December 2008 Update
OKF-620 Natrolite RESERVED #4 Mine, Cornwall, Lebanon Co., PA. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. White balls of natrolite to 2.7 cm each form a thin plate which measures 13 in diameter x 1.2 cm. There is a chip off the sides of largest and nearby balls otherwise the specimen is free of damage. This is an outstanding specimen for this classic east coast locality. Larger and far more substantial than the few others I have seen. Displays nicely. 225$
OKF-621 Tremolite Miner’s Bay, Haliburton, Ontario, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. A very nice deep green tremolite which measures 1.7 cm across is central on this matrix specimen. The entire piece measures 4.4 x 3.5 x 3.2 cm. The crystal’s luster is nice and it is damage free. Minor feldspar. 35$
OKF-622 Galena Joplin, Missouri. Ex New York State Museum. Approx. 20 well formed cubes to 1.2 cm on edge. The piece is on a matrix of limestone. 6 x 4.5 x 2.3 cm thick. A few cubes have minor modification by octahedrons and most have complex surfaces which exhibit a pitted growth pattern. A nice luster and a very displayable, interesting specimen for a reasonable price. 45$
OKF-623 Arfvdesonite, Ancylite and Rhodochrosite Mt. St-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. An exceedingly large (huge) arfvedsonite crystal which has overgrowths of small red rhodos and balls of ancylite. The piece measures 6.9 x 3.8 x 2.4 cm. The big arfvedsonite is partially double terminated. Some contact areas but damage free. One of the biggest arfvedsonite crystal I’ve seen. 180$
OKF-624 Serandite Mt. St-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada. Ex. New York State Museum Collection. The Cadillac of species found at Mt. St-Hilaire. This serandite is a large aggregate of several blocky partial crystals. The cluster measures 6 x 5.2 x 3.3 cm and has lots of contacts but also has some nice large clean lustrous faces, too. Nice pink/ salmon color. 125$
OKF-625 Apatite Cerro de Mercado Mine, Durango, Mexico. Ex. New York State Museum Collection. 3.6 cm long well formed yellow crystal with moderate inclusions. A contact on one edge near the base of crystal. Damage free, high luster and attractive. Very nice termination. Typical color. and transparency. 40$
OKF-626 Pyrite La Libertad Mine, Quiruvilca, Peru. Ex. Jim Turek Collection. A good lustrous grouping of the less common octahedrons form this grouping. The matrix is massive pyrite. Great frontal view but only miner crystallization on back, one side and bottom. 8.5 x 7 x 5 cm overall. Crystals to 1.4 cm on edge. A nice, damage free, showy specimen which sits well and demands a second look. 60$
OKF-627 Dioptase on Calcite Omaue Mine, Kaokveld, Namibia. Ex. Anthony Dunn Collection. A gemmy dioptase which measures 2 cm long and rests atop a section of etched calcite. Specimen measures 2.4 x 2.2 x 2 cm. Double terminated but one termination is crude with some matrix contact. Quite displayable and affordable for a fine, small dioptase specimen with a large displayable crystal. 85$
OKF-628 Azurite and Malachite La Sal, San Juan Co., Utah. Ex. Jim Turek Collection. An attractive, balanced grouping of rich green malachite and deep blue azurite crystals. 4.8 x 3.8 x 3 cm overall. No damage and attractive. 45$
OKF-629 Azurite and Malachite Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia, Africa. Ex. Anthony Dunn Collection. A top miniature….Large azurite crystal measuring just shy of 3 cm with overgrowths of malachite. This thick crystal is the deepest of blue and high on luster. A superior specimen which we often find for crazy prices. This one is totally damage free, complexly terminated and sits up for display. Views well from all sides and measures 3.5 x 2.5 x 2 cm. The specimen is better in person. 400$
OKF-630 Dioptase and Plancheite on Calcite Omaue Mine, Kaokveld, Namibia, Africa. Ex. Anthony Dunn Collection. This fine miniature has a 2.7 cm calcite schalenohedron central to the piece which is coated by light greenish blue plancheite and in turn rich green crystals of dioptase. A couple clear secondary calcites too. 4.2 x 3.5 x 2.2 cm. There is damage on edges from extraction which is clearly visible but all interior crystals are clean. A desirable and rare specimen. 450$
OKF-631 Dioptase and Calcite on Plancheite Omaue Mine, Kaokveld, Namibia, Africa. Ex. Anthony Dunn Collection. A thick cluster of fine green dioptase crystals coat two sides of this matrix piece which measures 4 x 2.8 x 2.5 cm. On the dioptase are several large, clear slightly etched calcites to 1.5 cm each. A nice specimen with a diversity of colors and no damage. Another specimen which is better in person. 300$
OKI-001 Scapolite, Hematite, Chalcopyrite and Calcite RESERVED Faraday mine, Bancroft, Ontario, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. A museum sized specimen with a nice mineral mix measuring 15 x 14 x 10 cm. Four big blocky scapolites with basil pinnicoid and complex terminations are coated by red/ brown hematite. Coating these rather unattractive crystals is a bright display of calcite schalenohedrons and brassy chalcopyrites. There is minor damage to several calcites and one of the scapolites but it is nothing unusual for a specimen of this magnitude and certainly not initially noticeable or distracting. A fine piece for the Faraday and a specimen not available on today’s market except rarely in an old collection. 800$
OKI-002 Serpentine pseudo after Forsterite RESERVED Cross Quarry, Wakefield, Quebec, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. Prev. William Condon and John Davis collection. An early 1960’s specimen which is a rare pseudomorph to say the least. A forsterite crystal of this size is rare enough, as a pseudomorph, it’s almost unheard of. The crystal measures 3.4 cm long, is double terminated and free of damage. It is partially embedded in a minor amount of calcite and serpentine matrix but is well exposed on several sides. 4.2 x 3.3 x 2.4 cm. What a great pseudomorph!! 175$
