International Minerals 56
Blue Ball Mine , Globe Hills Mining District, Gila County, Arizona, USA
Size: 3.7 x 3.6 x 1.8 cm
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This intriguing and visually striking specimen originates from the famous Blue Ball Mine in Arizona, known among collectors for its unique and highly characteristic formations. The piece represents half of a so-called “blue ball” – naturally formed azurite spheres – which, when opened, reveal a fascinating interior landscape. In this case, the deep blue azurite shell encloses a vibrant core of acicular green malachite, creating a beautiful and dramatic contrast in both color and texture. Specimens of this type date back to the mine’s active period between 1978 and 1982 and have since become increasingly scarce. This particular piece comes from the long-standing collection of Dr. Eduard Lopatka (Austria), adding an extra layer of provenance and collector appeal. A rather unusual specimen that captures both the geological uniqueness and the aesthetic beauty of this classic locality.
Stak Nala, Haramosh Mts., Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan , Pakistan
Size: 8.5 x 5.8 x 5.1 cm
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This exceptional specimen of tourmaline with albite from Stak Nala stands out for both its impressive size and its striking visual appeal. Deeply colored tourmaline crystals are elegantly embedded within snow-white albite, creating a dramatic and highly aesthetic contrast. While the tourmalines are predominantly opaque, they transition into an intense green toward their terminations. The presence of multiple crystals exhibiting these vivid green tips results in a captivating interplay of color across the piece. The specimen is in overall very good condition, with only minor imperfections. Two crystals on the right side have been professionally repaired, though this is barely noticeable upon inspection.
Stari Trg Mine, Trepca complex, Trepca valley, Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo
Size: 10.1 x 8 x 6.8 cm
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A Quartz specimen from Kosovo, featuring a highly distinctive and unusual growth habit. The piece consists of delicate, thin quartz crystals that are coated by a brownish layer of calcite microcrystals. The reverse side of the specimen is overgrown by a second generation of white calcite, creating a striking “mantle-like” effect that individually envelops each crystal. This results in a very lively and unusual appearance with strong textural contrast between the quartz and the successive calcite generations. The specimen likely detached during its growth phase, which explains why broken crystal surfaces as well as the entire underside are covered by the brown calcite layer. The overall condition is surprisingly good, with only a single small damage visible on a side crystal. A highly interesting and visually engaging piece.
Galdino mine, Medina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Size: 6.2 x 4.1 x 2.6 cm
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This attractive specimen comes from a recent find of high-quality apatites at the Galdino Mine near Medina, a locality increasingly known for producing aesthetically striking material. The piece features a well-formed apatite beautifully set on a crystallized feldspar matrix. The contrast between the single, prominent apatite and the snow-white matrix is particularly striking and gives the specimen a strong visual appeal. The apatite itself is gemmy and highly lustrous, displaying a pleasing yellowish-green coloration. Measuring approximately 2.5 cm in diameter, the crystal is in superb condition throughout, with excellent preservation of all faces. Equally noteworthy is the matrix, which is fully crystallized and completely undamaged. An exceptionally attractive and well-balanced specimen!
Spitzkopje, Karibib District, Erongo Region, Namibia
Size: 4.2 x 2.9 x 2.4 cm
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This specimen represents a unique and aesthetically striking combination of a single colorless topaz crystal prominently set on a smoky quartz matrix.
The topaz is glass-clear and, when viewed from the front, displays a distinct triangular outline, giving the piece a strong and immediately recognizable geometry. It is well-positioned right at the front face of the smoky quartz, creating an elegant and balanced composition.
The smoky quartz itself is well-formed all around, exhibiting a rich and intense brown coloration paired with a fine luster. On the reverse side, some mica is present and intergrown into the quartz.
The overall condition is good. There are visible damages, particularly on the lower right side of the specimen but these are clearly reflected in the comparatively modest price.
An unusual and visually appealing specimen with strong display presence.
