OUR VERY BEST
This gallery is specially curated to exhibit some of the finest and most famous specimens we have handled. The pieces in this gallery reflect the most desirable traits attainable for each species and locality, and are recognized as "legends" in our industry.
THE JAMES HORNER EMERALD
Emerald on Calcite
Coscuez Mine, Western Boyacá Province, Boyacá Department, Colombia
5.1 x 5.3 x 4.5 cm
The James Horner Emerald is regarded as the standard for Muzo Emeralds. The specimen was formerly part of the renowned mineral collection of James Horner, the American composer, who was also an avid mineral collector. The Horner collection is still considered one of the greatest ever assembled. This specific Emerald is known for its exceptional qualities, including a deep, rich color and a large, thick, double-terminated crystal sitting atop a perfectly undamaged Calcite crystal. Emeralds of this level are unattainable and of the highest level.
Salim Eddé later purchased the Emerald, where it lived in the MIM Museum, which is regarded as the finest mineral collection ever assembled. The piece also lived in the world famous collections of Daniel Trinchillo, as well as Stuart Wilensky. In the mid 2010s, the piece was sold into the Irv Brown collection. Additionally, this piece was exhibited by the Gemological Institute of America and was featured in the world-renowned "Fura's Tears" Emerald exhibition in 2019 in New York City. This specimen is now with an elite private collector, and is also pictured in the Ikons II book.
This crystal also reflects not only the characteristics of a perfect, standard-setting Emerald, but also for mineral specimens in general. Aside from the Emerald exhibiting the finest qualities possible, it also sits perched on a flawless and complete Calcite crystal. A beautiful array of contrasting clear and gray Calcite crystals separate the Emerald from the Calcite, which ties the piece together beautifully. In terms of refinement, quality and fame, there is no rival, comparable or equal.
JANUS
Calcite on Dolomite and Quartz with Sphalerite
The Jewel Pocket, Elmwood Mine, Carthage, Smith County, Tennessee
8.8 x 9.4 x 6.1 cm
Janus, the god of beginnings, endings, and transitions is a distinctively famous figure in Roman mythology. Janus retains a notable attribute, he is always pictured with two faces; one looking to the past and the other to the future. Janus symbolized the duality of time and was invoked at the start of any new endeavor. The remarkable symmetry of this Calcite specimen, formed by two perfectly twinned crystals, imparts a distinctive "two-faced" appearance that aptly inspired its namesake.
Aside from this evocative Calcite crystal being one of the most striking and famous Calcites from the Elmwood Complex, specifically the Jewel Pocket, it ranks amongst the finest Calcite crystals in the world from any locality. This piece was formerly in the collection of Mark Kielbaso, and then later the collection of Will Johnson. The crystal was then featured in a Manhattan mineral specimen exhibition, which highlighted six of the worlds most beautiful and entrancing crystals.
This specimen exemplifies the finest qualities attainable in Calcite. Each crystal face is exceptionally glassy and smooth, with a stunning mirror-like luster. The rich honey-cognac colors, particularly intense at the terminations is the most coveted hue among Tennessee Calcites. The specimen's overall symmetry and form are outstanding - showcasing a perfectly twinned Calcite crystal aesthetically perched atop a sparkling Dolomite and Quartz matrix. At the base, a lustrous Sphalerite crystal adds contrast, completing this exceptional specimen.
THE THREE AMIGOS
Emerald on Matrix
Coscuez Mine, San Pablo de Borbur, Western Boyacá Province, Colombia
5.0 x 5.2 x 5.0 cm
The Three Amigos is one of the most famous Emerald specimens in the world. The piece is instantly recognized for its shocking color, luster, sharpness and impossible clarity. This legendary specimen was originally owned by the esteemed Cargill family. The piece resided in their collection for several years until it was released with a few other major mineral specimens. To this day the Three Amigos is regarded as a standard-setting example for not only Emerald crystals, but also for fame and legendary status in the mineral collecting world.
This piece was later purchased by well-known collector Irv Brown, where the piece resided in his private collection for over a decade. Irv Brown is known throughout the mineral collecting world as one of the most refined, astute and discerning buyers. This piece belonged in the top percentage of his two-time Desautels Trophy winning collection, and is one of the most famous and coveted mineral specimens. In 2019, the Three Amigos won the Walt Lidstrom trophy as well.
