Connoisseur Minerals

'Connoisseur: an expert, one who understands the details, technique, or principles of an art and is competent to act as a critical judge. One who enjoys with discrimination and appreciation of subtleties.'

Presented below is a selection of fine minerals for the advanced collector, connoisseur.



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ST942 - Chalcopyrite and Siderite $ 5000 (=~ ¥ 741876)
Kaiwu Mine, Hezhang Co., Bijie, Guizhou, China
cabinet - 15 x 10 x 4.5 cm


(click on an image to enlarge)

Chalcopyrite and Siderite from Kaiwu Mine, Hezhang Co., Bijie, Guizhou, China [db_pics/pics/ST942a.jpg] Chalcopyrite and Siderite from Kaiwu Mine, Hezhang Co., Bijie, Guizhou, China [db_pics/pics/ST942b.jpg] Chalcopyrite and Siderite from Kaiwu Mine, Hezhang Co., Bijie, Guizhou, China [db_pics/pics/ST942c.jpg] Chalcopyrite and Siderite from Kaiwu Mine, Hezhang Co., Bijie, Guizhou, China [db_pics/pics/ST942d.jpg] Chalcopyrite and Siderite from Kaiwu Mine, Hezhang Co., Bijie, Guizhou, China [db_pics/pics/ST942g.jpg]

Brassy, metallic Chalcopyrite crystals on translucent Siderite crystals from a limited find at the Kaiwu Mine in China. These were a one time find back in 2012 or 2013 and make stunning specimens due to the contrast in color and form between the Chalcopyrite and Siderite. The Chalcopyrite is bright and metallic with a slightly reddish irridescent surface coloration. The Siderite are translucent brown and lenticular in habit. There are also small white Dolomite crystals in areas. Fifteen cm! This is a large, museum sized specimen, which was unusual for the find, that is amazingly free of any damage (most were smaller and had some damage). This association hasn't been found since.


ST941 - Azurite $ 2800 (=~ ¥ 415451) SOLD
Shilu Mine, Yangchun Co., Yangjiang Prefecture, Guangdong Province, China
cabinet - 11.5 x 7.5 x 6.5 cm


(click on an image to enlarge)

Azurite from Shilu Mine, Yangchun Co., Yangjiang Prefecture, Guangdong Province, China [db_pics/pics/ST941a.jpg] Azurite from Shilu Mine, Yangchun Co., Yangjiang Prefecture, Guangdong Province, China [db_pics/pics/ST941c.jpg] Azurite from Shilu Mine, Yangchun Co., Yangjiang Prefecture, Guangdong Province, China [db_pics/pics/ST941d.jpg] Azurite from Shilu Mine, Yangchun Co., Yangjiang Prefecture, Guangdong Province, China [db_pics/pics/ST941g.jpg] Azurite from Shilu Mine, Yangchun Co., Yangjiang Prefecture, Guangdong Province, China [db_pics/pics/ST941h.jpg] Azurite from Shilu Mine, Yangchun Co., Yangjiang Prefecture, Guangdong Province, China [db_pics/pics/ST941.mp4]

Large, intergrown rosettes of Azurite crystals from early production at the Shilu Mine in China. This is an old Al Ordway specimen and comes with his old label. Al was one of most famous California field collectors and a really fine mineral dealer. A complete all around undamaged floater with no points of attachment. Most of this find were singles with subpar luster and some damage. This is a very 3-dimensional piece composed of multiple intergrown rosettes. Better in person!


ST943 - Morganite $ 2200 (=~ ¥ 326426) SOLD
Minas Gerais, Brazil
small cabinet - 7.4 x 3.5 x 3 cm


(click on an image to enlarge)

Morganite from Minas Gerais, Brazil [db_pics/pics/ST943a.jpg] Morganite from Minas Gerais, Brazil [db_pics/pics/ST943b.jpg] Morganite from Minas Gerais, Brazil [db_pics/pics/ST943c.jpg] Morganite from Minas Gerais, Brazil [db_pics/pics/ST943e.jpg] Morganite from Minas Gerais, Brazil [db_pics/pics/ST943f.jpg]

Intensely colored single Morganite crystal from Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Morganite has fantastic color and clarity with flat, glassy faces on front and top and a rehealed surface on the backside. Morganite specimens of this color and quality are impossible to find. It has a pure pink color similar to Madagascar Morganite, which is rare from Brazil. It also has gem rough potential and definitely escaped the cutter. 


