Hall of Fame
Highlighting Our Very Best
Browse a curated gallery of some of the finest mineral specimens that have found homes in elite private collections or museums.
Gold on Quartz
Valentines Day Pocket, Eagle's Nest Mine (Mystery Wind Mine), Sage Hill, Michigan Bluff Mining District (Michigan Bluff Mining deposit), Placer County, California, USA
6.0 x 10.5 x 5.5 cm
"The Lightning Bolt"
This world-class specimen hailing from the recent "Valentines Day Pocket" discovery at the new production site of the Eagle's Nest Mine has captivated many collectors. Now coined "The Lightning Bolt", this specimen is already regarded as one of the finest pieces recovered from the production.
Private Collection
Aquamarine with Quartz
Shigar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
11.4 x 17.1 x 9.8 cm
This world-class Aquamarine with Quartz specimen is one of the most iconic examples in the world, displaying a doubly terminated Aquamarine crystal, as the bottom is etched and recrystallized, and an extremely unique clear Quartz crystal. This elite specimen was formerly in the collection of Irv Brown.
Private Collection
Fluorite on Chlorite included Quartz
Yaogangxian Mine, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
13.0 x 16.0 x 10.8 cm
"The Northern Lights"
The 2022 Pocket, discovered at the famous Yaogangxian Mine, produced the most incredible shade of deep blue-green ever seen in Fluorites. This was arguably the finest matrix specimen recovered from the find, is regarded as one of the top specimens from the find in general. This piece is coined "The Northern Lights", and exhibits all of the top qualities to search for in a world-class Fluorite specimen; color, luster, clarity, and aesthetics are all present in top qualities.
Private Collection
Rhodochrosite
Good Luck Pocket, Sweet Home Mine, Detroit City Claim Block, Mount Bross, Alma Mining District, Park County, Colorado, USA
13.4 x 10.9 x 7.5 cm
This world-class Rhodochrosite specimen from the famous "Good Luck Pocket" is a true example of a mineral classic. The Rhodochrosites from the Sweet Home Mine are one of the most legendary minerals to collect, and are often one of the hardest things to obtain. A sample from the "Good Luck Pocket" are holy grail material, and are the standard for the color of all Sweet Home Mine Rhodochrosites.
Private Collection
Fluorite on Fluorite
NW Crosscut Orebody, Rosiclare Level, Minerva No. 1 Mine, Hardin County, Illinois
11.5 x 12.5 x 11.5 cm
"The Step Stool"
This famous example of Illinois Fluorite is a true one-off specimen, with an impossible morphology. This specimen was at one point two entirely different specimens, as the blue and purple crystal had formed above the yellow crystal on the pocket ceiling, and was knocked loose due to tectonic shifting and movement, where it then fell, and settled atop the yellow crystal, and became one piece. The digitalized growth was catalyzed by the fusing of the two separate Fluorite crystals, and gives a "city-scape" appearance. This piece was formerly in the collection of Ross C. Lillie, and Andrew K. Ford, and has earned the name "The Step Stool."
Private Collection
Sapphire on Amphibolite
Winza, Mpwapwa District, Dodoma Region, Tanzania
7.0 x 6.0 x 5.5 cm
This gem Sapphire on Amphibolite exhibits the most beautiful multi-coloration. The luster of the crystal is as good as it gets, and the clarity is astounding; the rarity of this specimen is inexplicable, as any Sapphires of this quality were immediately harvested for gem rough. The colors exhibited in this crystal show blue, pink, orange, and purple. When viewed down the C-Axis, there is a perfect “Mercedes symbol” of bright, rich blue zones which frame the sharp and beautiful pink color. This world-class Sapphire was formerly in the collections of Bill Larson, and Irv Brown, and was also pictured on page 419 of the rare and famous book “Ruby & Sapphire, a Gemologist’s Guide” by Richard W. Hughes.
Private Collection
Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
13.5 x 12.7 x 12.0 cm
Pink Smithsonites from the Tsumeb Mine are always a must-have for sophisticated collectors, especially when focusing on classic localities. This large, and perfectly undamaged Smithsonite exhibits both ideal colors, namely the bright pink, and the warm-orange hues. This is likely due to the specimen having both Cobalt bearing and Manganese bearing zones.
Private Collection
Gold on Quartz
Mockingbird Mine (Talc & Lacy claim), Colorado area, Whitlock Mining District, Bagby-Mariposa-Mount Bullion-Whitlock Mining District, Mariposa County, California, USA
7.0 x 2.5 x 3.5 cm
This well known specimen is very likely the finest example of iridescent, crystallized Gold. This specimen is also a "pocket" or "free-form" Gold, as most examples from the Mockingbird Mine are, and a terminated Quartz crystal is clearly present. This piece was formerly in the elite collections of Scott Rudolph, and Irv Brown.