OKI-003 Quartz on Dolomite Blair Hill Farm, Greely, Ontario, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. A pair of end to end crystals in parallel growth. The total length of the quartz is 5.8 cm. A tiny tip ding is visible with 10x magnification otherwise clean. 6.5 x 4.5 x 3 cm. The crystals are dark internally but clear on their surfaces. From this locale only one in hundreds is this nice and good in condition. Attractive, displayable piece. 150$
OKI-004 Pyrite and Magnetite French Creek Mines, St. Peters, Chester Co., PA. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. This crystal cluster measures 3.3 x 3.2 x 3 cm and is a competition level pyrite thumbnail specimen. It displays well looking far larger than it actually is. The luster is nice, zero damage and an interesting form which I’m actually unsure of. Only minor magnetite. This is a classic east coast locality which is known for its pyrites and one can see why when viewing this fine example. 300$
OKI-005 Calcite on Quartz Tomlinson Quarry, Kenmore Corners, Russell, Ontario, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. The gemmy quartz druze coated matrix is flashy but nothing special. The calcites on the other hand are very interesting. They are both 1.9 cm long, double terminated and highly complex. These schalenohedral crystals are yellow in color and have a dusting of pyrite as well as larger sphalerite crystals on their surfaces. Next there are smaller, double terminated schalenohedrons of a lighter yellow color on the primary crystal’s surfaces in parallel growth to the original crystals. I don’t ever remember seeing a combination quite like this. Everything is damage free. 6.8 x 3.8 x 2.7 cm. Certainly and unusual specimen. 85$
OKI-006 Strontianite Francon Quarry, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. Prev. Bill Condon Collection. This is one of the nicest Francon quarry specimen I have ever seen!!! Yes, the weloganites, dawsonites and some others are the rare specimens which gives this quarry its fame but this specimen is definitely in a league of its own. The specimen is completely free of any damage and stands on end. This end may have been once attached to matrix but the specimen appears to me to be a floater with a regrown attachment (either that or its just unusually smooth). It is a yellowish cream color, mildly translucent and has the highest luster for a strontianite specimen that I’ve seen form anywhere! If someone would have told me this was a strontianite, no matter where it was from, I would have questioned it. “No way, it’s not possible”. It's that impressive and far better in hand. This is a museum quality piece which I believe is better than the best specimen photographed for the Francon issue of The Mineralogical Record, in the Redpath Museum, page 45. The specimen could not display better in that it is very stable as viewed in the images. All sides look attractive so you may find yourself turning it in your display case every now and again to appreciate all of its beauty. 5.3 x 4 x 2.5 cm. This is a specimen that is not accessible to all collectors but it is certainly one that can be appreciated by all. I wouldn’t trade this specimen for my very best weloganite and dresserite together! This is an important and highly desirable specimen from a closed location. Killer is an understatement. 1,950$
OKI-007 Strontianite Quarry “A”, Pine Creek, Jersey Shore, PA. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. Prev. Bill Condon Collection. This large, 2.7 cm spray of white strontianite crystals is encircled by gemmy calcites above and to its sides. The small vug really sets off the front of this specimen. The back also has some calcite and strontianite too. 6.4 x 4.4 x 2.5 cm overall. A fine specimen and an unusual locale. 95$
OKI-008 Richterite Gibson Road, Tory Hill, Ontario, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. Prev. Dr. George Robinson. This fine crystal at first appears to be a twin but it is simply parallel growth. The crystal is jet black and exceptionally high in luster. There is a partial second termination but most of that end is a contact area. There is a chip to the primary termination which is large (.7 cm) but not readily noticeable in hand due to the color and high luster. A good 2 cm example with nice provenance. 45$
OKI-009 Quartz RESERVED Steele Mine, Black Rapids, Lyndhurst, Ontario, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. This large 12.3 cm crystal is nicely double terminated and damage free. Minor internal veils. A fine piece from a closed location. 25$
OKI-010 Quartz Steele Mine, Black Rapids, Lyndhurst, Ontario, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. This large 8.8 cm crystal is nicely double terminated and damage free. Gem clear internally with a very slight frosted effect to surfaces. Minor single and double terminated attachments. A fine piece from a closed location. 20$
OKI-011 Quartz Steele Mine, Black Rapids, Lyndhurst, Ontario, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. This large 10 cm crystal is nicely double terminated. Gemmy and looks almost like an Arkansas point. One of the nicer specimens I’ve seen from the location. The steep termination has several small chips which are not distracting. A fine piece from a closed location. 35$
OKI-012 Quartz Steele Mine, Black Rapids, Lyndhurst, Ontario, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. This 4.9 cm crystal is nicely double terminated. Gemmy and looks almost like an Arkansas point. One of the nicer specimens I’ve seen from the location. One tip has a tiny ding not visible to the eye but it can be seen with magnification. Slightly tapered…this would make an outstanding wire wrap. A fine piece from a closed location. 15$
OKI-013 Quartz Steele Mine, Black Rapids, Lyndhurst, Ontario, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. This 6 cm crystal is nicely double terminated. Gemmy with minor internal veils. One termination has a tiny ding which is not distracting. Dirty look is due to overgrowths which are not removable. A fine piece from a closed location. 20$
