Rosell Minerales

Autunite specimens, which transform into meta-autunite by losing naturally water molecules, from this Portuguese mine are among the most aesthetically pleasing in the world due to their intense yellow-greenish colour, transparence, and luster. In this specimen we can observe numerous aggregates of tabular crystals, some isolated and contrasting on the stalactitic matrix. SEM-EDS analyzes have been carried out confirming the presence of Mg, but in a very small amount. Fluorescence under LW-UV light is exceptional.

Size: 3.6 x 2.4 x 1.4 cm.
Found in ±2015.

Fluorescent under long wave UV

If the autunite (meta-autunite) specimens from this Portuguese mine are among the most aesthetic in the world due to their intense greenish-yellow colour, transparency and brilliance, they also stand out for being sometimes accompanied by another even more interesting species: phurcalite. It is also a hydrated calcium phosphate like autunite, but with a different structure and belonging to the phosphuranylite group (autunite is part of the autunite group).
In the analysis we have carried out by SEM-EDS (photo attached) the presence of the two phosphates becomes evident: the autunite as tabular crystals, while phurcalite appears as elongated prisms with defined terminal faces, which without magnification resemble needles. Apart from the appearance of the crystals, autunite usually has an intense greenish-yellow color and phurcalite is slightly orange-yellow. Also indicate that phurcalite does not usually fluoresce, while autunite is highly fluorescent. As we have indicated, sometimes the phurcalite is associated with autunite, so the fluorescence we see is that of the autunite. We will send analytical results to the buyer.

Size: 3.2 x 3.1 x 2.8 cm.
Found in ±2015.

Fluorescent under long wave UV

Autunite specimens, which transform into meta-autunite by losing naturally water molecules, from this Portuguese mine are among the most aesthetically pleasing in the world due to their intense yellow-greenish colour, transparence, and luster. In this specimen we can observe numerous aggregates of tabular crystals on matrix. SEM-EDS analyzes have been carried out confirming the presence of Mg, but in a very small amount. Fluorescence under LW-UV light is exceptional.

Size: 3.3 x 2.7 x 2.1 cm.
Found in ±2015.

Fluorescent under long wave UV

If the autunite (meta-autunite) specimens from this Portuguese mine are among the most aesthetic in the world due to their intense greenish-yellow colour, transparency and brilliance, they also stand out for being sometimes accompanied by another even more interesting species: phurcalite. It is also a hydrated calcium phosphate like autunite, but with a different structure and belonging to the phosphuranylite group (autunite is part of the autunite group).
In the analysis we have carried out by SEM-EDS (photo attached) the presence of the two phosphates becomes evident: the autunite as tabular crystals, while phurcalite appears as elongated prisms with defined terminal faces, which without magnification resemble needles. Apart from the appearance of the crystals, autunite usually has an intense greenish-yellow color and phurcalite is slightly orange-yellow. Also indicate that phurcalite does not usually fluoresce, while autunite is highly fluorescent. As we have indicated, sometimes the phurcalite is associated with autunite, so the fluorescence we see is that of the autunite. We will send analytical results to the buyer.

Size: 6.6 x 3 x 2.3 cm.
Found in ±2015.

Fluorescent under long wave UV

Autunite specimens, which transform into meta-autunite by losing naturally water molecules, from this Portuguese mine are among the most aesthetically pleasing in the world due to their intense yellow-greenish colour, transparence, and luster. In this specimen we can observe numerous aggregates of tabular crystals, some isolated and contrasting on the quartz matrix. SEM-EDS analyzes have been carried out confirming the presence of Mg, but in a very small amount. Fluorescence under LW-UV light is exceptional.

Size: 6.7 x 4.2 x 3 cm.
Main crystal: 5 x 4 mm.
Found in ±2015.