Private Collection
Crocoite in Matrix
Red Lead Mine, Dundas mineral field, Zeehan mining district, West Coast municipality, Tasmania, Australia
10.3 x 8.2 x 7.4 cm
This beautifully colored Crocoite specimen exhibits the best possible color, and the most ideal clarity and luster. Gem Crocoite in matrix is almost non-existent, and this piece is one of the few unicorns of the find. Exceptional Crocoites from Tasmania are regarded as true mineral classics.
Private Collection
Ruby on Calcite
Mogok Valley, Mogok Township, Pyin-Oo-Lwin District, Mandalay Region, Myanmar
6.2 x 6.9 x 6.6 cm
It is very rare to see a truly gem Ruby intact on matrix. The color of this Ruby is optimal, and the fact that it survived as a specimen is remarkable, as nearly every Ruby specimen this large, exhibiting this color and quality was collected for gem rough. This world class Ruby was formerly in the collections of Bill Larson, and Irv Brown.
Private Collection
Fluorite on Calcite
Argentière Glacier, Chamonix, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Bonneville, France
7.0 x 6.3 x 5.0 cm
The pink Fluorites from the French Alps are a thing of legend in the mineral collecting world. Notoriously hard to obtain due to the brutal conditions of the mountains, and especially given the simple reality that there is a very limited time each year that these mountains are even habitable for strahlers to hunt for these treasures. This specimen is one of the few that boasts impressive clarity and luster. This specimen was formerly in the collections of Wally Mann, and Gail and Jim Spann.
Private Collection
Tourmaline on Quartz with Cleavelandite and Lepidolite
Azul Bien Grande Pocket, Pederneira mine, São José da Safira, Minas Gerais, Brazil
20.0 x 28.0 x 12.0 cm
"The Sailboat"
"The Sailboat" is everything the Azul Bien Grande Pocket is known for; gem blue Indicolite crystals with glittering white Cleavelandite blades on top of a Citrine crystal that are accented perfectly by red Lepidolite crystals. The shocking aesthetic of this piece is both beautiful and memorable, and the size and condition are incredible.
Private Collection
Fluorite on Quartz
Yaogangxian Mine, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
7.0 x 7.8 x 6.8 cm
This famous specimen has gone down as one of the greatest Fluorite specimens from the Yaogangxian Mine. This piece is known for its iconic color, as well as its unbeatable luster and clarity. The specimen has been featured in multiple publications, including the Ikons II book, published in 2024. This world-class piece was formerly in the elite collections of Wayne A. Thompson, and Jason Adams. This specimen was also featured in a major Manhattan mineralogical exhibition in 2022.
Private Collection
Topaz
Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
3.2 x 7.5 x 2.7 cm
Brazilian Imperial Topaz crystals are a thing of legend. The rich color, luster, and clarity that they can exhibit is extremely desirable and attractive. This gem crystal shows incredible honey color, gem clarity, glassy luster, and razor sharp edges and terminations. This specimen was formerly in the collection of Irv Brown.
Private Collection
Fluorite with Quartz
Yaogangxian Mine, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
13.2 x 11.5 x 9.7 cm
"The Shooting Star"
This specimen is regarded as one of the best specimens recovered from the 2022 Pocket from the Yaogangxian Mine. This impressively large single crystal displays top luster, color, and clarity, and has a beautifully doubly terminated Quartz crystal shooting across the top. This specimen is arguably the best single crystal from the find, and is in sublime condition with all four corners intact, and not a single point of damage along the edges.
Private Collection
Fluorite on Dolomite
Shangbao Mine, Leiyang Co., Hengyang, Hunan, China
13.0 x 9.7 x 8.5 cm
This glorious Fluorite from the Shangbao Mine will always be known as one of the finest examples in the world for the locality. With a flawless main crystal boasting a 7.5 cm diameter, and ideal color and luster, this piece is a true wonder. Unlike the other finest examples, this Fluorite crystal is significantly more exposed, and is not buried in the matrix. This world-class Fluorite specimen was formerly in the elite collections of Marcus Budil, and Jason Adams.
Private Collection
Halloysite included Quartz
Cabiche, Quípama, Western Boyacá Province, Boyacá Department, Colombia
10.0 x 11.0 x 6.8 cm
Discovered in 2017, the “Mango Quartz” find took the mineral collecting industry by storm. This specimen exhibits the finest qualities of the find; clear Quartz crystals, rather than the typical milky ones, and vibrant yellow-orange Halloysite included tips. There were not very many specimens that exhibited true clear Quartz crystals, as the majority had milky or white Quartz colorations. The color saturation of the Halloysite inclusions is optimal, with bright yellow and orange pigments present. Also, the crystallized white matrix is far less common, and more desirable than the typical brown matrix. This piece has perfect balance, and has a memorable aesthetic. This specimen was formerly in the collection of Irv Brown.
