February 2010 Update
The Stak Nala tourmalines and the Chinese Babingtonites at the beginning of
this listing are materials purchased this past week (Jan 30th - Feb. 4th) at the
Tucson 2010 Show. If you could not make the show or were unable to fine
material this good, I hope you enjoy checking out these offerings.
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Top of repaired crystal with small, gemmy topaz |
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OKI-701 Tourmaline, Topaz, Quartz, Cleavelandite and Muscovite
Stak Nala,
Gilgit-Skardu Road, Northern Areas, Pakistan. This fine specimen is composed of
a great diversity of pegmatite minerals in an aesthetic grouping. It is from
the famous “Blue Cap Pocket” of the early 1990s. This has remained the only
noteworthy find of tourmalines from this prolific locale which had blue color
zones in their composition. There are five blue tourmalines in this group that
are up to 5.2 cm each. All are nicely terminated and three are clearly visible
while two are moderately buried among the other minerals. The blue color is
obvious in the transparent tips and like other Stak Nala specimens the color
becomes darker and more translucent to opaque as the crystal’s base is
approached. The mica books are especially nice being large, thick, and very
translucent. A crystal on the back has a spit between the translucent and
transparent color zones which has been repaired. The colored epoxy is
visible when the piece is scrutinized, however it is definitely on what would be
considered the backside of the specimen and not distracting to the overall
visual impact of the piece. The luster is fine and
the tourmalines show nice striations. No bad views at all. Stands nicely and
measures 6.5 x 6 x 5 cm overall. Outstanding! 2,200$
OKI-702 Tourmaline and Cleavelandite Stak Nala, Gilgit-Skardu Road,
Northern Areas, Pakistan. This single crystal is a wonderful, and unusually
large, lustrous, double terminated specimen. At 7.8 cm this large piece is
exceptional in form with strong hemimorphy development. The prism faces all
show moderate striations and the color is pink on one end and clear grading to
green on the other. The green end shows one nice green band within clear
tourmaline before grading down to darker greens which are translucent. No
damage to the tourmaline and only a couple blades of cleavelandite with clipped
edges. These specimens showing pink were found in the 1980s. Now they have
become very uncommon and are usually only available from old collections.
Simply an exceptional specimen from an area which produces lots of tourmaline
but few of this high a quality and color. 1,800$
OKI-703 Tourmaline and Quartz Stak Nala, Gilgit-Skardu Road, Northern
Areas, Pakistan. This single crystal is a wonderful, and unusually large,
lustrous, double terminated specimen with an attached double terminated quartz
crystal. The tourmaline measures 6 cm long and the quartz is 3 cm long. The
tourmaline is green throughout and unusually translucent, somewhat transparent
through its entire length. The terminations, as usual, are more transparent to
translucent. One side of the tourmaline is coated by a white silicate (likely
albite). Fine piece. This is a steal for a fine Stak Nala tourmaline
of this size. 325$
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Okay view of fluorapatites |
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OKI-704 Tourmaline, Fluorapatite and Albite Stak Nala, Gilgit-Skardu Road,
Northern Areas, Pakistan. This piece is the finest Stak Nala specimen which I
have offered for sale. It has two lustrous, major crystals measuring 6.5 and
5.4 cm long each. Both are beautifully double terminated and hemimorphic in
their development. Terminations are transparent to translucent and the shades
of green color which dominate the tourmalines varies nicely. Aesthetic with its
wrappings of feldspar, the final additions to the mix are several small (to .7
cm each) pink fluorapatite crystals. Fluorapatite with tourmalines from Stak
Nala are practically unheard of!! Everything is damage free and beautifully
formed. There is some minor wax on the albite. Overall measurements are 7.5 x
5 x 3.4 cm. I believe most dealers would have priced this fine, aesthetic
grouping far beyond what I have chosen to ask for it. This piece is exceptional
and exhibits fine aesthetics…colors, luster, balance, form, diversity of
species… its got it all. Even better in person as the pics can't really
express how impressive this piece is. Remember, there may be plenty of Stak Nala specimens
available, but few will ever come close to the quality of this amazing damage
free grouping. Price on Request
OKI-705 Tourmaline and Albite Stak Nala, Gilgit-Skardu Road, Northern
Areas, Pakistan. Another fine grouping with two fine, single terminated
crystals in albite. The pice measures 4.8 x 4.5 x 2.7 cm with crystal of 4.6
and 3.8 cm each. The crystal caps show the color to be a rich bluish green.