OKI-014 Quartz, Calcite and Dolomite Grant Quarry Greely, Ontario, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. This piece is so busy with interesting crystals that it is difficult to take it all in at once. The specimen measures 7 x 6.2 x 4.2 cm and is domical in shape. It views well from all sides and has a high luster and huge contrast in textures. The quartz crystals are gem and up to 1.3 cm each and sit within black druze quartz. These are the Canadian Herks and if they were off the matrix, impossible to tell from their more famous U.S. cousins. The calcites are complex in morphology and color. A couple are damaged but overall the specimen is in good condition. A showy addition to any collection. 100$
OKI-015 Uraninite. Cardiff Mine, Wilberforce, Ontario, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. Prev. Bill Condon Collection. A rare radioactive which is seldom seen in specimens this clean and well formed. A primary cube measuring 1.3 cm with numerous riders also in nice cubes. 2.2 x 1.8 x 1 cm. Floater with zero damage. Excellent specimen. Sorry it takes such a poor picture. 295$
OKF-446 Wulfenite RESERVED Los Lamentos, Mexico. Ex. Nancy Collins collection. Classic blocky form in bright orange. The crystal measures and impressive 1.5 cm on edge and is almost a cube. It sits high off a matrix which has a couple of tiny scuffs. Crystal is damage free and lustrous. Very aesthetic and desirable specimen. 300$
OKF-447 Muscovite and Siderite RESERVED Lincoln Co., North Carolina. Ex. Nancy Collins collection. Text book form to these beautifully displayed micas. They reach 1.8 cm each and sit up high off the crystallized matrix of siderites (to 1 cm each). It is a common species with magazine cover aesthetics. 3 x 2.1 x 2 cm overall. Damage free, almost floater. 30$
OKF-448 Rhodochrosite with minor Fluorite and Calcite Sweet Home Mine, Silverton, Colorado. Ex. Nancy Collins collection. A beautiful specimen has zero damage and fine aesthetics. Pink, translucent and having minor fluorites and calcites on its surface. This nice thumbnail specimen is 2.5 x 2.4 x 1.2 cm overall. And would be a fine addition to any collection. No damage and only a minor matrix contact on the back of the specimen. 150$
OKF-449 Rhodochrosite on Fluorite American Tunnel, Sunnyside Mine, Howardsville, Silverton District, San Juan County, Colorado. Ex. Nancy Collins collection. A 3.3 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm fluorite composes the body of this specimen. It has a complex surface and a sea foam green color. On top are tiny pink rhodos in a pleasing display. Displays great from front and okay from one side but base, other side and back will show some matrix attachment. 150$
OKF-450 Anglesite pseudo. after Cerussite Chihuahua, Mexico. Ex. Nancy Collins collection. What an odd specimen! Blocky cerussites to 2.1 cm each, mostly double terminated are replaced by anglesite. No damage but big crystal stands on a partial cleave. 2.1 x 1.5 x 1.5 overall size. Nice luster and form for a pseudomorph. 60$
OKF-451 Endichite RESERVED Los Lamentos, Mexico. Ex. Nancy Collins collection. This thumbnail specimen is a real killer. 2.8 x 2.5 x 2.4 cm overall and beautifully formed hollow crystals. The crystals all spray out from the central base. Zero damage and outstanding luster and aesthetics. Amazing! 175$
OKF-452 Rhodochrosite on Quartz RESERVED American Tunnel, Sunnyside Mine, Howardsville, Silverton District, San Juan County, Colorado. Ex. Nancy Collins collection. This sculptural piece has a ball of pink rhodo on white/ clear quartz. It looks like pink ice cream! Views wonderfully from all sides. Zero damage but there is a tiny area on base with Styrofoam attached. 2.2 x 1.6 x 1.5 cm overall. Another killer. 200$
OKF-453 Fluororichterite RESERVED Wiberforce. Ontario, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain collection. Prev. Canadian Museum of Nature. This is by far the very best small fluororichterite (mislabeled as fluor-richterite) I have seen from this location. I have view thousands, maybe tens of thousands, from several decades of collecting in Canada and this one stands head and shoulders above all others. Its luster is amazing. 3 x 2.1 x 1.9 cm. It is mildly translucent and beautifully formed. Just fits comfortably into a perky box. There is a tiny cleave on one corner of the large crystal but it is tough to notice. Everything is nicely double terminated and there is only a tiny crystal contact on its base. It even stands nicely for display if the intention is to not use a perky box. A top grade thumbnail specimen which should command a far greater price. 180$
OKF-454 Tremolite Miners Bay, Ontario, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. Prev. National Museums of Canada/ George Robinson, Basil Breen collector. This is likely the best thumbnail tremolite crystal I have ever seen. Luster is mirror like on some faces and satin on others. A single crystal measuring a stocky 3.5 x 1.8 x 1.2 cm overall. Deep rich green color (greener than photo indicates) and only very mildly translucent on edges. Perfectly terminated, damage free and a small double terminated rider crystal on its backside. Stands up nicely for display. Interesting surface growth features, fine form and exceptional provenance all make this a desirable specimen. 65$
OKF-455 Galena and Calcite Cave In Rock, Illinois. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. A high luster galena cube with minor octahedral modifications is partially obscured by nice double terminated calcites which coat about 70% of its surface. Specimen measures 3 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm overall. It has nice frontal and side views. Back and base are cleaved galena. Stands up nicely for display. 20$
