Chinese Scheelite Specimens
Scheelite occurs in China at a number of locations. The fine crystals of Ping Wu have eclipsed all other scheelites in the world. There is no contest from anywhere...they can reach enormous sizes (like basketballs), have a bright yellow orange color, high luster and can even be gemmy enough to cut fine stone from. I have personally seen crystal reaching 2 feet in diameter (60 plus cm) and fine collectors pieces 20 cm on edge from Ping Wu. Other locations produce fine and unusual scheelites, as well. Watch out for counterfeits glued to matrix. At some shows you will find more of these fakes than you will natural specimens!
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OKI-724 Scheelite and Quartz near Hu Ya, Xue Bao Diang Mountains, Ping Wu, Sichuan Prov., China. A 6.5 x 5.5 x 5.3 cm grouping of several large scheelites with numerous water clear quartz crystals on their surfaces. The scheelites vary in translucence with a few areas appearing gemmy. The octahedrons are unusually steep and the luster id good. There is a ding to the front central octahedron but it is not distracting given that it is in a poor position. Base and back have matrix contact. Sits and displays nicely. A nice example of what have to be viewed as the worlds best scheelites. 280$
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OKI-491 Scheelite on Muscovite Xue Bao Diang Mountain, Pingwu, Chendgdu, Sichuan Prov., China. A fine, large example of what should play out to be a modern day classic for this fabulous mineral. The crystals seen here is translucent, transparent in areas and measures over 4 cm on edge, The corners are complex with multiple terminations and the luster is high. The matrix has been sawn and the muscovite are in excellent shape (not flattened) in any areas. The piece has no damage what so ever. The specimen displays wonderfully and as is the norm, the crystals fluoresces a bright blue. 11.5 x 10 cm somewhat triangular shaped piece which averages 4 cm thick. Back side, top edge of the crystal is also crystallized showing the crystal standing up off the matrix, even from a back view. These are becoming tough to get….if you’ve ever wanted one of these, I recommend moving on it. These have been increasing in price steadily over the past few years. Outstanding example in every way. 425$
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OKI-086 Scheelite Xiang Fang Pu Mine, Chen Zhou, Hunan Prov., China. This is the second of the two of these fine specimen which I have. Both are truly exceptional mineral specimens: rare, aesthetic, damage free, lustrous, highly fluorescent….I could go on. This one is a cluster of crystals to 5.3 cm on edge which measures 8.1 x 6.5 x 6 cm. Floater! There might be one tiny rub on the edge of one crystal but it looks clean to me. Exceptional contemporary specimen which I have seen no more of over the past couple of years. There may be no more of these and there were only a handful in the first place! 850$
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OKF-413 Scheelite Xiang Fang Pu Mine, Chen Zhou, Hunan Prov., China. This would be a rare addition to any Chinese collector’s suite. Known for several years, these scheelite crystals rival the Ping Wu specimens in size and form, but are obviously a completely different color. This one is the nicest I have ever seen or am aware of. It measures 8.3 x 7.3 x 8 cm and is a complete floater cluster. The largest crystal is a whopping 6 cm on edge. The luster is very high on this steel gray piece and there is only a small area of contact which is hardly noteworthy and certainly not distracting. Some areas are translucent to transparent but the majority of the specimen is slightly translucent to opaque. When hit with a UV light it fluoresces a wonderful, BRIGHT, blue. It’s not often that one can acquire an absolutely stunning specimen which is the best of its kind for a price this low. This would rank among the very best scheelites to be found anywhere in the world. 1,700$
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OKE-261 Scheelite, Quartz and Muscovite Near Hu Ya, Xue Bao Diang Mountains, Ping Wu, Sichuan Prov., China. An attractive scheelite specimen with some nice clear double terminated quartz crystals. The scheelite grouping measures 3.3 cm across and is heavily frosted (they do retain good crystal form). The piece is a matrix specimen which has not been cut or modified. It measures 7 x 5.5 x 3.2 cm. A nice, small displayable example. 95$
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OKE-258 Scheelite and Fluorite Near Hu Ya, Xue Bao Diang Mountains, Ping Wu, Sichuan Prov., China. A beautiful, partially gemmy, orange scheelite on matrix with fluorite. The scheelite measures 3.5 cm on edge and is fluorescent (as is all this material). The fluorites are flat lying, intergrown cubes modified by octahedrons. The form mats on two sides of the scheelite. The piece has been sawn down to the perfect size which is 8.5 x 8 cm. It is approx 3.5 cm thick and very displayable. Excellent matrix specimen. A bargain at…320$
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OKE-216 Scheelite and Quartz with Muscovite Xue Bao Diang Mt. Pingwu, Chendgdu, Sichuan Prov., China. These fine specimens are getting more and more difficult to fine. They will be known as the best scheelite specimens on Earth in time. This fine example is a scheelite measuring 3 cm on edge. The muscovite is in large blades and mixed with some minor clear, double terminated quartz crystals. The specimen measures 6 x 5 x 4.5 cm and is a floater with only a tiny contact in the area containing the muscovite. Back edge of scheelite is chipped along part of its length. It is not very noticeable and displays great despite the minor flaw. Nice specimen. 210$
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OKA-780 Scheelite Xue Bao Diang Mt., Ping Wu, Chendgha, Sichuan, China. This is a single monstrous crystal for peach colored scheelite with a single smaller sister crystal. The main crystal is 8 x 7 x 6 cm and sits on a tiny amount of muscovite matrix. Two ends of this enormous octahedron show damage from contact with other materials (matrix or other crystals). Some gemmy sections but mostly translucent. Very large for this species. 275$
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OKD-041 Scheelite and Calcite on Quartz and Minor Wolframite Yaogangxian Mine, Bai Shi Du, Chen Xhou, Yizhang County, Hunan Prov., China. 11 x 7 plate of large quartz crystals with a nice coating of white tabular calcites and gemmy, light tan scheelites to 4 millimeters each. The scheelites are perfect octahedrons and scattered about nicely. Zero damage and nice aesthetics. 125$
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OKD-068 Scheelite and Gosenite on Muscovite and Feldspar Xue Bao Diang Mt., Pingwu, Chendgdu, Sichuan Prov., China. Big scheelites from Pingwu have become the standard to compare all others to. Their form, luster, color and overall aesthetics have made them what could be argued to be the best of this species found anywhere. This plate of mixed minerals displays a pair of small scheelites (to 1.5 cm on edge) central on the specimen and about a half dozen sharply formed, tabular, clear gosenites on one side. The Beryls blend in given that they are clear. No damage. 10 x 6 cm plate stands on edge for display because it is sawn flat on that same edge (and on back). 150$
OKA-579 Scheelite/ Quartz/ Fluorite/ Barite Szechwan Prov., China. Beautifully formed light brown scheelites (3 of them) to 1 cm on edge are partially embedded in a mix of quartz (to 1 cm), greenish clear fluorite (to .5 cm) and tiny white barites. Highly fluorescent crystals. Nice combo piece...nice price. 35$