The consistent clarity throughout the crystals is an entirely separate wonder. The Three Amigos Emerald also composes a confounding question: How could an Emerald exhibiting such color and clarity not have been cut into gemstones? The fact that this Emerald escaped the gemstone cutting industry is a remarkable feat, as anything that displayed qualities even half as nice as this were immediately collected as gemstone rough to later be cut into highly prized and marketable faceted gemstones. The existence of this Emerald as a specimen is an anomaly.
MALACHITE, SHATTUCKITE
Primary Malachite on Shattuckite and Quartz
Omaue Mine, Opuwo Rural, Kunene Region, Namibia
6.5 x 7.3 x 6.3 cm
The Omaue Mine, located in Namibia’s Kunene Region within the Otavi Group limestones, hosts copper-sulfide veins that later oxidized to form rich secondary mineral zones. This process produced striking specimens of Dioptase, Shattuckite, Chrysocolla, and other rare copper minerals. Active since at least the late 1980s, the site gained international fame among mineral enthusiasts for its vibrant dioptase crystals. The mine’s most celebrated find is its rare Primary Malachite crystals perched on vivid blue Shattuckite and glittering Quartz—treasured worldwide by collectors.
This exceptional specimen carries a distinguished provenance, having first belonged to the esteemed Irv Brown before entering the renowned London collection of Bill Ferris, where it remained for many years. Featured on the cover of The Mineralogical Record issue devoted to Namibian localities, it is widely regarded as the finest example ever recovered from the Omaue Mine—a true benchmark of beauty and rarity.
Beyond its vivid and captivating coloration, the true distinction of this specimen lies in its remarkable "liveliness." The Malachite’s luster is nothing short of extraordinary—each crystal facet catches and reflects light with an almost electric brilliance, imbuing the piece with a sense of motion and life. The shimmering matrix enhances this effect, creating a sparkle and depth that transcends description, elevating the specimen from a mineralogical masterpiece to a work of natural art.
COPPER IN CALCITE, MICHIGAN
Calcite with Copper inclusions
Quincy Mine, Quincy Township, Houghton County, Michigan
7.2 x 6.5 x 6.1 cm
Calcite crystals with Copper inclusions from the Quincy Mine are among the most coveted classics in mineral collecting, sought after by the most discerning and knowledgeable connoisseurs. While many examples exist, subtle nuances distinguish the truly exceptional from the "others." These distinctions—often apparent only to experienced eyes—define a very small population of genuinely elite specimens. Such examples represent the highest expression of this association from the famed Quincy Mine.
The Quincy Mine is an underground Copper mine that began production in 1848. Initial operations worked a fissure vein of native Copper until 1856, when the Pewabic amygdaloid lode was discovered crossing the property. The mine operated continuously from 1848 to 1931, reopened from 1937 to 1945 after a brief closure, and ultimately ceased underground production in 1945. Over 99 years of operation, the Quincy Mine produced approximately 424,000 tons of native Copper, along with significant amounts of native Silver.
This specimen ranks among the top two known examples in existence. Its most striking and defining attribute is an unparalleled clarity and luster. The Calcite crystal displays truly gem-like transparency, allowing the intricately crystallized native Copper inclusions to be seen in remarkable detail, elevating the specimen to the highest tier of mineralogical excellence. This specimen resides in one of the finest private mineral collections in the world.
CUPRITE, DR CONGO
Cuprite on Matrix
Mashamba West Mine, Sicomines copper-cobalt project, Mutshatsha, Lualaba, DR Congo
7.1 x 5.4 x 5.1 cm
The Mashamba West Mine, within the Sicomines copper–cobalt project in Mutshatsha, Lualaba, DR Congo, is an open-pit deposit in the Kolwezi district, long known for its rich Copper and Cobalt mineralization. Developed in the late 20th century and later incorporated into Sicomines, it is part of one of the region’s major modern operations. The locality is also noted among collectors for fine specimens, including world-class Cuprite crystals, though such material is now rarely recovered. Aside from Cuprite, several other collectible and desirable species originated from this mine.