Private Collection
Hematite on Calcite with Uvite and Quartz
Pomba pit, Serra das Éguas, Brumado, Bahia, Brazil
10.5 x 8.9 x 8.6 cm
The mirror Hematites from Bahia, Brazil are one of the most coveted classics. This specimen showcases the best qualities of the find: a mirror-like Hematite crystal that is isolated on a contrasting Calcite matrix, decorated beautifully with red Uvite crystals. This is a world-class example, and the finest we have handled.
Private Collection
Phosphophyllite on Matrix
Unificada Mine, Cerro de Potosí (Cerro Rico), Potosí (Potosí Municipality), Tomás Frías Province, Potosí, Bolivia
4.6 x 5.7 x 3.9 cm
Phosphophyllite is regarded as a holy grail species for almost all collectors. The legendary status of these pieces is due to their neon green color, and their near-impossible to obtain nature. This extremely rare matrix specimen displays the color that collectors look for in a Phosphophyllite.
Private Collection
Fluorite on Matrix
Longyan, Fujian, China
5.2 x 4.6 x 4.5 cm
Chinese Fluorites have become some of the most popular collectible mineral specimens in the recent years. A problem with the Chinese localities is the extraction process of specimens, which often is not delicate. This results in heavy damage of specimens, which typically do not exhibit single, complete, or isolated crystals. This undamaged specimen has a complete crystal showing striking clarity and luster. This piece was formerly in the collection of Andrew K. Ford.
Private Collection
Azurite
Electric Blue Pocket, Milpillas Mine, Milpillas, Santa Cruz Municipality, Sonora, Mexico
7.0 x 10.2 x 7.4 cm
The finest Azurite specimens in the world come from the Milpillas Mine in Mexico. The unique feature of Milpillas Azurites is the "double luster" effect, which is a result of Azurite crystallizing after Malachite, after an original Azurite crystallization. This is what gives these famous Azurites their signature electric-blue color, and vibrant luster.
Private Collection
Hematite ps. after Magnetite
Payún Matrú volcano, Altiplano de Payún Matrú, Agua Escondida District, Malargüe Department, Mendoza Province, Argentina
9.1 x 14.0 x 7.5 cm
These specimens captivated the mineral collecting community due to their sparkling, lustrous appearance. The best examples of the find showed mirror-like luster, and large, isolated, skeletal crystals. This specimen is one of the finest specimens from the entire find.
Private Collection
Fluorite on Calcite
Piaotang Mine, Xihuashan ore field, Dayu Co., Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
6.9 x 6.5 x 5.0 cm
The Piaotang Mine, located in South-Eastern China, has not produced remotely close to the quantity, or quality of Fluorite as the more major production sites of China. This particular example is truly an exceptional specimen from the locality, and is one of the top two specimens out of the limited find. The fluorescent, "poker-chip" habit Calcites are perfectly nestled at the base of the Fluorite crystal, which glows a rich, inky purple when lit properly.
Private Collection
Calcite with Emerald & Fluorite
Coscuez Mine, San Pablo de Borbur, Western Boyacá Province, Boyacá Department, Colombia
12.5 x 11.0 x 8.5 cm
This gorgeous specimen exhibits a jewel Emerald, flanked by two Fluorites, sitting next to a massive and flawless Calcite crystal. There are only a couple documented Emerald specimens with Fluorite, and this seems to be the finest example. The Calcite crystal is also one of the finest single crystals from Colombia.
Private Collection
Fluorite on Quartz
Yaogangxian Mine, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
13.0 x 10.3 x 9.8 cm
This specimen was the number one piece out of the pocket, discovered in the mid 2010s. Aside from the piece showing much higher quality crystals that are significantly more isolated, this specimen also contains the single best "Frenkel Defect" we have ever seen (the green corner on the center crystal." This occurs when an atom or an ion is displaced from its original location due to a thermally related reasons, and leaves a vacancy in its original location. This results in a color defect visible in the crystal.
Private Collection
Fluorite on Sphalerite with Barite
Elmwood Mine, Carthage, Smith County, Tennessee
30.0 x 22.4 x 18.2 cm
The size of this museum-sized masterpiece is incredible; standing at thirty centimeters across, this specimen captivates viewers. The Fluorite is in astonishingly good condition for the size, and also exhibits ideal "Carthage Corners", something that is typically only seen in Fluorites from Tennessee. The isolation of the crystal is also impressive, as it sits perfectly on a bed of jet-black Sphalerite with bright Barite accents. This piece was formerly in the collections of Mark Pospisil, and Irv Brown.
