January 2012 Update
OKJ-106 Pyrite Mt. St. Hilaire, Quebec, Canada. Ex.
Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. When I saw these two fine pyrites labeled as
Mt. St. Hilaire I could hardly believe it. I’ve inspected many, thousands of
MSH specimens over the years from TN to things weighing tens of pounds with
crystals five plus inches… these shocked me, but I guess that’s what you should
expect when looking into the collection of someone who specialized in a single
species (Paul focused on the pyrites). This first one measures 3.2 x 3.2 x 3.2
cm. It is a perfect dome with crystals to 1.2 cm on edge. Minor modifications
by octahedron, fine metallic luster, and good views all around make this a nice
piece. The base is fully mineralized with only a couple small contacts. No
damage. The crystals are not perfectly formed like they typical material
from Peru but that's because it's special. You won't be likely to find one
of these in anyone else's collection. I have never seen pyrite of this quality from MSH in my long
familiarity with this exotic location. This is a truly rare thing even if it is
“just a pyrite”. $325
OKJ-103 Pyrite Mt. St. Hilaire, Quebec, Canada. Ex.
Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. When I saw these two fine pyrites labeled as
Mt. St. Hilaire I could hardly believe it. I’ve inspected many, thousands of
MSH specimens over the years from TN to things weighing tens of pounds with
crystals five plus inches… these shocked me, but I guess that’s what you should
expect when looking into the collection of someone who specialized in a single
species (Paul focused on the pyrites). This specimen is more obvious as being
from MSH having dolomite and selenite? as accessories. There are a couple of
broken areas, quite small on this nice floater. Views great. Cubes to 1.9 cm
each modified by octahedrons. The crystals are not perfectly formed like
they typical material from Peru but that's because it's special. You won't
be likely to find one of these in anyone else's collection. Very fine! Sits well for display and nice from
all sides. Good luster and nice three dimensionality. I have never seen
pyrite of this quality from MSH in my long familiarity with this exotic
location. This is also a truly rare thing even if it is “just a pyrite”. $450
OKH-999 Barite, Pyrite, and Quartz Spruce Pine
Claim, King County, Washington. Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. Unusual
material for the locality with the inclusion of these large, white, zoned barite
crystals. The piece measures 6.5 x 4.1 x 3.8 cm. The barites are up to 3 cm
each and the quartz to 4 cm. All crystals are double terminated and milky in
color. Several barites are broken but the specimen is in respectable condition
considering that there are no obvious points of attachment. The quartz shows no
damage and splays out in all directions. It sits nicely and has equally good
views from several directions. An unusual specimen of nice quality. $220
OKJ-100 Smithsonite Hilarion Adit, Agios
Contstantinos, Laurion, Greece. Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. An
exotic location for this fine quality smithsonite specimen. The piece measures
4.7 x 3.8 x 3 cm with smithsonite balls to 2.6 cm each. The luster is very high
and the front has nothing but edge contact breakage and nothing of issue with
the largest ball. More crystals on back as well but not of the quality of the
ones on the front. Sits nicely a couple of different ways. Very attractive
piece. $250
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OKJ-101 Scheelite
RESERVED Bao Feng Wu Mine, Sichuan Prov.,
China. Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. This specimen is a very steeply
terminated single crystal measuring 3.0 x 3.1 x 2.5 cm. It is a floater with
healed and partially developed faces on the base and a small part of one side.