Fluorescent under long wave UV

This specimen was purchased at the Expominer fair (Barcelona) in 1985 from a dealer who brought Peruvian material. It was labeled as "enargite" from Huancavelica, a Peruvian mining region well known among mineral collectors. The specimen shows numerous crystals with a metallic luster, isolated or in groups, on a sulfide matrix (mainly pyrite). By observing them carefully and using a magnifying glass, we were able to see different crystalline forms that indicated the presence of various species. We proceeded to extract some crystals to study them.
SEM-EDS analysis indicated that elongated prismatic crystals with polysynthetic growths on the faces and hopper shapes (perimorphosis?) were a copper sulfoantimonide, with some bismuth and arsenic. This composition and its percentages correspond to chalcostibite, and the Bi would indicate the series with emplectite. Chalcostibite was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). An unusual species and less so for this Peruvian mine.
Other crystals showed prisms with faces striated and truncated by the pinacoid. Their analysis indicated that it was a copper-lead sulfoantimonide, with traces of Bi, consistent with twinned bournonite, a species also confirmed by XRD.
On the matrix we observe crystals with tetrahedron shapes, sometimes flattened. XRD indicated the presence of tetrahedrite. SEM-EDS analysis of small crystals associated with chalcostibite indicated that it could be tetrahedrite-(Zn), with possible argentotetrahedrite-(Zn). We will send labels and all the analysis reports to the buyer.

Size: 12 x 8.2 x 3 cm.
Found in ±1985.

Excol. Juan M. Casanova.
Analyzed specimen with report

These fluorite specimens from the classic Valzergues Fluorite mine, in France, are highly prized among collectors. This specimen shows a group of cubic crystals with a beautiful golden hue inside and a violet "phantom" zoned line following the edges. The front of the specimen is undamaged, the back shows contact with the vein wall from which it was removed, as is the case with all specimens from this mine. It fluoresces under ultraviolet (LW) light.

Size: 5.6 x 4.7 x 4 cm.
Main crystal: 22 x 22 mm.
Found in ±1996.

Classic locality

These fluorite specimens from the classic Valzergues Fluorite mine, in France, are highly prized among collectors. This specimen shows a group of cubic crystals with a beautiful golden hue inside and a violet "phantom" zoned line following the edges. The front of the specimen is undamaged, the back shows contact with the vein wall from which it was removed, as is the case with all specimens from this mine. It fluoresces under ultraviolet (LW) light.

Size: 5.7 x 5 x 3.7 cm.
Main crystal: 18 x 14 mm.
Found in ±1996.

Classic locality

A good quality cubic specimen of fluorite from the classic Yellow Vein in the Fluorite Mine, Valzergues, in France. The crystal shows a beautiful golden hue in the interior with a purple "phantom" zone line that immediately transitions into a blue-green color on the exterior faces. The front side of the specimen is in great shape, but it is contacted on the back where it was removed from the pocket wall. A very interesting piece since it shows an internal green reflection due to a planar fissure and that produces this strange effect. Fluorescent under LW-UL.

Size: 4.7 x 3.3 x 2.6 cm.
Found in ±1996.

Classic locality

Group of baryte crystals, between translucent and transparent, colorless and of good size, one of them standing out. They show faces of the orthorhombic prisms and the pinacoid. The largest one shows beveled edges, with an part contacted by a disapeared matrix. It is accompanied by powdery hematite. It is a sample with many years.

Size: 5.7 x 5 x 4.4 cm.
Main crystal: 12 x 7 mm.
Found in ±1980.

Fluorite specimens from Sant Marçal mines usually appear as aggregates of cubic crystals, defined, sometimes sprinkled or partially covered by quartz crystals. Yellow to greenish tones are the usual ones. Specimens with violet to bluish or green colors (depending on the type of incident light) are much less frequent and highly appreciated by collectors. These specimens we offer were collected at the beginning of the 70s. In this specimen we can observe cubic crystals with this bluish to greenish tone, translucent and disposed on a characteristic ochy "pegmatite" matrix. They are partially covered with small but brilliant quartz crystals.

The Sant Marçal mines (also known as Matagalls mines) are located in the Montseny massif, on the eastern slope of the Matagalls peak (1,700 m). Mining works were carried out at 1,250 to 1,350 m of altitude. They were mined until the mid-90s and have been partially restored. Currently this area belongs to the Montseny Natural Park, so the collection of specimens is totally prohibited.

 

 

Size: 7.3 x 4.7 x 2.7 cm.
Main crystal: 2.5 cm.
Found in ±1970.

Fluorescent under long wave UV

Fluorite specimens from Sant Marçal mines usually appear as aggregates of cubic crystals, defined, sometimes sprinkled or partially covered by quartz crystals. Yellow to greenish tones are the usual ones. Specimens with violet to bluish or green colors (depending on the type of incident light) are much less frequent and highly appreciated by collectors. These specimens we offer were collected at the beginning of the 70s. In this specimen we can observe cubic crystals with this bluish to greenish tone, translucent and disposed on a characteristic ochy "pegmatite" matrix. They are partially covered with small but brilliant quartz crystals.

