The Mineral Gallery's Best Offer Auction #130 (original) (raw)

The Tucson Show 2020Best Offer Auction

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Item #A1

Brilliant specimen of crystalline Native Gold rising upwards from Quartz matrix! This fine specimen has that classic California Gold look, and it has more than enough brilliance and luster for several specimens. There are areas of Gold popping out from all over the Quartz. This is a rare Native Gold from China. It would make a great companion for the Silver above! Locality: Ganzhizhou Mine, Meigu Co., Liangshan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. Measures: 2.3 cm by 2 cm by 1.6 cm in total size.

Fair Market Value $2450

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $1250 Minimum Increment - $35

Item #A2

Gorgeous specimen of lustrous, gemmy, cherry-red Rhodochrosite crystals and Quartz on tan matrix! The Rhodochrosite crystals are in great condition with few contacts, and are as lustrous and gemmy as one sees from here. The color is also exceptional and the scalenohedral crystals measures to 1.8 cm in length. Locality: Uchucchacua Mine, Oyon Province, Lima Department, Peru. Measures: 6 cm by 5.5 cm by 3.3 cm in total size. Ex. Bill Logan Mineral Collection

Fair Market Value $5500

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $3250 Minimum Increment - $35

Item #A3

Spectacular specimen featuring Rhodochrosite clusters on Tennantite! This is the first I've offered of these classic combination specimens. The Tennantite displays a peacock iridescence throughout and this might possibly be Bornite. Very nice! Locality: Butte, Silver Bow County, Montana. Measures: 5.3 cm by 7 cm by 4.4 cm in total size. Ex. University of Arizona Mineral Museum

Fair Market Value $1850

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $985 Minimum Increment - $25

Item #A4

**Rare crystal of Beryl var. Aquamarine from North Carolina! North Carolina Beryls are definately not common but large, terminated crystals of this calibre are few and far between to say the least! This is a nearly 9 cm tall, perfectly terminated gem which displays a gorgeous internal glow which can best be described as sea-green or greenish-blue in coloration. The crystal is in excellent condition with a natural hoppering near the center and some very light etching. The crystal faces are brilliant, highly lustrous, and well striated from the top to the bottom. It's hard to capture the brilliance of the crystal in a picture but it is quite the light show when rotated back and forth in even faint lighting. Easily the finest NC Aqua I've seen in years. From the Donald Williamson Property find, Shelby, Cleveland County, North Carolina. Measures 8.9 cm by 1.8 cm by 1.7 cm in total size. Ex. R. D. Burpitt Mineral Collection

Fair Market Value $4500

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $2250 Minimum Increment - $35

Item #A5

Exceptional plate of bladed Rhodonite crystals with Quartz accenting! The picture says it all with this beautiful piece. Dozens of sharp reddish-pink blades comprise the plate along with a scattering of tiny Quartz crystals along the tips. The specimen is completely covered from top to bottom with no detractions or contacts. Locality: Chuiricu Mine, Dos de Mayo Province, Huanuco Department, Peru. Measures: 7 cm by 7 cm by 3.7 cm in total size. Ex. Lance and Debra Cook Mineral Collection

Fair Market Value $4850

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $2450 Minimum Increment - $35

Item #A6

Impressive, large crystal of gemmy blue Aquamarine with Schorl Tourmaline on Albite! This specimen is visually pleasing with a very large deep blue Aquamarine crystal perfectly centered atop white Albite crystals, accented by black, glassy-surfaced Schorl Tourmalines in the foreground. No damage to speak of. If you're looking for a great Erongo Aqua, here it is. Locality: Erongo Mountain, Erongo Region, Namibia. Measures: 7.5 cm by 5.9 cm by 4.3 cm in total size.

Fair Market Value $6500

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $3450 Minimum Increment - $50

Item #A7

Aesthetic Native Silver Wire "Tree" from Freiberg, Germany! Elegant Silver specimen featuring fine wires of various length and thickness, rising upwards to a height of over 8 cm. The Silver wires are partially coated with a grey Acanthite drusy, leaving room for a beautiful antique patina over lustrous, well striated surfaces. At the top, the wires branch out and terminate in a series of thinner wires which twist and curl artistically in various directions. Locality: Himmelsf�rst Mine, Brand-Erbisdorf, Freiberg, Mittelsachsen, Saxony, Germany. Measures: 8.3 cm by 6 cm by 2 cm in total size. Ex. W. Wendel Collection Comes with a custom made, engraved display base

Fair Market Value $8500

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $5000 Minimum Increment - $75

Item #A8

Elegant specimen of Native Gold with Arsenopyrite crystal accents! This flashy miniature sized specimen displays super sharp crystals of Arsenopyrite on both the front and back sides of a large, leafy, semi-crystalline Native Gold. This is a fascinating combination specimen and is the largest example of this mineral combination that I brought back from the show this year. Locality: Oriental Mine, Alleghany, Alleghany Mining District, Sierra Co., California. Measures: 5 cm by 3.2 cm by 1.3 cm in total size.