Tiny quartz crystals inside of one of the hoppered faces! High luster, bright
fluorescence. Very high quality. Zero damage. I can’t find this type of
specimen at this price wholesale any longer. $175
OKJ-102 Zincite Olkusz, Poland. Ex. Paul and Dawne
Dunning Collection. This is not a true mineral crystal, it is a zinc kiln smoke
stack deposit mineralization. These have been around for a long time but they
are not often seen in crystals this well developed and when they are they tend
to be very, very expensive. This damage free crystal measures 6.3 cm long and is up
to 1.1 cm wide. Primary crystal is deep orange in color and transparent. There
are tiny secondary growth crystals and they are yellow. Very nice and
aesthetic. $295
OKJ-105 Pyrite and Quartz Leonard Mine, Butte,
Silver Bow County, Montana. Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. Pieces like
this scream “American classic!” and are always in demand. Minor staining. This one has some
damage as can be seen and evaluated from the images, however the primary crystal
is in decent condition and the specimen displays nicely. I wouldn’t waste my
time describing and listing this piece unless I thought it was worth someone’s
time. The interesting thing about the specimen is the complex form that the big
pyrite shows. The edges have interesting steps as modifications to the
octahedron. Other forms present, as well in this fine specimen which measures
5.4 x 3.6 x 3.5 cm. The big pyrite is 2.8 cm across and lustrous. It rests in
quartz and pyrite matrix. Showy and classic! $220
OKH-998 Hematite Arzanah Island, near Abu-Dhabi,
Unite Arab Emirates. Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. This is one of the
most unique specimens I have seen this year. Crystalographically it is bizarre
to say the least. Have you ever seen such a steeply terminated hematite from
anywhere little known the U.A.E.?! It is small measuring only 1.45 cm long. A
very tiny ding on one termination, barely visible but clear in third image, otherwise a damage free
floater. Complex, high in luster, amazingly interesting form, unusual
location. This one has it all. $325
OKJ-104 Pyrite Ural Beresovsk, Russia. Ex. Paul and
Dawne Dunning Collection. I think this is as nice as any pyrite I’ve ever
owned. The location is uncommon, the specimen’s aesthetics are amazing and
the condition is very good. Only a couple small areas have chips and
you’ll need to look closely to find them. The luster is top shelf and the
crystals are unusual in their form. These appear to be cubes with
extensive growth modifications. Basically said, every crystal is very
different looking form the one next to it. You can inspect this one for a
long time attempting to get a handle on what’s going on. I still am having
a terrible time describing it. I’ll have to let the photos speak to the
crystal shapes present. The images can not do justice to the look of this
one in hand, however. It sits beautifully on the only area that has contact from the rock it formed on. This is flat and
partially healed so it sits sold! Smaller pyrites almost look to be a second
generation of growth. They probably are. The piece is very three dimensional
forming a large ridge shaped dome that views very well from any direction
including the back where there are some minor white calcites for contrast.
Simply an amazing high end pyrite that is well proportioned at 7.5 x 5.2 x 4.3
cm overall. The crystals are to 2 cm each on edge. Very high quality. $650
OKH-961 Mimetite
RESERVED Rowley Mine, Theba, Arizona. Ex.
Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. Very bright orange mimetite balls on gray/
white translucent quartz. The small spheres really pop due to their super high
luster and strongly contrasting color when compared to the matrix they are on.
No damage. 2. 3 x 2.2 x 1.3 cm. A fantastic and attractive TN
specimen. $95
OKH-962 Tourmaline Himalaya Mine, Mesa Grande,
California. Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. A fine damage free, single
terminated crystal with minor quartz and lepidolite as accessories. The crystal
measures 3 cm long and is .8 cm wide. Translucent to transparent, lightly
striated, rich pink color. Only $90
OKH-963 Wulfenite Tsumeb, Namibia. Ex. Paul and
Dawne Dunning Collection. A stocky tab of honey brown colored wulfentite with a
smaller penetrating crystal near its base. Color on the back fades into a
gray. Good luster and fine form. Minor chipping but not anything nasty
looking. Translucent and attractive. $180
OKH-964 Azurite on Dolomite
RESERVED Tourissit Mine near
Oujda, Morocco . Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. A stocky 1.3 cm
crystal of rich blue color and typical high luster rests among tan colored
dolomites. Beautiful crystallography and color contrast. Zero damage. 2.1 x
1.6 x 1.5 cm. Mounted in perky box. Very aesthetic. $150
OKH-965 Smithsonite Tsumeb, Namibia. Ex. Paul and
Dawne Dunning Collection. Nicely formed homey yellow crystals with a greasy
luster form a dome on this 3 x 2.2 x 2 cm piece. Desirable material from a
desirable location. No damage, views well from all directions. Crystals are on
a galena matrix. Very nice! $120
OKH-966 Barite on Pyrolusite Black Widow Mine,
Arizona. Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. Clear to gray transparent
barites form a radiation cluster on the top center of the well formed, metallic,
silver colored pyrolusite crystals. Nice contrast in forms and colors.
