Specimen formed by a druse of quartz microcrystals on which several groups of cubic fluorite crystals have grown. They have faces that are asymmetrically beveled by the dodecahedron. Its transparency allows us to see a curious geometric zoning of color. The specimen comes from the J. Vilalta collection and the A. Soliveres collection. From a mine from which it is difficult to find pieces.

110 €

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A very aesthetic specimen formed by a rich group of metatorbernite crystals. They present polysynthetic and echeloned growth of well-defined tetragonal crystals, with the characteristic green color. Under LW-UV we can observe the presence of a greenish-yellow fluorescence that indicates the presence of other species. SEM-EDS analysis have characterized this species as meta-autunite. We can say that the metatorbernite species is replacing the meta-autunite, as we can observe as a color gradation in some tabular crystals or in fresh fracture. We will send analysis to the buyer. This specimen come from late 90's finds in this classic French mine. Excol. A. Pouget, Excol Joan Rosell. The piece has a treatment that has kept it intact until today.
Both, meta-autunite and metatorbernite, are dehydrated phases of the autunite and torbernite. The loss of water molecules, those are present in the crystal structure of these species, is a common fact when the specimen is extracted from the mine.
Entraigas (Antraigas), Rodés, Avairon, Occitània, Entraigas, Rodés, Avairon, Occitània, França

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A very good representative of the rare parisite-(Ce) specimens from the Snowbird Mine in Montana. Several crystals of dark golden-brown, pseudohexagonal parisite-(Ce) with a good size are sitting on feldspar matrix. These pieces came out ca. 1955-56, and are very difficult to find on the market, more in matrix! Parisite is a rare, rare-earth carbonate and the Snowbird Mine is a rare earth pegmatite. With a cluster of gersdorffite. From E. Nicolau collection and purchased to Joan Viñals.

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A novelty from Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines 2022. These specimens come from a recent find in this mining area of the Black Forest and are reminiscent of those found decades ago in this area. They show radial aggregates of extremely brilliant pyrolusite crystals that partially replace manganite. By X-ray diffraction we have been determined the presence of both species, even with a certain predominance of manganite. They usually appear on a matrix of pink granite or as groups of large crystals in parallel growth. In the specimens we can observe the inclined flattened terminal faces. They are highly aesthetic pieces those will become part of the best specimens of these species for European mineralogy. We will send the XRD to the buyer.

470 €

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Very good-sized specimen of autunite/meta-autunite from this Portuguese locality, formed by numerous crystals of this phosphate that partially cover the quartz matrix. The fan-shaped autunite crystals and have a striking yellow-green color. Under long-wave UV light the fluorescence is intense. A display piece.

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Amazing aggregate of prismatic pyromorphite crystals on a baryte matrix. Many of the crystals are doubly terminated and have a good size. They shows slightly curved faces and edges, are a very brilliant olive-green color on the prism with intense yellow tips. On a baryte matrix with galena (not in quartz as the label indicates). This shape is highly appreciated by collectors. This classic French specimen was purchased by a collector to Fabre Minerals.

850 €

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Group of prismatic arfvedsonite crystals, with parallel growth, striated faces and polycrystalline terminations, shiny and dark green, almost black in color. In feldspar matrix. Nowadays it is difficult to get these samples.

55 €

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The silver specimens from this classic German mine has been known for a long time, but in these specimens silver is included in chrysocolla, of an intense greenish blue colour, and shows a remarkable luster, sometimes with golden iridescence. Under magnification we can see facets of crystals of this metal. We have analyzed these samples and the results indicate that they do not contain other metals detectable by SEM-EDS. These specimens are already a few years old.

65 €

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Group of kyanite crystals, of gem quality, with transparency and when light passes through them they offer an exceptional color. They are accompanied on the matrix by brown staurolite crystals and paragonite (Na mica). They stand out on a clear schistose matrix. A quality European piece that is difficult to see today. Classic and aesthetic material from this famous Swiss locality from the E. Nicolau collection (Barcelona).

Druse of prismatic acicular pyromorphite crystals, transparent, shiny and with the characteristic green color. They are arranged on a quartz matrix. A very aesthetic piece from the Nicolau collection (Barcelona) and with a Joan Viñals label.

140 €

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Group of twinned prismatic scolecite crystals, very brilliant and transparent. It is accompanied by small hyaline crystals of fluorapophyllite-(K), bright and very defined. Scolecite is a rather rare species of the zeolite group from India. With handwritten label by J. Viñals and belonged to the Nicolau collection (Barcelona).

190 €

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Excellent and aesthetic specimen formed by a large group of fluorite crystals, very well defined, with a cubic shape and beveled edges by the dodecahedron forms. Translucent, with purple zoning colour. They are disposed on a white calcite matrix, on which they contrast. A piece for the best display.

Botryoidal aggregates of smithsonite with a very tastefull bluish green colour, translucent and with brilliance. They are disposed on matrix. From a very interesting American locality. It fluoresces intensely under LW-UV light.

Very esthetic specimen formed by numerous aggregates of crystals of calcite manganoan, very bright, transparent to translucent, forming globular and stalactitic groups very well set on the matrix. They present a slightly pinkish tone due to the presence of Mn. Extremely fluorescent under LWUV, with a spectacular pink to red color. An exceptional piece.

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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.

Rich specimen formed by numerous spinel crystals showing octahedral form, black colour, very brilliant and well defined faces and edges. Sample is accompanied by the label of Douglas "Doug" Toland, with notes those indicates it could be gahnite or chromite, but the semi-quantitative analysis done with SEM-EDS microscopy shows that it is spinel, not identified in the mine before. It is accompanied by probably grossular and chlorite. A good specimen for the species and for this cold locality.

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