Terminations are clear and grade town to translucent. The crystals are
even more
lustrous than normal and the terminations especially so. No damage. Very
aesthetic specimen which stands up beautifully for display. Beautifully
balanced in its form and very showy. 750$
OKI-706 Tourmaline and Quartz Stak Nala, Gilgit-Skardu Road, Northern
Areas, Pakistan. This nice double terminated tourmaline has a double terminated
quartz attachment, mostly overgrown with white albite. The tourmaline shows
strong hemimorphic development, high luster, deep striations and exceptional
transparency/ translucence for most of its 5.6 cm length. There is a small chip
to one edge on the backside. A fine displayable example. 195$
OKI-707 Tourmaline, Quartz, Cleavelandite and Muscovite Bulachi Mine, near
Stak Nala, Gilgit-Skardu Road, Northern Areas, Pakistan. This specimen is an
attractive, double terminated tourmaline of a deep green color that shows
moderate translucence. The specimen has a basil pinnicoid termination with a
rough texture for its base (it sits smartly on this end) and a steeply
terminated opposing end that stands vertically. The piece is nicely striated
and of excellent luster. Not a blemish to be found on this excellent specimen.
There is a white girdle of albite with minor quartz and mica. There is also a
larger fin of albite sticking off of one side. Highly aesthetic and substantial
in size. There is close to a kilogram of tourmaline here and it measures
approximately 7 x 7 x 7 cm. This fine piece really feels substantial in
your hand and is much better in person. From and unusual location. Top shelf all the
way! Perfection! 2,500$
OKI-712 Babingtonite and Quartz Near Meigu, Xichang County, Sichuan
Prov., China. This fine example is compsed of numerous crystals to over 1.5 cm
each which spray out in all directions from this aesthetic miniature. 5.3 x 4 x
3.3 cm overall. There is one tiny contact on the base, otherwise a damage free
floater. Exceptional luster, form and aesthetics. Lots of flash created by the
tiny quartz crystals scattered everywhere on this one. Great piece! 395$
OKI-713 Babingtonite, Prehnite and Quartz Near Meigu, Xichang County,
Sichuan Prov., China. A great specimen for the collector who enjoys fine
combination pieces. This is actually a well balanced mix of double and single
terminated clear quartz, large prehnite balls, to 3 cm, and babingtonites of
great luster to 1.3 cm each. The specimen is almost a floater with only a small
area of base contact and two tiny quartz crystals with minor damage on the
back. Outstanding quality which will be appreciated. The specimen views
exceptionally well from any direction, it sits well and it has lots of flash.
There are several parallel plated mineralized on all sides which compose the
piece. 6.8 x 5.5 x 5. cm overall. Nice! 400$
OKI-714 Babingtonite, Prehnite and Quartz Near Meigu, Xichang County,
Sichuan Prov., China. Here is a top shelf miniature composed of super sized
single and double terminated babingtonites to 3.2 cm each. The biggest crystal
is double terminated and all are damage free. Base is flat and not
crystallized. Beautiful high luster crystal interlock with minor quartz and a 2
cm prehnite ball. 5.5 x 5 x 2.7 cm. Crystals of this size are far from common
and especially uncommon in such fine form and luster. This piece will speak for
itself and not want for a home for very long. 1,400$
OKI-715 Babingtonite, Prehnite and Quartz Near Meigu, Xichang County,
Sichuan Prov., China. This amazing piece is certainly a show stopper.
Measuring in at 11.3 x 5.5 x 4.2 cm it is the type of cabinet specimen which
commands interest. A pleasing mix of species dominated by numerous HUGE babs to
4 cm each, many of which are double terminated and of high luster. Looks like a
floater (maybe a small area of contact on some of the prehnite). NO damage.
Everything is very clean and attractive. The double terminated quartz crystals
scattered about on the specimen add flash. This piece displays wonderfully. It
is not every day that killer specimens like this become available at the low
price I am asking. You’ll be surprised. Price on Request
OKI-716 Babingtonite, Prehnite and Quartz Near Meigu, Xichang County,
Sichuan Prov., China. This large plate of crystals if fully mineralized on both
sides and has only one thin edge contact. Babs to 2.2 cm each, many of which
are double terminated totally coat one side and about 25% of the second side.