Private Collection
Fluorite with Barite inclusions
Minerva No. 1 Mine, Hardin County, Illinois
9.5 x 10.0 x 9.8 cm
One of the rarest and most attractive forms of Fluorite from Illinois is complete and euhedral yellow crystals exhibiting ideal color and brilliant, glass-like luster. Additionally, the presence of unaltered, complete Barite inclusions that are so clearly visible is exceedingly uncommon. This top-quality specimen displays some of the finest, rarest and most desirable traits possible in Fluorite specimens from Illinois. This piece was formerly in the Ross C. Lillie collection of Illinois minerals, as well as the esteemed and highly refined collection of Irv Brown.
Private Collection
Red Beryl on Rhyolite
Wah Wah Mountains, Utah
7.5 x 6.8 x 6.5 cm
"The Crimson Kiss"
This is likely the most famous Red Beryl specimen in the world. This specimen has two complete Red Beryl crystals that perfectly terminate into each other. The balance and aesthetic of this piece is otherworldly, as is the clarity, color and luster of the crystals. The gem-like qualities of the crystals, coupled with the once-in-a-lifetime aesthetic make this piece an icon, and set the standard for the species. This specimen was formerly in the elite collection of Irv Brown.
Private Collection
Tourmaline with Lepidolite
Jonas Mine, Conselheiro Pena, Minas Gerais, Brazil
7.0 x 7.0 x 6.8 cm
The Jonas Mine, which was discovered in 1977 in the Conselheira Pena pegmatite district, within the Eastern Brazilian Pegmatite Province, is a true holy grail locality. The heyday of the mine was in 1978, when a single pocket was struck that redefined the market for red tourmaline specimens. This is a very rare matrix specimen of ideal, cranberry-red, lustrous Tourmaline crystals from the Jonas Mine, from that same world-renowned 1978 pocket that is perhaps the most important and famous single tourmaline discovery in all of mineralogical history. These Tourmalines are unrivaled in terms of color, clarity, and luster, and are of a very recognizable style that stand out in any collection or museum immediately. Additionally, it is extremely rare that to have a specimen on truly intact matrix, as the majority of the specimens recovered were single crystals.
Private Collection
Dioptase on Calcite
Tsumeb Mine, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
15.4 x 15.1 x 8.8 cm
The most highly-prized version of the Dioptase species are examples on stark-white Calcite matrix with Dioptase crystals that are lustrous, isolated, and richly colored. This large specimen features all of the most desirable qualities exhibited in world-class Dioptase specimens from the Tsumeb Mine. This specimen is one of the few examples that show clarity within the Dioptase crystals, as typically Dioptase is mostly opaque. This extremely high-end example was brought to the Unites States by Miriam and Julius Zweibel, and was formerly in the collection of Vincent Rigatti.
Private Collection
Gold
Serra do Caldeirão claims, Pontes e Lacerda, Mato Grosso, Brazil
6.0 x 7.2 x 5.0 cm
"The Golden Feathers"
This piece is the most famous and memorable example from the 2015 Brazilian crystallized Gold find. This piece is large for the locality, and shows two perfectly crystallized “feathers” that sit side by side the most aesthetic way. We are proud to have handled a specimen of such importance. This world-class specimen has a noteworthy provenance, as the piece was formerly in the elite worldwide collections of Dr. Stephen M. Neely, and Andrew Irving.
Private Collection
Fluorite
Rosiclare Level, Minerva No. 1 Mine, Hardin County, Illinois
10.3 x 17.0 x 10.1 cm
This famous Fluorite specimen from the Minerva No. 1 Mine is one of the finest examples in the entire world. The large size of the piece coupled with the mirror-like luster makes this piece stand out amongst the top 1% of Fluorite specimens from Illinois. The combination of the large, complete and euhedral crystals exhibiting classic and vibrant tri-color zoning, as well many etched and dissolved areas where Barite used to be present gives this piece a unique three-dimensional feel and appearance. This world-class specimen was formerly in the collection of Richard Heck.
Private Collection
Fluorite
Elmwood Mine, Carthage, Smith County, Tennessee
11.5 x 12.3 x 8.3 cm
The Elmwood Mine has produced many spectacular specimens, but one common feature that they all share is the lack of luster. This is one of the only pieces from the Elmwood Complex we have ever seen exhibiting glass-like luster consistently throughout the specimen. The crystal is also very large for a single crystal of this quality, exhibits such good clarity that the etching on the back side of the piece is visible through the front. The zoning of the crystal is also remarkable, and is rarely seen this sharp in Fluorites from Tennessee. This impressive specimen was formerly in the collections of Jack Halpern, Andrew K. Ford, and Dr. James Gebel.
Private Collection