While produced in some quantity, truly exceptional examples are scarce, with only a few showing the ideal combination of qualities. The best display a bright, translucent red color with sharp metallic luster, strong crystal isolation, and balanced composition. Larger crystals exceeding 2.0 cm that retain these attributes represent the very finest, defining a small group of highly prized, world-class Cuprite specimens.
This exceptional Cuprite definitively stands among the finest known from the locality. A large, sharply formed central crystal—over an inch—shows gem-red color with strong internal glow. It sits cleanly on contrasting matrix with excellent isolation and balance. The surface crystallization is subtly etched, yet deeply complex which captures and reflects light beautifully due to the mirror-like luster of the crystal, which is complete and intact. Pieces combining this size, color, luster, and presentation are exceedingly rare, bordering unobtainable.
THE LINWOOD BARITE
Barite on Matrix
Linwood Mine, Buffalo, Scott County, Iowa
8.1 x 12.8 x 7.1 cm
The Linwood Mine is a well-known limestone quarry that has become especially admired by mineral collectors for the Barite specimens it has produced. Operating primarily as an industrial site, the quarry exposes thick Mississippian-age carbonate rocks that occasionally host pockets lined with well-formed crystals. These crystals developed slowly in open cavities, sometimes allowing them to grow with remarkable clarity and symmetry. Some of the greatest Barite specimen in the world have been recovered from the Linwood Mine.
These Barite crystals hold a special place among Midwestern mineral finds. Their occurrence in an active industrial quarry makes them especially notable, as such refined mineralization is not always expected in these settings. Barite is a relatively soft mineral, so an undamaged and intact crystal is an astounding feat. Over time, these specimens grew in appreciation from helping to elevate the reputation of the locality among mineral enthusiasts, to solidifying their place as world-class, connoisseur-grade mineral specimens.
This Barite is definitively the greatest example from the Linwood Mine, notable for its pristine, undamaged, completely doubly terminated crystal which adds to its quiet rarity. The surfaces show a bright, glassy luster, while the interior retains a pleasing clarity with subtle internal character. It sits in natural balance with the contrasting matrix, creating a composition that feels truly elegant. Altogether, it has a refined and sculptural presence that speaks for itself.
THE GOLDEN FEATHERS
Crystallized Gold
Serra do Caldeirão claims, Pontes e Lacerda, Mato Grosso, Brazil
6.0 x 7.2 x 5.0 cm
The Golden Feathers is regarded as one of the very finest Brazilian crystallized gold specimens ever recovered. This piece was first purchased by Dr. Stephen M. Neely, one of the world's most famous collectors when the find was debuted for the first time. Shortly after Dr. Neely purchased the specimen, he received an offer for over twice what he paid for the piece. Dr. Neely declined the offer, and kept the specimen in his personal collection until he sold his worldwide specimens as a whole.
The specimen was then purchased by another elite and well-known collector, Andrew Irving. This specimen was part of his finest selection of specimens, and was displayed at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Society Main Show in 2024. The specimen was a crowd favorite, and quickly became instantly recognizable as "The Golden Feathers." This specimen has become the most famous specimen from the find.
The Golden Feathers also exhibits the finest possible qualities of the 2015 find. Typically, crystallized feather-like gold from Brazil is only seen in single feathers. This piece has two perfectly balanced feather-like crystals that face away from each other in a most aesthetic way. The crystals on this piece are also much cleaner and more defined than typical examples, as the majority of examples show crystals that appear more round and dull. The buttery-yellow color is also as good as it can be for the locality, and is what makes the find so unique.
FLUORITE, GEOCRONITE, PERU
Fluorite on Geocronite
Milpo mine, Atacocha mining district, Cerro de Pasco, Pasco province, Pasco, Peru
8.5 x 7.0 x 6.0 cm
In recent years, a remarkable new discovery of green Fluorites were uncovered in Peru, producing a color unlike any other Fluorites in the world. These Fluorites quickly drew attention for their vivid range of colors—from a "sour apple" color (typically seen associated with a Pyrite matrix) ranging to a saturated "radioactive" bluish greens (associated with the much rarer Geocronite matrix). Their sharp crystal morphology and exceptional transparency distinguish them from earlier Peruvian occurrences, marking this discovery as a significant new chapter in the country’s mineral record.
