Transparent orange Villiaumite crystals on matrix from the open pit phonolite quarries in Aris, Namibia. These quarries, along with the Kola peninsula in Russia, are the source of the world's best Villiaumite. Although larger, the Kola specimens are a darker purple red and are typically just cleavages rather than crystals. These bright orange, transparent crystals are far more aesthetic for my taste. The crystals on this specimen reach 1.2cm in size and have etched outer surfaces and are internally transparent (faceted gemstones are known from this occurrence).

Transparent orange Villiaumite crystal from the open pit phonolite quarries in Aris, Namibia. These quarries, along with the Kola peninsula in Russia, are the source of the world's best Villiaumite. Although larger, the Kola specimens are a darker purple red and are typically just cleavages rather than crystals. These bright orange, transparent crystals are far more aesthetic for my taste. This crystal has etched outer surfaces and is internally transparent (faceted gemstones are known from this occurrence).

Set of 6 transparent orange Villiaumite crystal from the open pit phonolite quarries in Aris, Namibia. These quarries, along with the Kola peninsula in Russia, are the source of the world's best Villiaumite. Although larger, the Kola specimens are a darker purple red and are typically just cleavages rather than crystals. These bright orange, transparent crystals are far more aesthetic for my taste. These crystals have etched outer surfaces and are internally transparent (faceted gemstones are known from this occurrence). The crystals in this set reach 1.2cm wide.

Transparent orange Villiaumite crystals on matrix from the open pit phonolite quarries in Aris, Namibia. These quarries, along with the Kola peninsula in Russia, are the source of the world's best Villiaumite. Although larger, the Kola specimens are a darker purple red and are typically just cleavages rather than crystals. These bright orange, transparent crystals are far more aesthetic for my taste. The crystals on this specimen form a 2cm group on the side of a vug and are internally transparent (faceted gemstones are known from this occurrence).

Transparent red/orange Villiaumite crystals and golden needles of Tuperssuatsiaite on matrix from the open pit phonolite quarries in Aris, Namibia. There are vugs on both sides of specimen. One side has more but smaller crystals, the other has larger crystals to 3-4mm in size.

Single octahedral Spinel crystal from Tanzania. A complete, translucent red crystal with minor edge chipping.

Single twinned Spinel crystal from Tanzania. A complete spinel-twinned crystal, translucent purple with minor edge chipping.

Seven crystals of Chambersite. All are complete tetrahedrons, some with modified terminations, and two that are clusters of crystals. Largest is 4mm on edge. The crystals are translucent purple in color. A rarity that are also quite beautiful with an amethyst-like color. Collected by Fred Pough in 1970. Ex. Chuck Trantham collection.

Floater cluster of tan Woodhouseite crystals to 5mm in size. This is a fabulous floater cluster of crystals without matrix - nothing but crystals all around. The Champion Mine is the Type locality for this rare species and has produced the world's best specimens.

Sprays of blue Caledonite crystals with Leadhillite crystals to 3mm. Ex. Tim Sherburn collection.

Grey crystals of Metacinnabar to 2mm sprinkled all over matrix. Metacinnabar is a rare mercury sulfide mineral. These were collected back in the 1960s. This mine was the closest mineral locality to my hometown while growing up and is now closed.

Limonite matrix with large crystals of translucent to transparent blue Scorodite. The crystals reach 9mm in size and have great color and good sized areas of transparency.