OKF-456 Glendonite Eureka, Ellesmere Island, North West Territories, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. I can find very little information on this strange specimen…they are believed to be calcite pseudomorphs after thenardite. I also can find none for sale anywhere, including on-line so the price is simply based on its attractiveness as a specimen and its rarity. This cluster measures 4 cm, is domical and just manages to get into a perky box if it is tilted correctly. Damage free and viewable from all sides. Be the only kid on your block to have one of these unusual specimens…40$
OKF-457 Bismuthinite Llallagua, Potosi Dept., Bolivia. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. Prev. Hamilton college collection. A 2.2 x 1.8 x 1.2 cm aggregate of interlocking crystals of this rare metallic mineral. More suited as a reference piece than a displayable mineral specimen. Good example. 45$
OKF-458 Amethyst RESERVED Vera Cruz, Mexico. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. An aesthetic cluster of both septered and reverse sceptered crystals on matrix of white quartz. This group has excellent luster and nice color to its purple caps. 3.2 x 2.8 x 2.5 cm. Largest scepter measures 2.3 cm. Damage free, sits upright and very displayable. 25$
OKF-461 Rhodochrosite and minor Quartz American Tunnel, Sunnyside Mine, Howardsville, Silverton District, San Juan County, Colorado. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain collection, prev. Donald Briggs collection. A 3.5 x 2.5 x 1.7 cm plate of light pink, micro crystals. Specimen is mounted in a perky box. Minor sulfides. No damage. 25$
OKF-462 Calcite Stalactites Chihuahua, Mexico. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain collection, prev. Donald Briggs collection. A nice grouping of several small stalactites measuring 2.7 x 2.5 x 2 cm overall. Mounted in a perky box. 15$
OKI-080 Fluorite Xianghuapu Mine, China. These specimens are usually so large they are not very suitable for most collections. This one is nicely proportioned at 12.5 x 9.5 x 7 cm overall. The crystals are up to 5.4 cm on edge and have a moderately stepped growth form to their surfaces. Minor white matrix isn’t really visible from most views. Translucent to gemmy and a mild green color. The image does not do this fine piece justice. Excellent contemporary cabinet specimen. 100$
OKI-081 Aquamarine and Quartz Xue Bao Ding Mine, Ping Wu, Sichuan Prov., China. Here is a superb grouping of tabular crystals to 6 cm each. The cluster measures 13.5 x 9.5 x 5.5 cm. The back of the specimen was once attached to matrix but is now regrown so would classify as a floater in most books. The color varies from almost clear (goshenite) to a nice blue typical, perhaps slightly darker than most, for this locale. Several of the crystals stand up high on edge off the matrix. It’s one of those specimens that you will have fun inspecting time and time again, finding new things each time you do. The quartz are scattered on the surface and the matrix is both quartz and muscovite. Nice surface growth features add interest. This is a fine example of why Chinese aquas are so desirable. Great piece! 1,300$
OKI-082 Calcite Weshan, Yunan Prov., China. 10 x 8.5 x 6.6 cm cluster of beautiful crystals. This specimen is a true floater in the form of an ovoid ball which is sporting crystals to 4 cm. They are clear to white with great translucence to transparency. Remember, I do not backlight my specimens like the other dealers do when showing a specimen such as this. This could not show better, though it does poorly when photographed. It is as nice as any calcite from China which I have seen photographed for publication, yet this one is at a price which is manageable by most. Zero damage. Killer!!!! 225$
OKI-083 Acanthite and Silver Huang Tong Xiang Mine, Town of Lu Jiang, Anhui Prov., China. I’ve owned probably 800 to 1,000 of these fine specimen and this beauty ranks in the top two or three. It measures 7 x 6 x 3.8 cm and is somewhat triangular in shape. The acanthite crystals are better than most from this locale being well formed and up to 1.5 cm each. There are many silvers in the form of beautiful, metallic, lustrous curls of wire to around .7 cm each. They are well anchored to the acanthite but stand up nice and high for inspection. This may seem like a lot of money for a specimen but check out the prices on these with other dealers…comparable specimens seem to be in the 3 to 5K range. No damage or problems with this one. Just a great price compared to everyone else. 880$
OKI-084 Quartz (Amethyst), Hubeite and Apophyllite Daye Mines, Huangshi, Hubei Prov., China. This fine specimen was in my personal collection for many years and now needs a home due to my change in what I collect. The amethyst is a very light purple and the crystals even look smoky due to the brown hubeite on there reverse sides. Perfection with only a tiny, couple of millimeters, ding on the backside of one quartz. Sits beautifully and measures in at 5.5 x 5.2 x 4.3 cm. Back view is great too...I just forgot to photograph it. 230$
OKI-085 Silver Huang Tong Xiang Mine, Town of Lu Jiang, Anhui Prov., China. This nice silver wire measures 11.3 cm tall and is quite sculptural. It is a stocky wire with a small piece of matrix embedded on the top end. I have it mounted on an acrylic base at this time. No damage. A fine native element specimen for a very fair price. 150$
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$
OKI-087 Quartz on Hubeite on Inesite/ Pyrite on Quartz Daye Mines, Huangshi, Hubei Prov., China. This specimen is so interesting with its combination of both common and rare minerals. Showy enough to be published in any article showing the best of Chinese minerals. The crystal quartz measures 6.1 cm x 4 x 3.5 and stands on end nicelt. Zero damage. The inesite reach over a cm and the hubeite is exceptionally thick on the one side of the specimen. A fine layer of druze quartz ads sparkle! I think I’ll let the photos describe the rest… 250$
OKI-088 Chalcopyrite and Jamesonite coating Bournonite and Quartz Yaogangxian Mine, Bai Shi Du, Chen Xhou, Yizhang County, Hunan Prov., China. A very cool specimen which if for nothing other than the bournonite would be exceptional. In addition this long double terminated bournonite is coated thickly with jamesonite hairs on all sides. Brassy chalcos on this and one big quartz crystal which is broken off. Back has one large crystal contact. The specimen measures and outstanding 7 x 3.5 x 2.6 cm. Top shelf piece. 950$