11 x 7 x 3.2 cm overall. Fantastic specimen in all regards. 750$
OKI-717 Babingtonite, Prehnite and Quartz RESERVED Near Meigu, Xichang County,
Sichuan Prov., China. This cluster of large crystals (to just shy of 4 cm each)
creates what has to be considered an important piece. They don’t get much more
impressive than this one. The specimen is a simple plate of crystals with one
area having a small area of crystal contact which isn’t distracting to the
overall impressiveness of this monster. 11 x 7.3 x 5 cm overall. Fine luster
and superior crystal size but this on the radar of serious collectors who look
for the best. There is no question as to what species dominates this specimen
with the accessories is small, non-distracting crystals. I could probably write
a page on how good this specimen is but won’t. If you have been considering
getting one of the best specimens from the top locality for the species in the
world…well, here you are. Price on Request
OKI-191 Chalcocite Bristol Copper Mine, Bristol, Hartford Co.,
Connecticut. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection, prev. Dick Kelley and
University of Rochester Collections. This is certainly a classic east coast
locality with no rivals for this rare species except those from Wisconson.
Specimens from this locale are one of the true cornerstones of any respectable
east coast site. This twinned TN specimen measures 2.7 x 1.7 x a cm thick. It
is crystallized on all sides with only one edge showing any contact. This piece
has a fantastic classic look due to its even, steel gray patina. Damage free,
sharply crystallized in most areas and crudely crystallized in a couple of
others. Excellent provenance. These things have become as rare as “hens teeth”
and are mineralogically important (ref. Rocks and Minerals, 11: 37 and the
Mineralogical Record, 32, 433). An exceptionally fine, rare and desirable
specimen for the discriminating thumbnail collector. 900$
OKI-192 Calcite on Chalcocite Bristol Copper Mine, Bristol, Hartford Co.,
Connecticut. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain Collection, prev. Dick Kelley and
University of Rochester Collections. This is certainly a classic east coast
locality with no rivals for this rare species except those from Wisconsin.
Specimens from this locale are one of the true cornerstones of any respectable
east coast site. This twinned TN specimen measures 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.2 cm overall.
It is crystallized on front, sides and a small portion of the back. This piece
has two small chips but is still an exceedingly rare example, especially given
the presence of the calcite crystals. Not only are the calcites in good shape
they are very attractive, lustrous, transparent to translucent and add nice
aesthetics to a species which seldom has much in the way of this
characteristic. The chalcocite’s luster is a higher than is the norm for these
specimens, again adding to its aesthetics. Sharply crystallized in all areas.
Excellent provenance. These things have become as rare as “hens teeth” and are
of mineralogical important (ref. Rocks and Minerals, 11: 37 and the Mineralogical
Record, 32, 433). An exceptionally fine, rare and desirable specimen for the
discriminating thumbnail collector. 1,600$
OKF-551 Aquamarine The Erongo Mountains, Namibia, south west Africa. A
single terminated crystal which is 2.5 cm in length. Stocky and gemmy in the
upper 1/3rd of the piece. This one has minor tourmaline inclusions
(mostly parallel to and embedded in the termination) and extremely light
striations. No damage. Attractive specimen. 90$
OKF-552 Aquamarine The Erongo Mountains, Namibia, south west Africa. A
rare floater, double terminated, crystal which is 2.1 cm in length. Stocky and
gemmy in the upper 1/3rd to ½ of the piece. This one has minor
tourmaline inclusions (mostly parallel to and embedded in the termination) and
extremely light striations. Zero damage. Attractive specimen. 75$
OKF-553 Aquamarine with Tourmaline The Erongo Mountains, Namibia, south
west Africa. A single terminated crystal which is 2.5 cm in length. Gemmy in
the upper 1/3rd of the piece. This one has minor tourmaline
inclusions. Zero damage. Attractive specimen. 50$
OKF-555 Aquamarine on Feldspar The Erongo Mountains, Namibia, south west
Africa. A single terminated, crystal which is 2.1 cm in length. Stocky and
gemmy in the upper ½ of the piece. This one has minor tourmaline inclusions
(mostly near midline and base) and extremely light striations. Zero damage.
