International Minerals 47
Dara-i-Pech pegmatite field, Chapa Dara District, Kunar, Afghanistan
Size: 4.8 x 4.6 x 3 cm
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This rare specimen features a solid manganotantalite crystal with a size of 3.1 x 2.3 x 1.6 cm on matrix. The crystal is hard to illuminate, but close to the surface it shows the beautiful wine-red color that is so characteristic for the mineral. It has a vivid surface structure and sits centrally on a white feldspar matrix. Our video gives a very good impression of this remarkable, massive and all together stunning crystal.
Onganja Mine, Seiss, Windhoek Rural, Khomas, Namibia
Size: 6 x 1.8 x 1.2 cm
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The shape of this unusual copper specimen is really special and exceptionally lively, almost like a firn but in a shimmering brown color. The details are amazingly rich all around and definitely reward a look with the loop or microscope!
Shigar Valley, Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Size: 5.9 x 4.2 x 3.2 cm
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Two sharp and gemmy spessartine crystals are single isolated set on a beautifully crystallized white albite matrix. The larger one has a diameter of 1.2 cm and is flawless. The smaller on has 0.8 cm and is perfect as well. A piece of wonderful aesthetics and striking crystal quality!
Golconda Mine, Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Size: 4.9 x 2.7 x 1.6 cm
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This is an extremely rare combination of bertrandite on schorl from the Golconda Mine in Brazil.
Bertrandite is a beryllium hydroxide that is commonly found in beryllium rich pegmatites.
But however common the material might be, it is extremely hard to find in a nice crystallized shape.
The Golconda mine is the only known source for Brazilian bertrandite. First finds were reported in 1992 but have bee scarce ever since.
This specimen is from a new find and it is not only lovely but also completely unique.
The piece features a flawless 3.4 cm bertrandite on a straight 4.9 cm schorl crystal.
The schorl is undamaged and lustrous. From the backside you can see that it has a side crystal which makes it even more attractive.
The contrast of pearlescent white bertrandite and jet-black schorl, the superb quality and the unique aesthetics of this specimen is extremely appealing in person.
Mogok Township, Mandalay Division, Burma (Myanmar)
Size: 9.2 x 5 x 3.8 cm
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A single strikingly red ruby crystal is set on a crystallized white calcite matrix which strongly emphasizes the ruby! Despite being a rather flat crystal it still amazes with a deep blood-red color which is rare an immensely beautiful in person. The crystal has very best luster and a characteristic surface structure. With a diameter of 1.6 cm it's acurally quite remarkable. The over 9 cm long matrix leaves it some room to breathe while being lovely and beautiful itself. An amazing specimen overall with magnificent crystal quality and impressive elegance!
Ampanivana pegmatite, Betafo District, Vakinankaratra Region, Antananarivo Province, Madagascar
Size: 6.1 x 3.3 x 2.9 cm
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Liddicoatite is a rare member of the tourmaline group and almost exclusive to Madagascar with particularly important occurances in the Betafo district. This magnificent crystals is doubly terminated, very well defined, flawless and with a fantatic color! Yes, the crystal needs some backlight to really shine, but once previded it glows with the most brilliant strawberry red and apple green color! The surface is somewhat etched and has some small feldspar attached to it which adds a natural feel. The termination on the other had is well defined, sharp and lustrous. A marvelous single crystal liddicoatite with no downsides!
Nagar District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Size: 6.3 x 5.8 x 5.6 cm
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Not only does this single octahedral fluorite have sparkling brilliance on all sides but it is also completely flawless which is extremely rare and hard to come by!
The modified surface is highly lustrous and glistening. The interior is clear as glass and has a delicate pink color!
The crystal is set on a cluster of silvery muscovite which is also complete and flawelss and without even a contact. We have hardly ever seen a crystal of such brilliance coming from Pakistan!
Berbes Mining area, Ribadesella, Asturias, Spain
Size: 11.7 x 11.1 x 8.1 cm
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The berbes mining area holds a reputation as a source for rich and beautiful pink or purple fluorites with sometimes spectacular quality and aesthetics!
This remarkable specimen is one of those examples that come with impressive showcase presence all over, featuring marvelous dark purple color, wonderful contrast and dominant size!
The fluorites are nested cubes with a transparent interior and a silky shiny surface.
All crystals are in outstandingly good condition with only very few tiny abrasions.
The white barite and the shiny white quartz provide a very nice contrast and superb composition!
In fact, the fluorites's color depends very much on the light. While the crystals tend to be blue in natural light, they show intense magenta in warm artificial light!
Both the beautiful color and quality of the fluorites as well as the overall composition are absolutely impressive.
Due to its dramatic character, it undoubtedly stands out from other Berbes fluorites that we have seen in the past.
Tormiq valley, Haramosh Mts., Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Size: 5.8 x 2.6 x 1.8 cm
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What you can see below that bright green and gemmy titanites is an unusual composition of white calcite crystals and small titanites that are squeezed in between two layers of rock matrix like salad and cheese in a sandwich. Atop that sandwich is a group of sharp, glassy titanite crystals as well as small calcites which makes for a lovely miniature landscape. All crystals are in greant condition and of marvelous quality. A specimen that has much to offer in respect of aesthetics and crystal quality!
Hyderabad District, Telangana, India
Size: 9 x 7.3 x 5.7 cm
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This well symmetrical group of phantom quartz is from the recent find near the city of Hyderabad. The individual crystals show very clear hematite phantoms that reflect partly violet, partly red. Some iron oxide deposit brings an additional orange tinge into the picture. The group is in excellent condition all around, which is actually unusual because the majority of the pieces from this find are affected by severe damage. A truly extraordinary piece of well balanced beauty from this impressive find!
Shigar Valley, Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Size: 6.1 x 3.8 x 3.2 cm
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The main spessartine on this excellent specimen is super sharp and completely flawless. It has a diameter of 1.2 cm, bright red color and splendid luster! The single isolated crystal is set on a very well crystallized white feldspar matrix with some smaller garnets as addition. The whole specimen is in perfect condition and beautifully arranged!
Killa Saifullah District, Balochistan, Pakistan
Size: 7.9 x 7.8 x 2 cm
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The most prominent feature of brucite from the unique finds in Killa Saifullah is without doubt the striking yellow color! And that is what you are getting without compromise on this fine and sculpturesque specimen. The piece has more of a two-dimensional character but whch makes it easy to bring light from the backside and set the crystals on fire! Damage or contacts are non-existent and the surface is all lustrous and shiny. A remarkable specimen of this attractive mineral!