OKI-089 Scepter Quartz RESERVED Leshan, Sichuan Prov., China. A nice double terminated 5.4 cm scepter included by graphite. These black stemmed scepters are getting rare. I have not seen but a few for sale over the past few years and they are now always quite expensive. I bought this one before the prices went crazy so this is a steal. There is a good sized enhydro (at least a half cm) which is triangular shaped and has a movable chunk of graphite in it. Very small rub on tip that is not distracting and almost too small to mention (far less than a millimeter). I’ll never be able to get these again for this price. 75$
OKI-090 Quartz (Amethyst), Hubeite and Apophyllite Daye Mines, Huangshi, Hubei Prov., China. 7.2 cm long, damage free, killer. The amethyst is light as all of these which were found back in 2000? Were. Great surface growth features. Hot glue on base is allowing it to stand upright. This is one of the nicest of these which I have owned. 225$
OKI-091 Hubeite, Calcite and Inesite Daye Mines, Huangshi, Hubei Prov., China. 7 x 5 x 3.8 cm cluster which stands on edge nicely. There is mineralization on the primary face and across the top. Great views of the rare and attractive crystals. This is an exceptional specimen, not one of those small piece which you have to squint at to find the crystals. This is damage free and way under priced. If you have been looking for one of these I guarantee you will not be disappointed. You’ll just wonder why it’s so inexpensive. 175$
OKI-092 Fluorite, Arsenopyrite and Quartz Yaogangxian Mine, Bai Shi Du, Chen Xhou, Yizhang County, Hunan Prov., China. A great combo of metallic, gemmy and color. 7.5 x 6.6 x 3.4 cm. One quartz near the edge of the piece is broke off but not eye catching. Nice phantoms in the fluorites. A great value. 70$
Dodge Mine, Edwards, New York
The Dodge mine was a working iron ore mine in St. Lawrence County in 1842. A vein of hematite was mined to a shallow depth and nothing in the way of mineral specimens seemed to have made it into any museums or historic private collections. At a later date a paved road into this remote area was constructed directly over the mine tailings. In the 1970s the site was rediscovered and numerous mineral clubs made visits there. The specimens found were rarities and were never sold from what I can discover. Instead, collectors put the beta-form quartz, calcite and hematite specimens away in their personal collections.
This locale is now closed to collecting. During the fall of 2008 I worked all the soils and tailings in the right-of way of the road which was built over the mine and recovered numerous, small, but noteworthy specimens. The specimens offered here are the best of the find. For each of them there are hundreds of non-salable substandard specimens with broken, partial or poorly formed crystals. The only published image I am aware of is of one of the best pieces in the top private collection of New York State minerals. It was published in Matrix Magazine, vol. 6, #3, fall 1998, p. 133, Matrix Publishing Co., Dillsburg, PA, founded by Lawrence Conklin and Jay Lininger. These fine specimen are as nice as any I have ever seen from this locale
Selling specimens like these is problematic. No one has specimens to compare with to make an informed decision regarding cost and quality and I would say they take rather poor photos. I can safely say all are far better in hand. The best advice I can give is to say that these are important specimens which are very limited in number. If there were lots of them around, everyone would have them and they would not be the rarities which they are.
OKI-093 Quartz RESERVED Dodge Mine, Edwards, New York. Collected by Michael Walter, 2008. An excellent 5.2 x 3.5 x 2.1 cm miniature which sits nicely on edge for display. Individual crystals are up to 1.7 cm each. It has a good iridescence and no damage. Transparent crystals which appear translucent due to the high degree of inclusions. There is one contact on the base and a couple very tiny ones on the back. The piece views great form all sides. A couple of these beta form crystals are parallel growth groups. This is an outstanding specimen. 145$
OKI-094 Hematite coated Quartz Dodge Mine, Edwards, New York. Collected by Scott Sutherland, 2008. An excellent 3.2 x 2.8 x 2 cm thumbnail specimen which sits nicely on its base for display. Individual crystals are up to 1.2 cm each. The crystals of quartz are richly coated by tiny blades of metallic hematite crystals. It’s a rare find to have one of these survive in the mine tailings to be found well over 150 years later. This is the best TN with hematite I have seen from the locale. 130$
OKI-095 Quartz Dodge Mine, Edwards, New York. Collected by Scott Sutherland, 2008. An excellent 4.5 x 2.5 x 2.1 cm miniature which appears to be a floater but actually has a small contact area on the edge of a single crystal which is not readily evident. Transparent crystals which appear translucent due to the high degree of inclusions. Individual crystals are up to 2 cm each and most are aggregates of parallel growth crystal. It has a good iridescence and no damage. This is as good as they get. A spectacular, classic New York State specimen which hardly anyone can say they have in their collection! 175$
OKI-096 Quartz Dodge Mine, Edwards, New York. Collected by Michael Walter, 2008. An excellent 3.1 x 2 x 1.7 cm thumbnail specimen with individual crystals are up to 2 cm each. It has a good iridescence and no damage. Transparent crystals which appear translucent due to the high degree of inclusions. There are several crystal contacts which are not distracting in person. 80$