Everything is of high luster, good form and damage free. 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.7 cm
overall. Quite unusual and attractive. $90
OKH-967 Dioptase
Tsumeb, Namibia. Ex. Paul and
Dawne Dunning Collection. It is seldom that I find a thumbnail sized specimen
in my inventory (or anyone else’s, for that matter) that should command a price
in excess of a thousand dollars, but I think that this one meets all the proper
qualifications. This competition grade TN specimen has a cluster of translucent
to transparent dioptase of spectacular form and superior size. Sorry my
camera hates this color so it's off...but you know exactly what the top
specimens of this material looks like, everyone does. The specimen is
3 x 2 x 2 cm overall with largest crystal measuring a whopping 1.7 x 1.2 x 1.1
cm! The crystals all show off well on the white/ cream colored calcite matrix
with amazing contrast. Both the luster and color are the highest attainable for
the species. The specimen is in excellent condition and the views are
great from all directions. The largest crystal stands up higher than all the
rest and draws one’s eye in instantly. The faces are not striated, malformed or
mired by growth defects as can commonly be the case with these. Only a couple very tiny
secondary growth crystals are on their surfaces so they are very clean and
aesthetic. I think it would be difficult to find a better example of this
species for competition. There is even a little extra matrix that could be
trimmed off should the new owner desire to position it differently from what is
now optimal. Calcite matrix has minor Styrofoam attached that can be removed.
One of the finest TN specimens currently in our inventory! The best we have
ever had for the species in this size. Eye candy of the finest kind! $1,200
OKH-968 Cerussite on Smithsonite Tsumeb, Namibia,
Africa. Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. Very high luster specimen with
clear cerussite twin crystals in several places on a light pink matrix of
crystallized smithsonite. This domical piece measures 3.2 x 3.2 x 2.5 cm. It
appears to be a floater (it is now mounted in a perky box) with only one small
flake on a single cerussite showing damage. This is difficult to see even with
magnification. It views almost equally well from any direction. Very
attractive and desirable. $195
OKH-981 Rhodochrosite Tachwaneg Mine, Black Rock,
South Africa (actually Black Rock Mine, Kalahari Manganese Fields, Northern Cape
Prov., South Africa). Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. Transparent
rhodos in a well formed cluster with very little peripheral contact or damage
(one termination on a peripheral crystal is cleaved). Everything in main body
of the grouping is damage free and attractive. Terminations are dominated by
pinnicoids but some are more complex which is the norm for the location.
Minor hematite blades add contrast to the high luster rhodos. Good views from any
side. Currently mounted in a perky box. 1.5 x 1.3 x 1 cm overall.
Approximately a dozen crystals in the cluster. If found available today these
are usually seen as single crystals with strong contacts from once surrounding
crystals. This is a well developed, cluster with unusual terminations and all
the other desirable qualities for which this material is so famous. $570
OKH-969 Benitoite and Neptunite
RESERVED San Benito,
California. Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. A typical example with
complete and incomplete crystal on matrix. 3.1 x 1.9 x 1.3 cm with crystals to
.7 cm each. I don’t consider this a high quality specimen, only a good example
of a popular material. Priced to find a home. $35
OKH-979 Cerussite Tsumeb, Namibia, Africa. Ex. Paul
and Dawne Dunning Collection. Clear twin measuring 2 X 1.7 X 1.4 cm.