This outstanding specimen exemplifies the finest qualities of the Geocronite-associated green Fluorites from this remarkable Peruvian discovery. It features a large, exceptionally transparent crystal of optimal color—an electric, saturated green that glows vividly against its dark, metallic matrix. The interplay between the gemlike clarity of the Fluorite and the shadowed luster of the underlying Geocronite creates a powerful and almost mysterious visual presence.
What truly distinguishes this piece is its superb symmetry and crystal form, as well as incredible isolation and exposure, with a fully lifted and undamaged crystal sitting perched atop the matrix. While most examples from the find exhibit slightly modified octahedral habits that retain a visually identifiable and more standard Octahedral shape, this specimen displays an unusually balanced morphology, with precisely proportioned faces and edges. The result is a specimen of uncommon elegance and visual drama—undeniably one of the most striking of this modern classic locality.
THE LIGHTNING BOLT
Gold on Quartz
Valentines Day Pocket, Eagle’s Nest Mine, Michigan Bluff Mining District, Placer County, California
5.2 x 7.8 x 5.0 cm
When polling the mineral collecting world as to the accepted favorite crystallized Gold producing locality, California is the accepted answer. There is something spectacular about the bright, lustrous, razor sharp crystals that come out of the California mines. The most prolific mine in California for crystallized Gold production is the Eagle's Nest Mine, which has produced many of the world's greatest gold specimens. After many years of the site being closed, the mine reopened, and a legendary pocket of crystallized Gold was struck on Valentine's Day of 2024.
This example was one of the main pieces that were debuted at the Tucson minerals shows in January-February of 2025, and it was immediately a favorite amongst mineral enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. The piece immediately gained the namesake "The Lightning Bolt", and is one of the most famous pieces of the new find. This piece now resides in a private collection.
The specimen stands out boldly. Despite being a small-cabinet sized specimen, this piece has a presence different from most crystallized Golds. The lift of the piece is incredible, as the crystals rise directly out of the bright white Quartz matrix and are free standing in the most aesthetic way. The luster of the crystals is as good as it can be, with mirror like shine on every crystal face. The color is also ideal, displaying a pleasing, bright, golden-yellow color that contrasts stunningly against the white Quartz backdrop. This specimen is a work of art, and has already become one of the most famous and memorable Californian crystallized Gold specimens.
THE CRIMSON KISS
Red Beryl on Rhyolite
Wah Wah Mountains, Utah
7.5 x 6.8 x 6.5 cm
This is likely the most famous Red Beryl specimen in the world. Red Beryls, sometimes referred to as Bixbite (but this name has phased out of mineralogical nomenclature) belong to the Beryl group, and are the rarest members of the family. Quality examples of this rare species only come from one place in the entire world, the Wah Wah Mountains in Utah. There are smaller deposits in the Thomas Range in Utah and a small portion of New Mexico, but the highest quality examples hail from the legendary Wah Wah Mountains.
Formerly in the refined collection of John Seibel, as well as the two-time Desautels Award winning collection of Irv Brown, this piece reflects the characteristics of a connoisseurs specimen. The Crimson Kiss has been exhibited multiple times at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Society Main Show (the Super Bowl of the mineral world), and was recieved as a crowd favorite every time. This piece has also graced several elite private collections over the years, and is currently residing in one of the finest private collections in the world.
This anomalous 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. This specimen has remained a staple of the locality for decades; the luminous qualities of the crystals, coupled with the once-in-a-lifetime aesthetic make this piece an icon of the mineral collecting world, and set the standard for the species.
THE YAOGANGXIAN IKON
Fluorite on Quartz
Yaogangxian Mine, Yaogangxian W-Sn ore field, Yizhang Co., Chenzhou, Hunan, China
7.0 x 7.8 x 6.8 cm
The Yaogangxian Mine in China has rapidly skyrocketed to the top percentage of high-end Fluorite specimen production. Since the mid 2010s, the mine has produced several of the worlds greatest Fluorites, in addition to many other spectacular mineral species and combinations. One particular hallmark of the Yaogangxian Mine is the fact that the locality continues to shock the mineral collecting world with the incredible color palate of unique, never-before-seen colors. This has made the relatively recent Chinese find a classic in record time.