OKI-097 Quartz Dodge Mine, Edwards, New York. Collected by Michael Walter, 2008. An excellent 2.8 x 2.5 x 2 cm thumbnail specimen with individual crystals are up to 1.6 cm each. It has a good iridescence and no damage. Transparent crystals which appear translucent due to the high degree of inclusions. One small contact on base and one on largest crystal. Nice specimen. 50$
OKI-098 Quartz RESERVED Dodge Mine, Edwards, New York. Collected by Michael Walter, 2008. An excellent 2.8 x 1.9 x 1.8 cm thumbnail specimen composed of 4 crystals with individual crystals are up to 1.9 cm each. It has a good iridescence (unusually thick in a couple of spots) and no damage. Transparent crystals which appear translucent due to the high degree of inclusions. Two small contacts. Nice specimen. 45$
OKI-099 Quartz Dodge Mine, Edwards, New York. Collected by Michael Walter, 2008. An excellent 3.5 x 2.8 x 2.8 cm thumbnail specimen with large individual crystals up to 2.8 cm each. This is an unusual white crystal which has no damage. Milky white crystals in a tight cluster. Translucent. This grouping is a floater. The crystals have some pitting which is interesting and some of the crystals have minor prism face development (very rare for this location). An uncommon specimen. 60$
OKE-338 Epidote Hapshupa, Shigar Valley, Baltistan, Northern Areas, Pakistan. An attractive gem epidote crystal measuring 5 x 2.4 x .6 cm. Some internal fracturing, most near base, and what appears to be a faden line running diagonally through the specimen. Contact areas are on base and one edge of the specimen with the remaining surface being damage free. Partially double terminated. Nice clean surfaces of a high luster. Excellent transparency. A nice epidote crystal in all regards. 100$
OKE-339 Epidote Hapshupa, Shigar Valley, Baltistan, Northern Areas, Pakistan. Gemmy green single and double terminated crystals compose this cluster which measures 4.4 x 2.2 x 1.5 cm overall. Basal contacts on the two big crystals and a tiny area of small crystals on one side. Nice color, luster and form. Good example which displays well. 50$
OKE-340 Titanite in Calcite Bulbin, near Astor, Wazirat District, Pakistan. Primary gemmy green titanite measuring 2.6 cm across with a couple tiny crystals to its side peeking through the calcite. The calcites are large gray crystals to 5.7 cm on edge. They have some damage but make a good background for this nice titanite. The titanite crystal show one edge of crude form and a tiny ding to its backside. Frontal view and one side are very nice and other side poor. 140$
OKE-343 Zircon Bulbin, near Astor, Wazirat District, Pakistan. A blood red crystal measuring 1.8 cm across is the primary attraction here. It has small bits of embedded quartz along one edge and on one corner. Very high luster, mildly translucent, damage free and in a mixed mineral matrix measuring 4.3 x 2.6 x 2.5 cm. An excellent example from this locality. 135$
OKE-342 Schorl Nyet, Braldu Valley, Northern Areas, Pakistan. A beautifully formed prism of brown tourmaline which appears black. Mildly translucent and highly striated. This one measures 5.4 x 1.3 x 1.2 cm. Very tiny chip in one edge and minor crystal contact on base/ back. Views great! 80$
OKE-344 Schorl Nyet, Braldu Valley, Northern Areas, Pakistan. A nice cluster of both single and double terminated crystals which appear black and have very small flashes of brown from a couple of tiny translucent areas. Tiny embedded feldspar fragments. 3.3 x 2.6 x 2.6 cm. Crystal contact on back of piece otherwise no damage. Views great! 65$
OKE-345 Schorl on Feldspar Teston, above Shigar, Northern Areas, Pakistan. A beautifully formed prism of black tourmaline in white feldspar. It measures 4.4 cm long, is double terminated and is highly striated. Entire piece measures 5.4 x 2 x 1.8 cm and is damage free. The bottom termination is nice and top one is fiberous. Nice aesthetics and views great! 75$
OKF-570 Cerussite Tsumeb, Africa. Ex. Jim Turek collection. A large specimen with single and twinned cerussites everywhere, including its base. No damage except to a couple which are on base and one on top so it views well showing complete single and double terminated crystals on all its sides. One large cluster measures over 3 cm across and shows the desired star flake pattern created by the cyclic twinning. 8.6 x 7 x 5.3 cm. 300$
OKE-348 Aquamarine on Muscovite and Feldspar Nagar, Northern Areas, Pakistan. A 3.7 x 2 cm, tabular double terminated crystal on matrix with a smaller DT crystal to its side. The primary crystal is internally yellowed on its lower half so this is not a to shelf piece for its aesthetics. A couple small chips to back of specimen. 45$
OKE-349 Lapis pseudomorph after Scapolite RESERVED near Ladjuar Madan, Sar-e-Sang District, Badakhshan, Afghanistan. A well formed but low luster pseudo that measures 4.2 x 3.8 x 2 cm. Malformed on backside of specimen due to etching of scapolite prior to replacement. Very unusual specimen. 45$
OKE-351 Titanite Tormiq, above Baghicha, Gilgit- Skardu Road, Northern Areas, Pakistan. Nice twinned crystals of a petidote green color embedded in matrix with minor muscovite clusters. The crystals are up to 1.3 cm each and the large specimen measures 9.5 x 5.9 x 6.5 cm overall. No damage. It displays well and offers a very unusual color for titanite to its new owner’s collection. 200$
OKE-347 Aquamarine/ Goshenite? Hiro Bruk, Nyet Bruk, Braldu Valley, Balistan, Northern Areas, Pakistan. This little goodie is totally gem, highly etched and damage free. Two faces on the prism are fully formed but everything else is etched, almost appearing faceted in some areas. The color is clear…maybe with the faintest tint of blue. Sharp specimen measuring 2.2 x 1.8 x 1.5 cm. Nice! 40$
OKE-350 Cookeite pseudomorph after Tourmaline. Bulachi, Gilgit-Skardu Road, Northern Areas, Pakistan. Another bizarre pseudomorph! 3 slightly diverging, clear tourmalines are coated by white cookeite. The tip of one of the three crystals has the cookeite chipped off exposing the tourmaline underneath. Very interesting and uncommon specimen. 4.6 cm long. 90$
