Franckeite Crystals, Peru

This single, translucent BRAZILIANITE crystal is 1.2 inch. Color is green with a hint of yellow. The luster is vitreous. This specimen is from the collection of Roger Maynard. Roger is a friend and was a long-time geologist with the US Geological Survey.

Two blue, translucent TOURMALINE, variety ELBAITE, crystals with pink LEPIDOLITE Mica from the famous Cruzeiro mine in Brazil. Minor white Calcite. Luster is vitreous. The longest crystal is 1.2 inches. This specimen is thumbnail size as it fits in a 1.25 inch perky box. Pictures are with and without a direct light on the side of the crystals to show the blue color and translucency. 

IMPERIAL TOPAZ with its distinctive golden-orange color is the rarest and most valuable variety of topaz. This crystal is 1.0 inch in length with a perfect termination on one end. Luster on all faces is vitreous. It has the internal scintillations that make these topaz so unique and pretty, and prized by collectors. A great thumbnail from this world famous locality that has produced some of the most incredible color Topaz crystals in the world. This specimen is from the collection of Roger Maynard. Roger is a friend and was a long-time geologist with the US Geological Survey.

This brilliant cluster of BRAZILIANITE crystals is translucent. The longest crystal is 1.0 inch. Color is green with a hint of yellow. The luster is vitreous. This specimen is from the collection of Roger Maynard. Roger is a friend and was a long-time geologist with the US Geological Survey.

Slice from a cluster of RHODOCHROSITE STALACTITES from the famous Capillitas mine in Argentina. The dozens of creme-colored “straws” are quite striking. Three years ago, the mine was taken over by the government to mine silver and copper. No more Rhodochrosite will come from this mine.

Cross section of a RHODOCHROSITE STALACTITE from the famous Capillitas mine in Argentina. Since most of the Rhodochrosite from this mine is sold to make jewelry, it is priced according to weight. This piece weighs 25 grams. At US$8 per gram, the price is $200. Three years ago, the mine was taken over by the government to mine silver and copper. No more Rhodochrosite will come from this mine.

Cross section of a RHODOCHROSITE STALACTITE from the famous Capillitas mine in Argentina. Since most of the Rhodochrosite from this mine is sold to make jewelry, it is priced according to weight. This piece weighs 42 grams. At US$8 per gram, the price is $336. Three years ago, the mine was taken over by the government to mine silver and copper. No more Rhodochrosite will come from this mine.

A nice crystal of Beryl var. Aquamarine with a hollow tip from the Medina Mine in Brazil. 

Rubellite Tourmaline Crystal, Brazil

Smoky Quartz cluster from Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Uvite with Magnesite, Brumado, Bahia, Brazil

Ametrine, Anahi Mine, Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia
A beautiful etched crystal of Ametrine (mixed Amethyst-Citrine) from Bolivia. Measures 7 x 6 x 3.5 cm.
​Weighs 6.4 0z.

Rhodochrosite with Quartz, Pyrite, Sphalerite combination, Peru

Translucent, Reddish-Pink Rhodochrosite crystals scattered over dozens of terminated Quartz crystals. Rhodochrosite with minor Pyrite and Sphalerite on the bottom. The Rhodochrosite habit is bladed. Vitreous luster.

Location: Pasto Bueno District, Pallasca Province, Ancash Department, Peru

Size: 2.2 x 1.5 x 0.8 inches

Double-terminated, Scalenohedral Rhodochrosite from Uchucchacua Mine, Peru

Very pretty and showy gem lustrous red scalenohedral crystals of rhodochrosite are set on matrix. The largest rhodochrosite crystal is double-terminated and measures 17 mm in length. Excellent cherry-red color. Glassy to Vitreous luster.