Rosell Minerales

As is often the case with old labels, the localities are sometimes discrepant with the data we currently have available on the Internet. This historic specimen of ilmenite, from the Joan Astor collection was acquired in 1976 from Joan Montal (former mineral seller from Vilafranca del Penedés), provides us with a label indicating the locality of Saint-Urbain. At the time of documenting this piece, we have found the photo of an ilmenite from Havre-Saint-Pierre (an area further northeast of Saint-Urbain) with a very similar shape and accompanying species and, most notable, it is indicated that it was collected in situ during a visit in 1979 (view), when our specimen dates from 1976. Furthermore, both specimens are formed by aggregates of ilmenite crystals with a few pyrite crystals embeded.

Size: 8 x 4.2 x 3.6 cm.
Found in ±1976.

Col. Joan Astor (Barcelona).

This miniature is a gem, formed by several grossular crystals, with brilliance, very well defined, transparent and with an intense color. Since the mine closed it is difficult to see specimens of this type. From a former Catalan collection.

Size: 3.2 x 3 x 1.8 cm.
Found in ±1989.

Col. Trigo (Mataró, Catalunya)

The uvarovite specimens from the Jeffrey are not at all common. This specimen from the Joan Astor collection (Barcelona, Catalunya) dates from the 70s, when some specimens were collected. Small but brilliant and transparent crystals of this garnet, extreme with chromium of the grosularia-uvarovite series.

Size: 5.7 x 3.7 x 3.1 cm.
Found in ±1975.

Col. J. Astor, Barcelona.

These cobaltite specimens from the Espanola area, Ontario, are a classic of Canadian mineralogy. They show brilliant cubic cobaltite crystals on a matrix with calcite. Good size for this locatlity. Sudbury District was a very active mining area and, in past times, one of the best places in the world for cobaltite specimens. However, even then, it was not easy to find these specimens on the market. It comes from the Joan Astor collection (Barcelona), with a handwritten label and another typewritten.

Size: 6 x 5.5 x 4.5 cm.
Main crystal: 8 mm.
Found in ±1975.

Col. J. Astor, Barcelona.
Classic locality

Good size sample of the meteoric impact that took place aproximately 49,000 years ago in this remote area of Arizona. The impact crater stands out, where more than 30 tons of material have been collected since was discovered in 1891. It is a metallic, iron-nickel meteorite, classified as coarse octahedrite. Contains taenite (Fe, Ni) and mostly iron, kamacite variety (Fe, Ni). Weight: 23 grams.

Size: 3.3 x 27 x 1.2 cm. 23 g.
Found in ca. 1997.

Col. Antonio Trigo (Mataró).

A classic specimen of spinel, bright, defined and well arranged in the matrix. It is not easy to find them in matrix. This well-known extinct small Quebec mica mine is famous for excellent spinel and forsterite crystals.

Size: 4.6 x 3.7 x 2.6 cm.
Main crystal: 1.2 cm.

Col. Manchion (Barcelona). Ex. E. Kucera.

Group of interpenetrated betafite crystals of good size that show the most developed faces of the dodecahedron. Interesting crystallography. It is accompanied by zircon crystals. These mottled-brown isometric crystals are from the well-known Silver Crater Mine at Bancroft. This is an excellent and uncommon example, today. Most specimens of this quality came out in the 1950s, during the active mining period. An old, classic and essential piece in any collection. This specimen bears the label of Tysons', a Canadian mineral dealer.
Although the term betafite was discredited in 2010, many of us still are using this term to define this mineral when we see it. Our specimen is an uranium, calcium, titanium and niobium/tantalum oxide with radioactive activity. Currently the betafite is included as a variety within the pyrochlore supergroup. As a note, the rich uranium term has been only found in the Moon (oxyuranobetafite).

Size: 4 x 3 x 2.5 cm.
Main crystal: 2.4 x 2.4 cm

Presents radioactive activity.

Curious group of fluorapatite crystals, of intense green color, interpertered and with parallel growths. One side is crystalized, the other not... A curiosity analyzed since we doubted that it was not a diopside.

Size: 4 x 2.2 x 1.2 cm.

Group of scapolite (meionite) crystals, one of them of good size, that show the prism and dipyramidal faces. With pearlescent luster and a very characteristic ivory color for the specimens of this Canadian locality. They are accompanied by inclusions of diopside. The specimen has been analyzed and the results will be sent to the buyer. Slightly fluorescent under shortwave UV light. A classic specimen difficult to see in the market.

Size: 7.0 x 6.1 x 5.3 cm.
Main crystal: 5.7 x 5.0 cm.

Fluorescent under short wave UV

A very aethetic miniature specimen of sérandite, showing a good salmon color. Defined and with a nice size... From the classic MSH.

Size: 2.3 x 1.3 x 0.9 cm.

A classic specimen of Mt. St-Hilaire combines a group of good sized analcime crystals with trapezohedral faces, well defined and interpenetrating each other. With some sérandite crystals, well defined and showing an excellent bright orange color. It is accompanied by aegirine, green fibrous actinolite and crystals of manganoneptunite with a dark brown color, and probably accompanied by thorian britholite-(Ce) (not perfectly identified). An indispensable classic of mineralogy. We will send analysis to the buyer.

Size: 5.0 x 4.3 x 3.0 cm.