Attractive specimen. 35$
OKI-194 Herkimer Diamond Scepter Treasure Mt. Mine, Fall Hill, Little
Falls, New York. Collected by Michael Walter , 2002. Classic form (which is
rather rare at this locale) and nice black anthraxolite included stem on this
fine thumbnail specimen. The piece measures 2.7 cm. It is skeletal on several
faces, double terminated with only a tiny basal attachment and has tiny dolomite
rhombs attached on its backside. There is a tiny backside tip ding but it is
not distracting from the front and side views. Good example and price….80$
OKI-195 Herkimer Diamond Scepter Treasure Mt. Mine, Fall Hill, Little
Falls, New York. Collected by Michael Walter , 2002. Classic form (which is
rather rare at this locale) and nice black anthraxolite included stem on this
fine thumbnail specimen. The piece measures 3 cm. It is skeletal on several
faces, single terminated and has tiny dolomite rhombs attached on one side of
its stem. There is a micro tip ding which is tough to notice form any view. It
blends in with the skeletal development so is virtually undetectable under
normal inspection It is not distracting from any view. Fine example and
price….110$
OKI-237 Danburite Chapare Prov., Bolivia. A 2.3 x 1.8 x 1.1 cm floater of
light blue color from an unusual location. This site was recently documented in
Rocks and Minerals Magazine, Mar./April 2008, Vol 83, No. 2 on pages 114 to
123. On page 118 you will find a similar specimen from John White's
collection. Damage free. Light striations and lots of unusual growth features
on the crystal faces. Transparent to translucent. Unusual and displayable
specimen. 28$
OKF-351 Spinel Parker Mine, Notre Dame du Laus, Quebec, Canada. Ex. Dr.
Steve Chamberlain collection. A fine 2.2 cm single crystal which is a complex
floater. This specimen is composed of deep black, high luster crystal of
interesting form. The octahedron shows a strong stepped growth with high luster
and minor calcite in some of the cracks (this adds some contrast to the surface
growth features). No damage or contacts. Great views from any angle. Showy. 60$
OKF-546 Gold Cripple Creek, Colorado. The specimen is composed of
multiple plates of gold that total 1.2 cm across. A good example which is
mounted on Styrofoam in a perky box. Sorry about the fibers in image. 90$
OK-002 Vanadinite San Carlos, Chihuahua, Mexico. Ex. Dr. Steve
Chamberlain collection. Prev. Dr. George Robinson. A very large, 3.7 cm long
single crystal which is tabular and really sharp! A fully crystallized floater
with a high luster and impeccable form. The top portions of this complex
crystal are capped by small white calcite crystals. What a beautiful display TN
specimen. Killer piece! 225$
OK-003 Galena Mogul Mine, Silvermines, Tipperary, Ireland. Ex. Dr. Steve
Chamberlain Collection. This beautiful galena crystal is cuboctahedral in form
and of the highest luster to be found in the species. The specimen measures 2.9
x 2.4 x 1 cm overall. Its surfaces show multiple terminations to to its stepped
growth. The backside shows some crystallization, as well. A fine example from
an uncommon occurrence. 195$
OK-004 Almandine Ampadramaika, Madagascar. Ex. Dr. Steve Chamberlain
Collection. This large single crystal is a floater with only a couple minor
rubs. Highly displayable, high luster, mild translucence and spectacular
textbook form. There are minor striations on its glassy faces and the crystal
is an equidimentional shape at 2.5 cm in diameter. Wow! 125$
OK-005 Pyrite Mammoth Mine, Central City District, Gilpin Co., Colorado.
Ex. Dr, Steve Chamberlain Collection. Pretty TN specimen measuring 2.5 cm on
longest face. High luster and sharp form to this complex crystal composed of a
cube modified by a dodecahedron. The stepped growth on each face makes it
attractive and very display worthy. Contact is only to a well concealed section
of the base. Only micro rubs which are not distracting. 90$
OK-006 Quartz Rt. # 72 road cut, New Britain, Connecticut. Ex. Dr.
Steve Chamberlain Collection. A pair of larger crystals (largest being 2.3 cm
in diameter) on a matrix plate of micro quartz crystals. The specimen is clear
to milky in color and very well formed. The big crystal has a split termination
and there is no damage anywhere. It is mounted in a perky box and displays
nicely. A great high luster TN specimen. 95$
OK-007 Vanadinite San Carlos, Chihuahua, Mexico. Ex. Dr. Steve
Chamberlain collection. Prev. Dr. George Robinson. A very large, 2.9 cm long
parallel growth stack of crystals which are really sharp! A fully crystallized
floater with a high luster and impeccable form. Various white to clear calcites
throughout. One very tiny ding which is not distracting. The piece has a
metallic, frosted appearance and the stack of crystals presents itself as a
gentle, expanding, curved sweep of crystals. What a beautiful display TN
specimen. 200$
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