Fair Market Value $6500

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $4250 Minimum Increment - $50

Item #A9

Dramatic sprays of elongated Beryl var. Goshenite crystals with Schorl on Smoky Quartz! This specimen caught my eye at first glance and it is one of the most aesthetic Goshenites I've seen from any locality. All the crystals are fully terminated with the largest Goshenite near the center displaying a contact termination. The contrast between the white Beryls at top and the black Schorl Tourmalines along the bottom and the brown Smoky Quartz is amazing. Displays beautifully. Locality: Erongo Mountains, Karibib, Erongo Region, Namibia. Measures: 10 cm by 9.5 cm by 6.1 cm in total size. Comes with a custom made, labeled display base

Fair Market Value $8500

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $4850 Minimum Increment - $50

Item #A10

Gorgeous specimen featuring raspberry Fluorites on matrix! This lovely specimen displays a coverage of perfect octahedrons, raspberry in color, and all exhibiting distinct zoning. They are accompanied by small cubes of greenish Fluorite beneath. Locality: Surprise Mine, Cookes Peak District, Luna Co., New Mexico. Measures: 6.2 cm by 5.4 cm by 3.8 cm in total size.

Fair Market Value $985

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $485 Minimum Increment - $20

Item #A11

Colorful, rainbowed specimen of Goethite on matrix! This is a beautiful specimen of iridescent Goethite from Arkansas and it displays like a centerpiece. Large in size with great form and structure, the mammilary Goethite is well protected by the concave matrix and displays much better than average coloration.
Locality: Hot Springs, Garland Co., Arkansas.
Measures: 17.5 cm by 11.8 cm by 10.2 cm in total size.
Ex. Hines Mineral CollectionFair Market Value $1450

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $785 Minimum Increment - $25

Item #A12

Brilliantly formed crystal JEWEL of icy-blue Topaz! The natural faceting displayed by this crystal is some of the finest I have ever seen. And this faceting is very apparent on both the top and bottom sides as the crystal appears to be a floater with no point of attachment anywhere. It is super gemmy, with lustrous faces over a radiant interior. Absolute perfection! Locality: Minas Gerais, Brazil. Measures: 4.7 cm by 5.6 cm by 5.5 cm in total size.

Fair Market Value $6500

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $3850 Minimum Increment - $50

Item #A13

Very rareand amazingly aesthetic specimen of Native Lead on matrix! Native Lead is a rare mineral and admittedly, not one of the most aesthetic in the world. This specimen is on an entirely different level however, as it is as aesthetic as many of the Native Silvers I've offered on the website over the years. The Native Lead starts irregular at the base and rises upwards into a tapered spinel-twin-like formation that is both attractive and unique. I'm not sure if this is a twin or simply an unusual formation of the Native Lead but it's definately interesting and one of my favorites. Locality: L�ngban, Filipstad, V�rmland County, Sweden. Measures: 8 cm by 4.5 cm by 2.3 cm in total size. Ex. Liebatrau Mineral Collection

Fair Market Value $2850

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $1450 Minimum Increment - $35

Item #A14

Tri-colored crystals of Tourmaline perched atop a doubly terminated Quartz floater crystal! These gemmy crystals are doubly terminated and display a reddish-pink tip! The bottom side terminations are flat in structure, displaying a gemmy green portion just beneath the darker green / olive-green center. In excellent condition with well striated and very lustrous faces. Locality: Stak Nala, Haramosh Mts., Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan (Northern Areas), Pakistan. Measures: 6.2 cm by 3.3 cm by 2.6 cm in total size. Fair Market Value $2450

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $1250 Minimum Increment - $35

Item #A15

Gorgeous plate of bi-colored Fluorite cubes on crystalline Quartz matrix! This specimen is one of the most colorful Fluorites I've ever seen come out of the Bingham area. The cubes are a lavender-purple and display bright blue phantoms just beneath the surfaces. Most of what I've seen from this locality comes out slightly etched or with matted surfaces. These cubes are smooth and exhibit a satiny luster throughout. This is a great display piece and is contact free. Locality: Fishstick Prospect, Bingham, Hansonburg District, Socorro Co., New Mexico. Measures: 10 cm by 13.3 cm by 10 cm in total size.