ST944 - Smithsonite $ 3500 (=~ ¥ 519313) SOLD
Philadelpia Mine, Rush, Marion Co., Arkansas, USA
cabinet - 9.5 x 8 x 5.5 cm


(click on an image to enlarge)

Smithsonite from Philadelpia Mine, Rush, Marion Co., Arkansas, USA [db_pics/pics/ST944a.jpg] Smithsonite from Philadelpia Mine, Rush, Marion Co., Arkansas, USA [db_pics/pics/ST944b.jpg] Smithsonite from Philadelpia Mine, Rush, Marion Co., Arkansas, USA [db_pics/pics/ST944c.jpg] Smithsonite from Philadelpia Mine, Rush, Marion Co., Arkansas, USA [db_pics/pics/ST944e.jpg]

Satiny to waxy, botryoidal yellow Smithsonite from the Philadelphia Mine in Arkansas. These so called 'Turkey Fat' Smithsonite specimens are usually seen as pseudomorphs after dolomite, and rich botryoidal specimens such as this are quite rare, this being the most impressive I've ever seen. The Smithsonite wraps around both sides of the specimen and is undamaged. The bright unique color is caused by inclusions of Greenockite. Only two localities have this color, texture, and luster (Sardinia and Arkansas) and if your buying one like this from Sardinia, add another zero.  


ST922 - Wulfenite SOLD
Los Lamentos, Chihuahua, Mexico
cabinet - 13 x 8 x 4 cm


(click on an image to enlarge)

Wulfenite from Los Lamentos, Chihuahua, Mexico [db_pics/pics/ST922a.jpg] Wulfenite from Los Lamentos, Chihuahua, Mexico [db_pics/pics/ST922c.jpg] Wulfenite from Los Lamentos, Chihuahua, Mexico [db_pics/pics/ST922d.jpg] Wulfenite from Los Lamentos, Chihuahua, Mexico [db_pics/pics/ST922g.jpg] Wulfenite from Los Lamentos, Chihuahua, Mexico [db_pics/pics/ST922h.jpg] Wulfenite from Los Lamentos, Chihuahua, Mexico [db_pics/pics/ST922i.jpg] Wulfenite from Los Lamentos, Chihuahua, Mexico [db_pics/pics/ST922.mp4]

'The Sand Dune'...Lustrous orange Wulfenite crystals on matrix from Los Lamentos, Mexico. The Wulfenite have the best color for the locality and good luster and are nearly pristine with just minor edge chipping on some. The matrix is artistic, aesthetic, and unique. Drusy Calcite is studded with Wulfenite of the highest quality and color for the locality. A really neat feature is the wavy 'sand dune' like appearance of one side. Comes with a custom Lucite display stand.


ST923 - Smokey Quartz Gwindel $ 2250 (=~ ¥ 333844) SOLD
Goscheneralp, Goschenen, Canton Uri, Switzerland
small cabinet - 8.5 x 5.5 x 5 cm


(click on an image to enlarge)

Smokey Quartz Gwindel from Goscheneralp, Goschenen, Canton Uri, Switzerland [db_pics/pics/ST923b.jpg] Smokey Quartz Gwindel from Goscheneralp, Goschenen, Canton Uri, Switzerland [db_pics/pics/ST923c.jpg] Smokey Quartz Gwindel from Goscheneralp, Goschenen, Canton Uri, Switzerland [db_pics/pics/ST923d.jpg] Smokey Quartz Gwindel from Goscheneralp, Goschenen, Canton Uri, Switzerland [db_pics/pics/ST923g.jpg] Smokey Quartz Gwindel from Goscheneralp, Goschenen, Canton Uri, Switzerland [db_pics/pics/ST923i.jpg]

Swiss smokey Quartz sets the standard for luster, clarity, and quality.  Add to this quality a single Quartz crystal pointing up to a twisted Gwindel.  When you combine  both a high quality single and gwindel Quartz, the rarity factor goes up exponetially.  I love mineral specimens such as this that are both unique and beautiful. By the way, you all do know that the guys that mine these things rappel and climb thousands of feet to get these. They risk their lives to get these mineral specimens, and that is one reason I appreciate them so highly.  It's complete all around and undamaged. The gwindel is fully transparent and has a good twist. Comes with a number of old collection labels including Gene Reynolds and Fred Pough.


ST924 - Bournonite $ 2000 (=~ ¥ 296751) SOLD
Viboras Mine, Potosi Dept., Bolivia
small cabinet - 8 x 7 x 4.5 cm


(click on an image to enlarge)

Bournonite from Viboras Mine, Potosi Dept., Bolivia [db_pics/pics/ST924a.jpg] Bournonite from Viboras Mine, Potosi Dept., Bolivia [db_pics/pics/ST924c.jpg] Bournonite from Viboras Mine, Potosi Dept., Bolivia [db_pics/pics/ST924f.jpg] Bournonite from Viboras Mine, Potosi Dept., Bolivia [db_pics/pics/ST924g.jpg]

Shiny metallic crystals of Bournonite from the Viboras Mine in Bolivia. The crystals are pristine and have bright silvery coloration, much more so than photos indicate - even better in person! The large cluster on top is 4.5cm wide and the intergrown pair of crystals below reach 3cm in size.  Comes with a custom Lucite display stand.