Attractive
grouping with a blade in back partially broke and small ding on a side limb. Not
perfect but still an attractive example. Price nicely at….$35
OKH-980 Boleite Santa Rosalia, Baja, California.
Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. A very large example of this material
measuring approximately .8 x .8 x .7 cm. Its luster is very high and the single
crystal is a floater. Small abrasions in a couple of spots but it can be
displayed well not showing this. The exceptional size and quality make the
price higher on this one. Very uncommon to find in this nice a specimen. $275
OKH-982 Realgar Getchell Mine, Humboldt Co.,
Nevada. Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. A very aesthetic specimen form
an unusual U.S. locality. The realgars branch out off the dark matrix in an
attractive spray. Individual crystals are prismatic and rounded (almost melted
looking). The piece measures 2.7 x 2 x 1.8 cm with crystals to 1 cm each.
Their luster is very high and the color contrast between the deep blood red
crystals and black matrix is exceptional. Zero damage. Anyone who collects
North American TN specimen would likely desire this fine piece. I anticipate it
having no trouble finding its place in a fine collection. Very fine! $225
OKH-983 Topaz Sabuitia, Russia. Ex. Paul and Dawne
Dunning Collection. A 1.6 x 1.4 x 1.3 cm single crystal with good clarity and
light baby blue color. The crystal is high in luster, is gemmy in areas and
moderately to highly included in others, and exhibits a complex termination.
There are growth distortions on some faces and a small crush mark on the
backside of the termination. $140
OKH-984 Silver Wires Highland Bell Mine, Beaverdell,
British Columbia. Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. A small but thick
grouping of wire with moderate patina and aesthetic form (very German or
Norwegian looking).
It measures 1.4 x 1 x .3 cm. Very attractive for a Canadian silver. $125
OKH-985 Silver Alura Mine, Cobar, N.S.W.
Australia. Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. An attractive 2.3 cm long
grouping of what appear to be spinel law twinned crystals in an aesthetic
arrangement. The patina varies from top to bottom as can be seen in the
images. It is currently mounted in a perky box. Quite nice even with the color
variation. No damage. $175
OKH-986 Amethyst Kedon, Magadan Oblast, Russia. Ex.
Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. Attractive, gem crystal measuring 2.5 x 2.3
x 2 cm. Minor internal fracturing. Small tip ding on backside, not visible
from front. Very rich in color! Mounted in a perky box. Desirable and priced to go. $40
OKH-987 Anglesite Touissit Mine, Oujda, Morroco. Ex.
Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. This is a fine example of some of the most
in demand material on today’s market. It is of the highest luster, great form
and great clarity (only mild internal fracturing. The color is a desirable
bright yellow… not pale, Bright! 1.9 x 1.1 x .9 cm. Very tiny ding on one
edge, otherwise in nice shape viewing great from all sides. Mounted in a perky
box. These have hit some outrageous prices even for TN sized specimens. This
one will be an amazing find for someone who has wanted one of these in their
collection. I think I have it between 1/3rd and ¼ of the price that
it could be sold for. A nice value at $240
OKH-988
Gold CRA Mine, Mt. Kare, Papau- New
Guinea. Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. A fine, lustrous nugget
measuring 1.2 x .8 cm. It is only a millimeter or so thick. Interesting form
and very unusual location. Mounted in a perky box. No damage. $180
OKH-989 Sphalerite Dundas Quarry, Hamilton,
Ontario, Canada. Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. This specimen is very
impressive, looking far larger than the thumbnail sized specimen that it is (2.8
x 2.5 x 2). An amazing, lustrous, complex sphalerite sits in the middle of this
small plate of dolostone. It is approximately 2.1 cm in diameter and splays out
in all directions. It is fantastic from any angle and has no damage, contacts
of blemishes of any type. The crystal is translucent and has a patina that
gives it a highly iridescent appearance. Wow!!! If you’ve seen many of these
from this quarry you will understand immediately why this one is important.