Fair Market Value $2500

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $1285 Minimum Increment - $35

Item #A16

Beautifully zoned golden Fluorite with lavender rims! This is a stunning Fluorite which displays a vivid coloration beneath satiny-lustrous glowing surfaces! The lavender zoning actually displays two layers of color, the second of which is a darker purple just beneath the surface. In excellent condition with a flashy display, this specimen would be a great addition to any collection. Locality: Denton Mine, Hardin County, Illinois. Measures: 5.5 cm by 8 cm by 6.8 cm in toal size.

Fair Market Value $2450

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $1000 Minimum Increment - $35

Item #A17

Cute combination of Rhodochrosite with Chalcopyrite, Tetrahedrite and Quartz! Very well balanced miniature with a little bit of everything. The rhombs are cherry-red and well placed atop the Quartz needles. In very good condition with no detractions. Locality: Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Park County, Colorado. Measures: 2.7 cm by 2.5 cm by 2.5 cm in total size. Fair Market Value $985

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $485 Minimum Increment - $25

Item #A18

Stark and aesthetic display of a gemmy green Fluorite set atop bright white Feldspar crystals! This is something that caught my eye at the show and I can't remember another specimen like it. Fluorites from Pakistan are usually found atop Muscovite but to find one on a cluster of Feldspar crystals is definately unusual. The specimen is in great condition with matrix terminations along the top of the largest Feldspars and textbook terminations atop the smaller crystals. Great eye appeal. Locality: Nagar, Hunza Valley, Gilgit District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Measures: 7.2 cm by 10.4 cm by 7.7 cm in total size.

Fair Market Value $1450

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $785 Minimum Increment - $25

Item #A19

Aesthetic combination featuring bright yellow Fluorite set atop a large bi-colored Calcite! Lovely mix of minerals and colors, the glassy yellow Fluorite cubes are set atop a recess in the large, Hematite included Calcite with is also doubly terminated. The brown inclusions are mostly along the bottom termination but are also seen along the sides, creating a unique two-toned effect. Locality: Moscona Mine, Sol�s, Corvera de Asturias, Villabona mining area, Asturias, Spain. Measures: 8.6 cm by 7.8 cm by 7.2 cm in total size.

Fair Market Value $895

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $485 Minimum Increment - $20

Item #A20

Gorgeous gemmy green-tippedElbaite crystals perched atop white Cleavelandite blades! Sweet looking specimen! Both upright Tourmaline crystals are perfectly terminated and they display lustrous striations atop yellowish-green to dark olive green to gemmy green interiors. Great aesthetics! Locality: Stak Nala, Haramosh Mtns., Baltistan, Northern Areas of Pakistan. Measures: 4.5 cm by 8 cm by 3.6 cm in total size. Ex. L. Baria Mineral Collection

Fair Market Value $3450

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $1750 Minimum Increment - $35

Item #A21

Beautiful cabinet specimen of Horn Rhodochrosite! Polished on the front and back sides to fully display the rich color and amazing number of rings, I count over a dozen distinct Rhodo rings! The color and patterning is stunning and this is one of the few Rhodochrosite horn slabs that I've seen with a full rind all the way around. Locality: Capillitas Mine, Andalgala, Catamarca, Argentina. Measures: 9 cm by 9.2 cm by 1 cm in thickness.

Fair Market Value $4500

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $2850 Minimum Increment - $35

Item #A22

Classic specimen featuring Quartz var. Amethyst crystals perched atop brown dogtooth Calcites! These specimens are old material, mined decades ago in the 1960s -1970s. Rarely do Amethyst on Calcite specimens appear in the marketplace these days and this specimen is from an older collection. The Amethyst crystal cluster is in excellent condition and is composed of gemmy, glassy, perfectly terminated crystals. From Cerro De La Concordia, Piedra Parada (Piedras Parado), Mun. de Tatatila, Veracruz, Mexico. Measures 6.3 cm by 8 cm by 5.7 cm in total size.

Fair Market Value $1450

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $785 Minimum Increment - $25

Item #A23

Fine reddish orange crystals of Crocoite are nestled atop orange, botryoidal surfaces of Gibbsite! Rarely do I find this cobination in such richness. The matrix is botryoidal is structure and completely covered with the orangish-tan Gibbsite mineral, a rare Aluminum Hydroxide. Atop the Gibbsite near the center towards the top are fine crystals of Crocoite, making for a stunning contrast. The Gibsite may be coating Geothite. In excellent condition. Locality: Adelaide Mine, Dundas mineral field, Zeehan District, West Coast municipality, Tasmania, Australia. Measures: 12 cm by 9.3 cm by 5.2 cm in total size. Ex. M. Groben Mineral Collection

Fair Market Value $1450

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $785 Minimum Increment - $25

Item #A24

Fine mix of Hemimorphite on baby-blue Aurichalchite atop spotted matrix! This is a charming miniature with a great deal of visual impact. The Aurichalcite nodules are pristine. Locality: Karin Mine, Sounion area, Lavrion District Mines, Lavreotiki, East Attica, Attica, Greece. Measures: 4.6 cm by 5.4 cm by 1.3 cm in total size. Fair Market Value $685