ST925 - Grossular with Diopside $ 2400 (=~ ¥ 356101) SOLD
Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos, Quebec, Canada
small cabinet - 8 x 4.5 x 3.5 cm


(click on an image to enlarge)

Grossular with Diopside from Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos, Quebec, Canada [db_pics/pics/ST925a.jpg] Grossular with Diopside from Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos, Quebec, Canada [db_pics/pics/ST925c.jpg] Grossular with Diopside from Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos, Quebec, Canada [db_pics/pics/ST925d.jpg] Grossular with Diopside from Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos, Quebec, Canada [db_pics/pics/ST925e.jpg] Grossular with Diopside from Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos, Quebec, Canada [db_pics/pics/ST925g.jpg]

Gemmy orange Grossular garnet crystals with green Diopside from the Jeffrey Mine in Canada. The crystals are in magnificent condition, transparent and great sized for the locality, reaching 1.7cm in diameter. These are no longer being found and great specimens are getting harder and harder to find every year. Comes with a custom Lucite display stand.


ST947 - Almandine $ 3000 (=~ ¥ 445126) SOLD
Russell Garnet Mine, Russell, Hampden Co., Massachusetts, USA
cabinet - 9.5 x 7 x 4 cm


(click on an image to enlarge)

Almandine from Russell Garnet Mine, Russell, Hampden Co., Massachusetts, USA [db_pics/pics/ST947a.jpg] Almandine from Russell Garnet Mine, Russell, Hampden Co., Massachusetts, USA [db_pics/pics/ST947c.jpg] Almandine from Russell Garnet Mine, Russell, Hampden Co., Massachusetts, USA [db_pics/pics/ST947e.jpg] Almandine from Russell Garnet Mine, Russell, Hampden Co., Massachusetts, USA [db_pics/pics/ST947f.jpg]

Large, well formed Almandine crystals to 3.5cm in size from the famous and historic Russell garnet locality in Massachusetts. The crystals were collected from a small isolated pegmatite by two locals (Daniel Clark and F.S. Johnson) in the mid 1880s. The entire pegmatite was mined out at the time and the famous collectors of the era used to fight to acquire these. This is a fantastic, undamaged USA classic from a historic find. The specimens were sometimes prepped with black shoe polish - this has none.  Sawcut on back side. Comes with a custom Lucite display stand. 


ST954 - Wulfenite SOLD
Tsumeb, Namibia
small cabinet - 5.5 x 4.5 x 3.5 cm


(click on an image to enlarge)

Wulfenite from Tsumeb, Namibia [db_pics/pics/ST954a.jpg] Wulfenite from Tsumeb, Namibia [db_pics/pics/ST954b.jpg] Wulfenite from Tsumeb, Namibia [db_pics/pics/ST954d.jpg] Wulfenite from Tsumeb, Namibia [db_pics/pics/ST954j.jpg]

Unusual, complete cluster of Wulfenite crystals from the classic Tsumeb mine. Most serious mineral collectors want something unique from the king of mineral localities, Tsumeb - this could be that specimen for many of you.  This is a 360 degree specimen. From the front the specimen has the appearance of multiple parallel grown crystals. From the bottom (last photo) you can see hoppered growth structure and hollow areas. The lustrous surface is coated by tiny yellow Mimetite needles and green hemispheres of Malachite. Tsumeb was a working Copper mine and it is a miracle that this speicmen survived in nearly pristine condition, I could fine just tiny edge nick.


ST950 - Azurite $ 2800 (=~ ¥ 415451) SOLD
Tsumeb, Namibia
small cabinet - 9 x 7 x 6 cm


(click on an image to enlarge)

Azurite from Tsumeb, Namibia [db_pics/pics/ST950a.jpg] Azurite from Tsumeb, Namibia [db_pics/pics/ST950c.jpg] Azurite from Tsumeb, Namibia [db_pics/pics/ST950d.jpg] Azurite from Tsumeb, Namibia [db_pics/pics/ST950h.jpg] Azurite from Tsumeb, Namibia [db_pics/pics/ST950f.jpg] Azurite from Tsumeb, Namibia [db_pics/pics/ST950g.jpg]

Cluster of sharp, lustrous Azurite crystals from Tsumeb. The crystals are robust, high quality and good sized, reaching 4cm in length. The crystals are pristine with areas of natural etching. The emerald green Malachite and olive green Bayldonite are an artisitc color contrast to this magnificent piece. It's miraculous this specimen survived in this condition due to the fact that Tsumeb was a working Copper mine at the time this was collected. Great Tsumeb Azurites are not common - for every hundred Milpillas Mine Azurite specimens, there is one Tsumeb.