Mounted in a perky box. $150
OKH-990 Rose Quartz on Smoky Quartz Conselehiro
P., Minas Gerais, Brazil. Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. This milky,
smoky tipped crystal has an unusual scepter like overgrowth of clear quartz that
is obviously pink in on area. It has developed into a small, well terminated
crystal, rose quartz, sitting in parallel position on the side of the first
generation crystal. This small crystal is .8 cm and the entire piece measures
2.3 x 2.1 x 2.2 cm. Tiny tip ding on smoky quartz is not distracting but forces
me to part with it at a reduced price. $120
OKH-991 Fluorite on Rhodochrosite Sweet Home Mine,
Alma, Colorado. Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. A fine large rhomb
measuring 3.2 x 2.2 x 1 cm has light purple overgrowths of fluorite. There is
no damage to this exceptional thumbnail sized specimen. Average/ moderate
luster to rhodo, low luster to the fluorite. Very translucent. It is a floater
or, more likely, a healed crystal that broke free from the seam wall rock. A top
shelf TN specimen with many great features going for it. $750
OKH-992 Sapphire Sri Lanka. Ex. Paul and Dawne
Dunning Collection. This is the finest TN sized sapphire we’ve had! 2.3 x 1.3
x .9 cm overall with one clean termination and the second having a contact, or
missing. The color is a medium blue that is extremely pleasing and consistent
throughout the crystal. The form is amazing! Very sharp and the luster is
mirror like. No damage. Very gemmy except in areas where there are
inclusions. Very, very impressive in hand. Far better than most crystals in
this price range. $500
OKH-993 Peridot Spat, Naga, Parbat, Pakistan. Ex.
Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. 1.5 x 1 x .9 cm overall. A fine gem with
little to no internal fracturing or inclusions. Good termination, moderate
luster, mild external etching and growth deformation. No damage and equally
nice from any view. In perky box. Very nice example. $95
OKH-994 Aquamarine Minas Gerais, Brazil. Ex. Paul
and Dawne Dunning Collection. Gemmy, light blue, double terminated crystal
mounted in a perky box. No damage, surface is frosted (lightly etched). 2.5
cm. Uncommon specimen. $100
OKH-995 Heliodor Virgem da Lapa, Minas Gerais,
Brazil. Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. A rich, deep, bright yellow
etched fragment. Floater with only one small hematite flake as an inclusion.
No damage. 2.5 x 2.5 x 1.7 cm overall. Attractive and showy. Mounted in a
perky box. Rare to see this material with such a vibrant color or for a
manageable price like this one. $250
OKH-996 Cinnabar Fenghuang, Hunan Prov., China. Ex.
Paul and Dawne Dunning Collection. Small matrix plate with white dolomite
showing a couple of deep red cinnabar crystals (to 1.3 cm each). The color
contrast is nice and crystal form is good (average). The smallest crystal
appears to have a VERY small abrasion when looked at with 10x, but this could be
natural, otherwise in very nice shape. 2.9 x 2.4 x 1.7 cm. $70
OKH-997
Topaz Thomas Mountains, Juab County, Utah. Ex. Paul and Dawne Dunning
Collection. Common material still being found today and seen in most collectors
collections. This one is very nice for a thumbnail sized specimen, much beeter
than most. It measures 2 x 1.7 x .9 cm. It is very gemmy with most of the
upper half being of facet grade. The inclusions that are present are attractive
and interesting. Beautifully terminated, very high luster and no surface
imperfections which is normally the case with these. Nothing distracts one’s
eye from the magnificent crystal form, rich color and high luster that make this
specimen far better than is the norm for Utah topaz crystals. $95
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