The Sant Marçal mines (also known as Matagalls mines) are located in the Montseny massif, on the eastern slope of the Matagalls peak (1,700 m). Mining works were carried out at 1,250 to 1,350 m of altitude. They were mined until the mid-90s and have been partially restored. Currently this area belongs to the Montseny Natural Park, so the collection of specimens is totally prohibited.

 

 

 

Size: 7.8 x 6.2 x 3.8 cm.
Main crystal: 1.5 cm.
Found in ±1970.

Fluorescent under long wave UV

Fluorite specimens from Sant Marçal mines usually appear as aggregates of cubic crystals, defined, sometimes sprinkled or partially covered by quartz crystals. Yellow to greenish tones are the usual ones. Specimens with violet to bluish or green colors (depending on the type of incident light) are much less frequent and highly appreciated by collectors. These specimens we offer were collected at the beginning of the 70s. In this specimen we can observe cubic crystals with this bluish to greenish tone, translucent and disposed on a characteristic ochy "pegmatite" matrix. They are partially covered with small but brilliant quartz crystals.

The Sant Marçal mines (also known as Matagalls mines) are located in the Montseny massif, on the eastern slope of the Matagalls peak (1,700 m). Mining works were carried out at 1,250 to 1,350 m of altitude. They were mined until the mid-90s and have been partially restored. Currently this area belongs to the Montseny Natural Park, so the collection of specimens is totally prohibited.

 

 

Size: 9.3 x 5.1 x 4.9 cm.
Main crystal: 1.8 cm.
Found in ±1970.

Fluorescent under long wave UV

Fluorite specimens from Sant Marçal mines usually appear as aggregates of cubic crystals, defined, sometimes sprinkled or partially covered by quartz crystals. Yellow to greenish tones are the usual ones. Specimens with violet to bluish or green colors (depending on the type of incident light) are much less frequent and highly appreciated by collectors. These specimens we offer were collected at the beginning of the 70s. In this specimen we can observe cubic crystals with this bluish to greenish tone, translucent and disposed on a characteristic ochy "pegmatite" matrix. They are partially covered with small but brilliant quartz crystals.

The Sant Marçal mines (also known as Matagalls mines) are located in the Montseny massif, on the eastern slope of the Matagalls peak (1,700 m). Mining works were carried out at 1,250 to 1,350 m of altitude. They were mined until the mid-90s and have been partially restored. Currently this area belongs to the Montseny Natural Park, so the collection of specimens is totally prohibited.

 

Size: 7.6 x 5.4 x 5 cm.
Main crystal: 1.6 x 1.4 cm.
Found in ±1970.

Fluorescent under long wave UV

Anglesite specimens from this classic Moroccan mine are quite difficult to find. In this piece we can see numerous lanceolated prismatic crystals of this lead sulphate, very brilliant, with well defined faces and edges, transparent and showing the natural yellow colour characteristic of this species and mine. They are disposed filling cavities in a galena matrix.

Size: 6.6 x 6.5 x 6 cm.
Main crystal: 10 mm.

Various aggregates of quartz crystals, some doubly terminated, with transparence and brilliance, partially dotted with small reddish globules of hematite, which partially cover a matrix with bluish crystals of fluorite. These specimens that we offer were collected at the beginning of the 70s. The mines were exploited until the mid-90s and have been partially restored. Currently this area belongs to the Montseny Natural Park, so the collection of specimens is totally prohibited.

Size: 4.4 x 4.2 x 2.6 cm.
Found in ±1970.

Classic locality

Good size specimen formed by a matrix with cubic fluorite crystals, colorless and very transparent. They are partially covered by aesthetic white tabular baryte crystals, peppered with small altered pyrite and chalcopyrite, some of them included in fluorite.

Size: 10.5 x 6.6 x 6.4 cm.
Found in ±1997.

Excol. L. Arguijo (L'Hospitalet de Llobregat).

Dadsonite is a rare chloro-sulfoantimonide of lead, compositionally differing from boulangerite by this chlorine anion (1 atom of Cl for 60 atoms of S!). In the "bad-lands" area of Sant Ponç (or Saint-Pons) there are lenticular levels of siderite and calcite. The formation of this rare sulfosalt is based on the redissolution of other sulfosalts in the presence of chlorides.
The fine needles of dadsonite usually appear included in calcite, along with boulangerite. Once the calcite is removed by chemical processes, needles emerge in all their beauty. It can also be found forming radial aggregates in matrix cavities. The dadsonite from Sant Ponç can probably be considered among the best worldwide.