ST951 - Calcite 'Heart Twin' $ 1800 (=~ ¥ 267076) SOLD
Egremont, Cumberland, Cumbria, England
small cabinet - 6.5 x 5.5 x 4 cm


(click on an image to enlarge)

Calcite 'Heart Twin' from Egremont, Cumberland, Cumbria, England [db_pics/pics/ST951a.jpg] Calcite 'Heart Twin' from Egremont, Cumberland, Cumbria, England [db_pics/pics/ST951b.jpg] Calcite 'Heart Twin' from Egremont, Cumberland, Cumbria, England [db_pics/pics/ST951c.jpg] Calcite 'Heart Twin' from Egremont, Cumberland, Cumbria, England [db_pics/pics/ST951d.jpg]

Coveted English 'heart twin' Calcite specimen from Egremont. This jewel-like crystal has faceted glassy faces on most of the sides with striated surfaces on the termination.  A floater crystal of the highest quality and a geological piece of history. 'Trust me these photos do not capture the jewel-like nature and qulaity of this specimen.'


ST952 - Arsenopyrite $ 1800 (=~ ¥ 267076)
Panasqueira Mines, Covilha, Castelo Branco, Portugal
small cabinet - 7.5 x 4.8 x 4 cm


(click on an image to enlarge)

Arsenopyrite from Panasqueira Mines, Covilha, Castelo Branco, Portugal [db_pics/pics/ST952a.jpg] Arsenopyrite from Panasqueira Mines, Covilha, Castelo Branco, Portugal [db_pics/pics/ST952b.jpg] Arsenopyrite from Panasqueira Mines, Covilha, Castelo Branco, Portugal [db_pics/pics/ST952c.jpg] Arsenopyrite from Panasqueira Mines, Covilha, Castelo Branco, Portugal [db_pics/pics/ST952d.jpg] Arsenopyrite from Panasqueira Mines, Covilha, Castelo Branco, Portugal [db_pics/pics/ST952f.jpg] Arsenopyrite from Panasqueira Mines, Covilha, Castelo Branco, Portugal [db_pics/pics/ST952.mp4]

Bold and dramatic bow-tie cluster of Arsenopyrite crystals from the Panasqueira Mines in Portugal. An exceptional example of a fairly common mineral, the cluster is complete all around and undamaged with bright, silvery metallic luster. Comes with a Lucite display stand. Ex. George Holloway specimen.


ST953 - Sphene $ 2500 (=~ ¥ 370938) SOLD
Capelinha, Minas Gerais, Brazil
small cabinet - 8.5 x 3.5 x 2.7 cm


(click on an image to enlarge)

Sphene from Capelinha, Minas Gerais, Brazil [db_pics/pics/ST953a.jpg] Sphene from Capelinha, Minas Gerais, Brazil [db_pics/pics/ST953b.jpg] Sphene from Capelinha, Minas Gerais, Brazil [db_pics/pics/ST953c.jpg] Sphene from Capelinha, Minas Gerais, Brazil [db_pics/pics/ST953d.jpg] Sphene from Capelinha, Minas Gerais, Brazil [db_pics/pics/ST953e.jpg]

Outstanding specimen of a large twinned gemmy, lustrous Sphene (Titanite) crystal from Capelinha, Brazil. Large Sphenes are almost impossible to get in this quality. The main crystal is an impressive 8.5cm tall and has areas of both glassy and matte luster that adds a very interesting contrast to the specimen. There are smaller Sphene crystals attached to one side, along with a few small white Albite crystals. A floater, complete all around and undamaged.


ST949 - Fluorite $ 1200 (=~ ¥ 178050) SOLD
Stoneco White Rock Quarry, Clay Center, Ottawa Co., Ohio, USA
small cabinet - 8 x 5.5 x 5 cm


(click on an image to enlarge)

Fluorite from Stoneco White Rock Quarry, Clay Center, Ottawa Co., Ohio, USA [db_pics/pics/ST949a.jpg] Fluorite from Stoneco White Rock Quarry, Clay Center, Ottawa Co., Ohio, USA [db_pics/pics/ST949b.jpg] Fluorite from Stoneco White Rock Quarry, Clay Center, Ottawa Co., Ohio, USA [db_pics/pics/ST949c.jpg] Fluorite from Stoneco White Rock Quarry, Clay Center, Ottawa Co., Ohio, USA [db_pics/pics/ST949d.jpg]

Intergrown pair of color zoned Fluorite crystals on matrix aesthetically crowned by Celestite crystals. The Fluorite crystals are pristine, reach 3.5cm in size and have rich color with high luster. Highly artistic example with great balance and form. In my 25 years in the mineral business, I can't recall a Clay Center Fluorite I've liked more than this.

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