This specimen is viewed as one of the finest pieces ever recovered from the locality. Several years ago this Fluorite was featured in a New York City exhibition, and is currently pictured in the Ikons II book. This piece was formerly in the elite collections of well-known Fluorite collectors Jason Adams and Wayne A. Thompson, who displayed the piece in 2023 with the entirety of their collections. This exhibition was the highlight of the entire show. Never before was a worldwide Fluorite collection of that caliber displayed. The specimen has since been sold into a private collection.
The color, which can best be described as neon teal is unlike anything else seen before. Even without light, this piece glows like a radioactive isotope. The clarity and luster of the piece are unmatched, as the back of the specimen is clearly visible from the front face. The Fluorite cube sits perfectly nestled atop a bright white, terminated, lustrous Quartz crystal. This specimen truly has a luminescent appearance that makes this piece unforgettable.
THE AMABILI VESUVIANITE
Vesuvianite
Jeffrey Mine, Val-des-Sources, Les Sources RCM, Estrie, Québec, Canada
6.0 x 7.5 x 6.7 cm
The famed violet-capped Vesuvianites came from the Jeffrey Mine in Val-des-Sources (formerly Asbestos), Québec. Opened in 1879 as a major chrysotile-asbestos operation, the mine’s ultramafic rocks and rodingite dikes also produced exceptional mineral specimens, including gem-quality Vesuvianite and Grossular Garnet. In the late 1970s, a now-legendary pocket was discovered which yielded a small number of bi-color Vesuvianites. No later discoveries matched this find’s color or crystal quality.
This specimen hails from that very 1979 discovery at the Jeffrey Mine, which closed permanently in the early 2010s when asbestos extraction ended, leaving these rare Vesuvianites as enduring symbols of Canada’s mineralogical heritage. The pocket yielded a very limited number of high-quality Vesuvianites exhibiting mesmerizing bi-color zoning, with lustrous green bodies capped by intense violet terminations of remarkable saturation due to a manganese enrichment.
Among this incredibly small group of specimens, this piece is widely regarded as the quintessential example—one of the finest three ever recovered from the discovery. Formerly part of the Marco Amabili collection which contained the majority of the Vesuvianites in existence, this piece would become one of two superior examples of this style, both of which were subsequently sold together. This specimen exhibits the most vivid and optimal coloration attainable for this specific morphological and chromatic habit of Vesuvianite.
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
Fluorite on Chlorite included Quartz
Yaogangxian Mine, Yaogangxian W-Sn ore field, Yizhang Co., Chenzhou, Hunan Province, China
13.0 x 16.0 x 10.8 cm
In 2022, shockwaves went through the mineral collecting world after a very small but unique pocket of Fluorite was struck in the Yaogangxian Mine, which continues to impress and captivate mineral collectors. The 2022 Pocket, or the Northern Lights Pocket produced a color of Fluorite unlike anything seen before. A rich, deep teal color at the core with traces of accentuating vibrant blue and purple edges create a stunning and unreal appearance that has not yet been showcased by any Fluorite-producing locality.
This incredible specimen sparked intrigue and fascination when it was exhibited in Tucson, and went viral on the internet and across all social media platforms several times. Aside from the stunning color, the specimen embodies the ideal traits of the finest mineral specimens. This Fluorite cluster features translucent/transparent cubic crystals of deep teal color with faint blue and purple edges, which rise from a mossy matrix with green Chlorite included Quartz crystals creating spectacular architecture. The stark contrast between the complexly textured, glassy, geometric shapes of the Fluorite crystals with the unique and beautiful matrix enhances the beauty and aesthetic of the specimen.
This piece is the finest matrix specimen from the find, and has already proven to be one of the most memorable Fluorites hailing from China. This Fluorite is quickly becoming a staple of the Yaogangxian Mine, and of the quality that was produced from the very limited 2022 find.
SAPPHIRE, TANZANIA
Sapphire in Amphibolite
Winza, Mpwapwa District, Dodoma Region, Tanzania
7.0 x 6.0 x 5.5 cm
Sapphire is one of the most captivating gemstones in the entire world. Due to this, the desire for gem rough is extremely high, which makes high-end, gem-grade Sapphires almost impossible to come by as intact specimens. Additionally, Sapphire specimens from Winza, Tanzania are especially hard to attain as the Mpwapwa District (during its production years) was a much quieter deposit compared to the more productive Corundum localities like Sri Lanka, Mogok, Myanmar, Kashmir, as well as some deposits located in Australia and Madagascar.