OKI-131 Dawsonite Lower Sill, Francon Quarry, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. This fine piece contains part of a 4.5 cm vug which contains beautifully formed, blocky dawsonite crystals to .5 cm each. The piece measures 8.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 cm and has a small sawn section on one side. It can sit on this sawn section or other ways to display its crystals well. The crystals are spectacular for this rare species. The are large, clear to somewhat white, high on luster, absent from damage and deeply striated. These are about as nice as dawsonites get!! 200$
OKI-132 Quartz and Albite RESERVED Rt. # 55 road cut, near Windsor, Quebec, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. This is one of the nicest specimens I’ve offered from this locale. Big, showy crystals to approx 7 cm stand of this flat plate of matrix in numerous directions. A small group of clear to white albites can be seen on the back of the piece. This great grouping of alpine quartz crystals measures 14.5 x 9 x 7.5 cm. A fine Canadian specimen which will compete well with great quartzes from anywhere else in the world. 375$
OKI-133 Dioptsae, Calcite and Plancheite Omaue Mine, Kaokveld, Namibia, Africa. Ex. Anthony P. Dunn Collection. Circ. 1975. 4.7 x 2.7 x 2.3 cm piece with white calcites and bright green dioptase. Also on the specimen are coatings and stalactites of plancheite. No damage. Minor rubber cement on base of specimen. Very nice piece for this price…125$
OKI-134 Dioptase on Calcite Omaue Mine, Kaokveld, Namibia, Africa. Ex. Anthony P. Dunn Collection. Circ. 1975. This fantastic thumbnail specimen measures 3 x 2.7 x 2 cm and is mounted in a perky box. Large gemmy to translucent dioptase crystals to 1.1 cm each climb it the calcite coated matrix. Nice views, good color contrasts, zero damage, top luster….a fine specimen in all regards. 375$
OKI-135 Rhodochrosite Potosi Mine, Santa Eulalia, Chihuahua, Mexico. Ex. Anthony Dunn Collection. A nice matrix specimen sporting well formed rhodos to a cm each. 5.6 x 5.2 x 3.1 cm. Good translucent crystals with no damage showing a nice contrast with matrix. Nice, nice, nice… 200$
OKI-136 Calcite and Pyrite Steel Mine, Black Rapids, Lyndhurst, Ontario, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. This piece is dominated by a large translucent to transparent crystal of calcite with minor pyrite and calcite overgrowths. The specimen is a damage free floater which is very rare for this site. The specimen stands on end if wanted for display. Ends of crystals are more translucent that core or body. Minor hematite inclusions give the crystals a slight pink cast at their centers. 6.6 x 5 x 3.2 cm. Truly nice for Lyndhurst! 85$
OKI-137 Albite RESERVED Road cut near Richmind, Quebec, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. Prev. Dr. George Robinson. A 9.5 x 6.2 cm plate of what might be the very gemmiest crystals of albite I have ever seen! They are twinned crystals to 1 cm each which thickly coat the display face of this fine piece. No damage, high luster and lots of flash! The first one to act gets it…..65$
OKI-138 Millerite Hall’s Gap, Kentucky. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection, prev. Don Briggs. Nice quantitiesof gold millerite needles amongst druze quartz and some pyrite crystals. The geode measures 3.1 x 2 x 1.3 cm and has no damage. Minor Styrofoam on back of specimen. Millerites from this classic US locality are becoming a thing of the past with the closing of the locality. Nice specimen. 95$
OKI-139 Tourmaline in Cleavelandite Gilgit, Pakistan. Ex. Anthony Dunn collection. An aesthetic grouping of green tourmalines which are nicely translucent through the upper ¼ to 1/3rd of each crystal. In person this is a really nice specimen with crystals to 2.5 cm each in white feldspar. The termination of each crystal is covered with exceptionally well developed triangular shaped growth hillocks. No damage to specimen except, of course where it was once attached to the vug. Good views from all directions. Overall measurements are 4.4 x 3.2 x 2.1 cm. 275$
OKI-140 Pyrite Rensselaer Quarry, Pleasant Ridge, Indiana. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. 4 x 2.5 x 1.2 cm pyrite bar with numerous rider crystals. Damage to top ans minor damage on one side. Not perfect but a nice example at a low price. 25$
OKI-141 Adamite Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. This specimen is actually a fairly complete pocket and thin underlying seam that is fully crystallized with dark amber colored gemmy adamite crystals. The vug goes deeper than it appears from the images. No damage to crystals and they are nice! Great luster to these intergrown crystals. 9 x 4.3 x 5 cm. This piece sits great and is very displayable for this less common color of adamite. 275$
OKI-142 Brookite and Brookite pseudomorph after Rutile on Quartz Kilpatrick and Adams Mine, Magnet Cove, Hot Springs Co., Arkansas. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. A interesting rarity from the early 1980s. A 1.1 cm pseudomorph (hollow) and some smaller, nice clean brookites. Both on the same specimen is rather unusual, but there they are! There is no damage to this miniature. 3.4 x 2.4 x 2 cm overall. Attractive from all sides. 125$
OKI-143 Calcite on Quartz Steel Mine, Black Rapids, Lyndhurst, Ontario, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. This is The coolest miniature that I have seen from this closed locality. A well formed quartz which is clearer near termination and milky below. Bottom is covered by several nice calcite crystals. A very tiny ding on tip which I never noticed until I used magnification. 5.1 cm long. This is a very nice specimen of exceptional quality for the locale. 80$
OKI-144 Pyrite Orman Dam, Belle Forche, Butte Co., South Dakota. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. An attractive 6.5 cm concretion which came out of the ground in 1990. No pyrite disease problems with this fine specimen. Damage free and displayable. 45$