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $385 Minimum Increment - $15

Item #A25

Impressive specimen of thick iridescent blades of Covellite with Pyrite on matrix! A gorgeous old classic, the iridescence of this specimen is beautiful with its deep flashes of blue and reddish-purple! The blades are in very good condition with only a few scattered areas of matrix contact near the bottom. They are not bunchy as some Covellites tend to be. There is space between the blades, setting them apart and providing the specimen with visual depth. A small cluster of golden Pyrite crystals can be seen at center with Pyrite accenting at the edges. This specimen is circa 1940's. From the East Colusa Mine, Butte, Butte District, Silver Bow County, Montana. Measures 5.8 cm by 5.5 cm by 4.3 cm in total size.
Ex. Norman Dawson Mineral Collection (1962 dated label)

Fair Market Value $3500

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $1850 Minimum Increment - $35

Item #A26

Gorgeous specimen of gemmy Native Sulfur crystals on Aragonite matrix! This is a classic specimen from the long closed mines in Sicily, Italy. It displays large gemmy crystals, many of which are doubly terminated. They are lustrous and transparent, measuring to 3.5 cm atop the brown Aragonite matrix. There are over a dozen crystals of varying sizes here and all light up and glow when displayed under case lighting. There's also a small amount of natural bitumen adding both color and originality. In excellent condition, this was one of the top Sulfur specimens I found in Tucson. Note the quite rare double pyramidal Sulfur crystal on the lower far right surface of the specimen! Locality: Cozzo Disi Mine, Casteltermini, Agrigento Province (Girgenti Province), Sicily, Italy. Measures: 12 cm by 19 cm by 6.2 cm in total size.

Fair Market Value $12,500

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $7500 Minimum Increment - $50

Item #A27

Aesthetic specimen featuring a phantomed Fluorite cubes with a perfect Sphalerite crystal! Studded with Calcites, this visually pleasing specimen boasts the most lustrous 4 cm Sphalerite crystal imaginable overlooking two complete and well zoned Fluorite crystals. Only one minor corner cleave to speak of on the top Fluorite. Otherwise, this specimen is in perfect condition.
Locality: Elmwood Mine, Smith County, Tennessee.
Measures: 7.2 cm by 5.5 cm by 4 cm in total size.
Ex. Steve Neely Mineral Collection

Fair Market Value $1850

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $985 Minimum Increment - $25

Item #A28

Beautiful large plate of green Fluorite on Quartz crystal covered matrix! Very pretty assemblage of gemmy green Fluorite cubes, displaying modified stepped corners, sitting atop a matrix covered with small Quartz points. The Fluorites are super clear, transparent all the way down to the underlying Quartz crystals. They measure to 2.8 cm in size and number more than two dozen or so crystals. The color is a gorgeous pure green and when the specimen is given a direct light source, it glows. In excellent condition with a Quartz and Fluorite coverage present on both sides! The side in the photo above is the best display. From Youxi County, Sanming Prefecture, Fujian Province, China. Measures 17.5 cm by 17 cm by 9 cm in total size.

Fair Market Value $2850

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $1450 Minimum Increment - $35

Item #A29

**Incredible specimen featuring spinel-twinned crystals of Native Copper on matrix! I've seen these very impressive spinel twins at the shows but 98% of them are single crystals which are off matrix. This is the first matrix specimen I've ever offered on the website and it also features TWO crystals on the matrix with the largest, a 5.5 cm spinel, wrapping around the vertical crystal in the foreground! This is an amazing piece, sharp and lustrous, and exhibited no damage whatsoever. It's also the only one I have. From the Chino Mine (Santa Rita Pit; Santa Rita Mine), Santa Rita, Santa Rita District, Grant Co., New Mexico. Measures 4.8 cm by 4.4 cm by 4.2 cm in total size.

Fair Market Value $1850

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $985 Minimum Increment - $25

Item #A30

Impressive Plate featuring Quartz ps after Barite crystals with orange Orpiment accenting along the edges! This good looking pseudomorph is probably the most aesthetic of these unique specimens that I've seen. It's a large display piece which displays the original Barite tabular form quite nicely with sparkling surfaces and great flash. The Orpiment adds a nice touch of contrasting color. In excellent condition and free of contacts. Locality: Palomo Mine, Castrovirreyna Province, Huancavelica, Peru. Measures: 9 cm by 15 cm by 9.3 cm in total size. Ex. Phillips Mineral Collection

Fair Market Value $2850

* Our Suggested Reserve Price Level - $1425 Minimum Increment - $35

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