This famous Sapphire is pictured in "Ruby & Sapphire a gemologist's guide" as the only specimen example in the book, and has also graced several elite private collections. This piece was also formerly in the collection of Bill Larson, a collector known for his taste in gem minerals, as well as the two-time Desautels Award winning Irv Brown collection. This masterpiece now resides in a world-class private gem mineral collection.
This piece exhibits traits that very well may be one of a kind. The color is unlike anything else, with ethereal hues of pink, orange, magenta and blue giving the appearance of a swirling evening sky, or a brilliant galaxy. When viewed at the C-Axis, the crystal shows crisp color zoning between bright, neon magentas contrasting beautifully against deep, rich blues. The clarity of the crystal is incredible, showing multiple zones clear enough to be faceted. Light passes through the piece perfectly which allows the crystal to illuminate like a tiffany stained glass window.
THE RICHARD HECK FLUORITE
Fluorite
Minerva No. 1 Mine, Cave-In-Rock Mining Sub-District, Hardin County, Illinois
12.3 x 17.0 x 14.1 cm
The Richard Heck collection at its peak was one of the finest collections of Illinois minerals ever assembled. There were several extremely high-end examples of Fluorite from Illinois that resided in the collection, but this piece is on an entirely different level. The Illinois Fluorspar district is recognized as the most important Fluorite producing locality in the entire world. The main three mines, namely the Annabel Lee Mine, the Denton Mine, and the most famous mine of all, the Minerva No. 1 Mine have produced some of the most beautiful Fluorites in the entire world.
Whenever truly world-class Fluorites from Illinois appear on the market, it's very important to take notice. The Minerva No. 1 Mine did not begin to produce actual collectible specimens until the late 1980s to the early 1990s. The deposit was industrial, and the majority of the Fluorite that was found would be harvested for hydrofluoric acid that would later be used in steel production. Due to this reality, many of the greatest Fluorite specimens were lost. This unfortunate fact means that there is a very limited supply of truly high-end Fluorite examples in existence.
This particular example displays the coveted tri-color zoning, with a vibrant, warm, yellow-gold core with bright purple and blue "rinds." The luster and clarity of the piece is also exemplary, as the entire piece exhibits glassy faces that are clear enough to see into the inner most portions of the specimen. Lastly, the size of this piece is the most important attribute. To have a Fluorite specimen from Illinois of this size coupled with the many other top-end traits is truly incredible.
THE EYE OF SHANGBAO
Fluorite on Dolomite
Shangbao Mine, Leiyang Co., Hengyang, Hunan, China
13.0 x 9.7 x 8.5 cm
The Eye of Shangbao is regarded as potentially the best example of Fluorite from the Shangbao Mine in China. This famous specimen was in the private collection of revered and respected mineral dealer, Marcus Budil for many years. The specimen has served as the benchmark that all other Fluorites from Shangbao are compared against since it was unearthed in the mid 1990s. This Fluorite displays every desirable trait, and checks every single box that connoisseurs look for when assessing Shangbao specimens.
This specimen was later purchased by renowned Fluorite experts Wayne A. Thompson and Jason Adams, where the piece exchanged hands between them for many years. The piece was displayed numerous times in Tucson, and was a favorite at every exhibition. This piece holds a multitude of characteristics that make it stupendous and superior to any could-be comparables.
The color of the crystal is the optimal purple color with the bright, violet zoning around the edges. The inky "eye" in the center is deeply colored and contrasts gorgeously against the rest of the piece. The crystal also shows very good luster, atypical for Shangbao material, and boasts an impressive size and isolation - it one of the largest single crystals from the find. The most intriguing trait is the "lift" of the Fluorite crystal. Most Fluorites from Shangbao are buried in and bound to the matrix, while this crystal stands off the matrix exposed on all sides, allowing light to pass through at all angles. This specimen is also published in the Ikons II book, published in 2024.