OKI-145 Prousite Chanarcillo, Atacama, Chili. Ex. Jim Turek collection. This rock contains a nice vug with calcite crystals include by red prousite and prousite crystals to 1 cm. One good crystal and a partial crystal of about the same size. Rare stuff to find in this rich red, unaltered, color. This should be trimmed down into a nice TN specimen by someone with more patients than me. 95$
OKI-146 Pyrite Orman Dam, Belle Forche, Butte Co., South Dakota. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. An attractive 3.3 cm concretion which came out of the ground in 1990. No pyrite disease problems with this fine specimen. Damage free and displayable. 45$
OKI-147 Cleavelandite RESERVED Rutherford Mine, Amelia Co., Virginia. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection. A nice single, twinned crystal which measures 3.6 x 2.2 cm and is only .3 cm thick. Damage free, clear, and it shows the internal twin lamella very nicely. I have no idea what this should be priced at so it’s yours for 25$
OKI-124 Pyromorphite Los Burrachos, Sierre Horena, Spain. Ex. Bob Borofsky collection. Red/ orange fluorescence. The front of this specimen is totally coated with damage free crystals to .5 cm each. The back is coated by quartz and hase a string of crystals weaving between the mounds of crystals. It is a plate measuring 6.1 x 5.5 cm. Great displayable specimen. Exceptional small cab specimen. 170$
OKI-125 Pyromorphite Los Burrachos, Sierre Horena, Spain. Ex. Bob Borofsky collection. Red/ orange fluorescence. The front of this specimen is totally coated with damage free crystals to .5 cm each. The matrix edge, bottom and back are bare. No damage. 6 x 4.5 cm plate is thicker on its base and stands wonderfully on this base displaying the piece on edge. A fine display piece. 150$
OKI-126 Pyromorphite RESERVED Los Burrachos, Sierre Horena, Spain. Ex. Bob Borofsky collection. Red/ orange fluorescence. The front of this specimen is totally coated with damage free crystals ranging in size from micros to .6 cm each. They are of ecxptional color and totally damage free. 7 x 4.5 cm plate. Nice! 175$
OKF-707 Pyromorphite Los Burrachos, Sierra Horena, Spain. Ex. Bob Borofsky collection. A fine small plate of crystals measuring 5.1 x 3.5 cm. It is fully coated by medium green pyros to .5 cm each on the front and quartz and goethite on its back. The specimen is damage free and sits on two of its three edges providing at least two ways that it can be displayed nicely. Red/ orange fluorescence. Nice piece! 120$
OKI-127 Pyromorphite Los Burrachos, Sierre Horena, Spain. Ex. Bob Borofsky collection. Red/ orange fluorescence. The front of this specimen is approximately 80% coated with damage free crystals to .6 cm each. Lots of larger double terminated crystals of fine color and form make up this fine 10.8 x 4.6 cm plate. Damage free! Exceptional. 240$
OKI-128 Pyromorphite RESERVED Los Burrachos, Sierre Horena, Spain. Ex. Bob Borofsky collection. Red/ orange fluorescence. The front of this specimen is totally coated with damage free crystals to .4 cm each. 7.5 x 5.5 x 1.6 cm overall. The edge is composed of small quartz crystals and back has small quartz and tan colored pyros. A fine looking and displayable pyro. 110$
OKF-670 Pyrite French Creek Mine, St. Peters, Chester Co., PA. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain collection. This is a stunning 1979 specimen that probably looks as good as the day it was found. It is composed of intergrown crystals to 1.5 cm each. They have interesting rounded octahedral modifications and curved faces. The specimen measures 3.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm. There is no damage but the specimen is glued to a wood base with historical information in its bottom. A couple areas have sphalerite coating them. There appears to be no contacts. I’ve decided to leave the specimen on the base so the new owner can decide if they want to remove it. Very nice classic east coast specimen. 225$
OKI-130 Rose Quartz Crystals Cleveden, Somerset, England. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain collection. Prev. Dr. Robert J. King collection. Two nicely formed, lustrous rose quartz crystals measuring .5 cm each. One is single terminated and the other is double terminate. 3.4 x 2.8 x 2 cm overall. Damage free. How often to you see English rose quartz specimens for sale?! 130$
OKF-646 Scepter Quartz Leshan, China. A nice specimen which is more parallel growth in form than sceptered. Nicer luster than usual and good clarity. Slightly tabular. The specimen has a couple very minor tip rubs. These have become much less common than they were 5 or 6 years ago. Floater! This one measures 6.3 x 3.3 x 2 cm. 48$
OKF-679 Scepter Quartz Leshan, China. A nice specimen which is more parallel growth in form than sceptered. Nicer luster than usual and excellent clarity. There is a minor tip rub visiable with magnification. These have become much less common than they were 5 or 6 years ago. Floater! This one measures 5.9 x 3.5 x 3 cm. 45$
OKI-123 Scepter Quartz Leshan, China. A nice specimen has two nice scepters along one edge. Nicer luster than usual and fair clarity. Tabular. The specimen has a tiny tip rub and a small basal contact. These have become much less common than they were 5 or 6 years ago. This one measures 6.7 x 3.3 x 2 cm. 25$
OKF-643 Quartz Crystal Peak, Colorado. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain collection. What a cool piece. Unusually translucent smoky quartz measuring 9 cm long. There is a minor piece of weathered rock attached and the specimen is double terminated. Basal termination is multiple and does have some dings. Other tip is very nice but also shows a tiny chip, only visible with magnification. This is an excellent Tessin habit quartz for this price….45$
OKF-680 Gold Plume Mine, Nova Scotia, Canada. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain, prev. Donald Briggs collection. This specimen is mounted on a small black cork which could be dissolved of should the new owner desire. It is a gold mass measuring 1.5 x 1 x .6 cm and a minor white quartz crystal. When is gold not nice? 195$