Size: 7.2 x 6.5 x 4.9 cm.
Found in ±1997.

This specimen shows various groups of prismatic pyromorphite crystals, with terminal faces of the dipyramid, brilliant, colourless and transparent. They stand out on a matrix of goethite with orange tone. This locality is not one of the most common for this species. This specimen from Le Kaymar can be considered among the best seen for the mine.

Size: 7.2 x 5 x 5 cm.

In this Bolivian Andean mining area, around 2010-2013, a small area with antimony and silver ore was found, highlighting some specimens of stephanite, a silver sulfoantimonide. This floater specimen is formed by a group of interpenetrated crystals, with parallel growth, and showing orthorhombic prism shapes with striations and complex terminal faces. It is distinguished from pyrargyrite by being completely opaque to light, while the latter usually gives red colors (red silvers). An exceptional specimen reminiscent of the best and ancient Mexican stephanite, although this is from the Porco mine, the oldest and most significant silver mine in Bolivia.

Size: 2.2 x 1.4 x 1.1 cm.
Found in 2010-2013.

In this Bolivian Andean mining area, around 2010-2013, a small area with antimony and silver ore was found, highlighting some specimens of stephanite, a silver sulfoantimonide. This floater specimen is formed by a group of interpenetrated crystals, with parallel growth, and showing orthorhombic prism shapes with striations and complex terminal faces, some of them are doubly terminated. It is distinguished from pyrargyrite by being completely opaque to light, while the latter usually gives red colors (red silvers). An exceptional specimen reminiscent of the best and ancient Mexican stephanite, although this is from the Porco mine, the oldest and most significant silver mine in Bolivia.

Size: 1.7 x 1.5 x 1.1 cm.
Found in 2010-2013.

In this Bolivian Andean mining area, around 2010-2013, a small area with antimony and silver ore was found, highlighting some specimens of stephanite, a silver sulfoantimonide. This floater specimen is formed by a group of interpenetrated crystals, with parallel growth, and showing orthorhombic prism shapes with striations and complex terminal faces. It is distinguished from pyrargyrite by being completely opaque to light, while the latter usually gives red colors (red silvers). An exceptional specimen reminiscent of the best and ancient Mexican stephanite, although this is from the Porco mine, the oldest and most significant silver mine in Bolivia.

Size: 2 x 1.7 x 1.4 cm.
Found in 2010-2013.

In this Bolivian Andean mining area, around 2010-2013, a small area with antimony and silver ore was found, highlighting some specimens of stephanite, a silver sulfoantimonide. This floater specimen is formed by a group of interpenetrated crystals, with parallel growth, and showing orthorhombic prism shapes with striations and complex terminal faces, some of them are doubly terminated. It is distinguished from pyrargyrite by being completely opaque to light, while the latter usually gives red colors (red silvers). An exceptional specimen reminiscent of the best and ancient Mexican stephanite, although this is from the Porco mine, the oldest and most significant silver mine in Bolivia.

Size: 2.1 x 1.5 x 1.3 cm.
Found in 2010-2013.

Las Cruces mine, northwest of Seville, is an example of mining in the Iberian Pyrite Belt. But it must be said that minerals those have been found there are not at all common in other deposits of this geological megastructure. Exceptional specimens of chalcocite and djurleite stand out from this mine. This specimen we offer is a magnificent specimen of the latter species, djurleite (an orthorhombic copper sulfide). We can observe aggregates formed by several idiomorphic crystals with octahedral shape and a metallic gray luster. They are disposed on a matrix formed by other copper and iron sulfides. As is usual in these specimens and has already been indicated in previous studies, these crystals may correspond to phases of djurleite/chalcocite. In this case we have carried out an X-ray diffraction that confirms it is djurleite.

Size: 4.2 x 3.3 x 2.5 cm.
Found in ±2011.

Col. Andrés Jiménez Shelly (Madrid).

Aesthetic sprays of acicular transparent natrolite crystals on vuggy basalt matrix. Very unusual specimen on the market fro this locality. Analyzed specimen SEM-EDS.

Size: 12.6 x 8 x 6 cm.
Main crystal: 15 mm aggr.