewed, photographed and published in the Russian magazine ‘Mineral Observer’ on page 86 in the volume 26/2021, number 1
Ilbir Mountain, Pinarcik, Milâs District, Muğla Province, Aegean Region  Turkey (2020)

Specimen size: 14.9 × 3.6 × 1.7 cm = 5.87” × 1.42” × 0.67”


minID: 3P6-GEN




 


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