Ouro Fino pegmatite, Coronel Murta, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Size: 7.9 x 4.1 x 2.4 cm
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A true masterpiece, this exceptional rubellite comes from a recent discovery at the Ouro Fino pegmatite in Brazil. Measuring 7.9 cm, the specimen features two doubly terminated rubellite crystals arranged in a slightly tilted, cross-like formation. Each crystal shows a pyramidal termination on one end and a flat termination on the opposite side, both ends being well developed and in excellent overall condition. Minor rough areas are present but represent natural surface texture rather than actual damage. Both crystals have been repaired once each, with only minimal gap filling visible under close inspection. What truly sets this piece apart, beyond its textbook aesthetics, is the outstanding crystal quality. The tourmalines are gemmy throughout, with excellent luster and an intense, saturated red coloration. An absolutely stunning specimen of impressive visual impact!
Berbes Mining area, Ribadesella, Asturias, Spain
Size: 7.2 x 5.6 x 3.3 cm
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A single, perfectly formed fluorite octahedron from the Berbes Mining Area, Spain, is strikingly perched on a contrasting matrix coated with light quartz. The fluorite displays a rich, deep violet color that intensifies toward the interior, culminating in an almost opaque core and giving the crystal remarkable depth. Its sharply defined edges and flawless surface — even under close inspection — highlight the exceptional quality of this specimen. A superb piece with strong visual impact and distinctive character.
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A splendid apatite specimen from the renowned Panasqueira mining district – a locality celebrated for producing some of the world’s finest apatites. This piece features a well-formed, transparent greenish apatite crystal with excellent luster on all faces, attractively associated with contrasting brown mica. The crystal is a complete floater, fully developed and undamaged by matrix attachment, allowing it to be appreciated from every angle. While minor edge wear is present, it is barely noticeable in hand and does not detract from the overall aesthetic. Notably, the crystal’s transparency is even more impressive in person, adding depth and brilliance beyond what images can fully capture. An elegant and highly displayable specimen from a classic European locality.
Golconda Mine, Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Size: 5.7 x 5.4 x 2 cm
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One piece I find particularly exciting is this tourmaline on quartz, featuring several blue indicolite crystals perched on a perfectly formed quartz floater. The arrangement of the tourmaline crystals on the quartz is truly remarkable and creates a highly aesthetic, naturally balanced composition that immediately draws attention. All tourmaline crystals are nicely transparent and display a distinctive, light blue coloration. The terminations are not perfectly sharp in all cases and show some roughness, however they appear to be naturally re-healed. I suggest a look at our video to get a better impression of this exceptionally fine and three-dimensional specimen.
Mibladen, Midelt, Khenifra Province, Morocco
Size: 11.5 x 9.3 x 6 cm
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This vanadinite specimen stands out not only for the quality of its crystals but especially for its vibrant and well-balanced composition. The grey rock matrix is adorned with a striking, flower-like formation of white barite, adding both texture and contrast to the piece. The entire surface is richly covered with highly lustrous, deep red vanadinite crystals, giving the specimen a vivid and visually dynamic appearance. It represents a complete floater, with vanadinite crystals coating every side. The overall condition is excellent, with only very minor and isolated edge wear. While vanadinite itself is not a rare mineral, specimens with such strong aesthetic appeal and balance are still not all that common.
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This is an exceptional amethyst cluster from Rio Grande do Sul. Measuring 26 cm, the specimen shows a highly aesthetic formation reminiscent of a shallow bowl or an open blossom, with a particularly expressive and well-developed crystalline structure at its center. The piece is in excellent condition and fully crystallized throughout. It features numerous lustrous crystal faces and well-defined points that beautifully reflect the light, giving the entire cluster a vivid and dynamic appearance. Overall, the aesthetics are harmonious, natural, and highly balanced, resulting in a visually very impressive display specimen. A high-quality amethyst that stands out both for its elegant form and its strong brilliance.
Crystal Peak, Teller County, Colorado, USA
Size: 4.7 x 4.6 x 3.4 cm
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A striking specimen of Goethite from Crystal Peak, this piece is defined by a remarkable cluster of intricately intergrown, blade-like crystals. Each individual “blade” is sharply formed, creating a complex, almost architectural growth pattern that immediately draws the eye. The specimen stands out for its pronounced metallic luster, which enhances the dark, steel-like tones of the Goethite and gives the entire formation a vivid, reflective character under light. The interlocking arrangement of the blades produces a sense of depth and movement, as if the mineral is still in the process of growing. From Crystal Peak—renowned for producing distinctive and highly aesthetic iron oxide minerals—this piece exemplifies both natural precision and sculptural beauty.