SMITHSONITE, NAMIBIA
Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
13.5 x 12.7 x 12.0 cm
Smithsonites from the famous Tsumeb Mine in Namibia are the most common favorite examples in the mineral collecting world. Nearly all significant Tsumeb minerals were brought into the United States by either Rock Currier or Miriam and Julies Zweibel. The Tsumeb Mine is one of the most collectible localities in the mineral collecting world, and nearly all mineral species are regarded as "classic" and timeless minerals that never go out of style. Representing the finest qualities of Tsumeb minerals is no easy feat, as the competition for world-class Tsumeb material is steep.
This specimen was another member of the elite collection of Irv Brown. The piece is a true connoisseurs specimen, as being able to recognize Smithsonites is a skill that is developed over time. This specimen now resides in a world-class private collection.
There is an array of colors that Smithsonites can exhibit, dependent on which elements are present. In this extremely fine example, both Manganese and Cobalt are present, which is what causes the unique sunset color exhibited by this piece. Due to the piece bearing both Cobalt and Manganese, a mix of deep pink and soft orange colors are present, reminiscent of the color of a Padparadscha Sapphire. This piece is also completely flawless, with not a single point of contact or damage. The crystals on this piece also show wonderful luster, and are shockingly clear allowing light to illuminate the crystals perfectly. This specimen ranks among the finest pink Smithsonites from the Tsumeb Mine.
TETRAHEDRITE, PERU
Tetrahedrite with Sphalerite
Casapalca Mine, Casapalca, Chicla District, Huarochirí Province, Lima, Peru
8.0 x 9.5 x 8.0 cm
The Casapalca Mine, located in Casapalca, Chicla District, Huarochirí Province, Lima, Peru, is one of the great historic polymetallic districts of the central Andes. In 1921, the property was acquired by Cerro de Pasco Corporation, which significantly expanded operations, establishing Casapalca as a major producer of Silver, Lead, Copper, and Zinc throughout much of the 20th century. Following nationalization in 1974 and reorganization under Compañía Minera Casapalca S.A. in 1987, modernized production continued across consolidated concessions.
Beyond its economic importance, Casapalca is celebrated among collectors for exceptional crystallized sulfides, particularly sharply formed Tetrahedrite associated with Quartz and Calcite, as well as other metallic species, securing its reputation as a classic world locality.
This Tetrahedrite crystal is the finest example we have encountered, distinguished by its commanding size and extraordinary sharpness. Faces are crisp and impeccably defined, conveying rare strength and precision. A delicate coating of finely crystallized Calcite softens one side, while natural “record keeper” growth features appear on opposing faces. Dark, lustrous Sphalerite crystals provide dramatic contrast and a powerful presence. The specimen was formerly in the collections of Stuart Wilensky and Salim Eddé of the MIM Museum, underscoring its importance and distinguished pedigree. This incredible specimen now resides in one of the finest private mineral collections in the world.
THE STEP STOOL
Fluorite on Fluorite
N/W Crosscut Orebody, Rosiclare Level, Minerva No. 1 Mine, Hardin County, Illinois
9.5 x 10.0 x 9.8 cm
The Minerva No. 1 Mine, arguably the most famous mine in Southern Illinois, is known for producing specimens that often embody exceptional color, zoning, luster, and gem-like qualities. Almost all of the finest examples from the famous mine were collected by a single individual, Ross C. Lillie. The Ross C. Lillie collection is something that may never be rivaled, and will forever be known as the greatest collection of Illinois mineral ever assembled. This specimen is one of the most famous and unique examples from the collection.
The Step Stool was sold privately before the major unveiling of the Ross C. Lillie collection, which took place in 2013. This piece was in the private collection of Andrew K. Ford for several years, until it was sold to an elite private collector.
This specimen could perhaps be the only of its style. The standard three-color zoning pattern is not present, as the blue and purple crystal is not oriented or aligned with the yellow crystal; it is random. The yellow portion of the piece formed first, while a later stage of blue/purple Fluorite formed above it. Due to pocket movement or collapse, it became detached from the wall and settled on top of the yellow Fluorite. The Fluorite was also covered in large Barite spheres at one point, which were dissolved away. The negative spaces in the bottom right section of the specimen exhibit a clear history of crystallized Barite. Lastly, the luster is as good ad it could be, as every face of each crystal is glassy and smooth. This anomalous specimen has no comparables.
