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Uvite, Herkimer Diamond, Phlogopite Update, 2011
It has been awhile since I posted any self collected New York State specimens so I need to correct that oversight in the next few postings. The tourmalines from Bush Farm in Gouverneur, New York have been famous for over a hundred years. Photographs and noteworthy mentions regarding these tourmalines can be found in almost every book on minerals published over the last 30 years. The problem is it’s almost impossible to get a decent specimen from this locale. They always seem to have damage, a light brown/ orange color, and are lacking for luster. They also tend to be very crumbly and difficult to preserve as quality minerals specimens. This is one location where no matter how much work is done it seems that historic specimens found 100 to 170 years ago represent the finest materials recovered.
Uvites From the time period between last summer, 2011, a midsummer 2012, some exceptional specimens were recovered from a series of veins on the property. I personally believe, from my 35 years collecting experienced at this location, that they represent some of the finest specimens recovered in the last five to six decades. The find is noteworthy and the “What’s New” column in the Mineralogical Record will likely describe it further. Unlike the normal uvite crystals found at this location these are well formed, have mirror like lusters, are generally speaking in good condition, exhibit exceptional translucence with areas of gemmy material, and have a rich dark brown color. In all, they fit in nicely with, and sometimes exceed, the classic material for which this site is so famous. The find was short-lived and since midsummer no one has had any further luck at finding more of this outstanding material.
This grouping represents the best material I have to offer from this site. Some was collected by myself and some from other individuals who did a great deal of serious work looking for this material. All of these specimens have been naturally weathered from the calcite which once encased them. They are not etched out of calcite, and as a result unstable. These specimens tend to photograph quite poorly, but trust me on this, they are of the finest quality that can be recovered from the location. If you have any interest in classic East Coast material I would strongly recommend purchasing one of these few specimens now while they are available. I do not anticipate any further great strikes in the near future and the prices for these specimens are not excessive.
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OKH-729 Uvite RESERVED Bush Farm, Gouverneur, St. Lawrence County, New York. This large piece is the only cluster, or grouping of crystals, that I have to offer. It measures 8.5 x 7 x 8.2 cm overall it has crystals to 3.5 cm each. There are some crystal contacts but almost all determinations are fully intact. The crystals are prismatic, smooth faces, and there lustrous. All other characteristics are also superb. The matrix is massive tourmaline that has been stabilized. Very rare to have a cabinet size specimen recovered from this location. FLUORESCENT $425
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OKH-730 Uvite Bush Farm, Gouverneur, St. Lawrence County, New York. This is a large crystal dead measures 6 x 4.5 x 3.5 cm. Frontal and side views are exceptional, termination only has one small face with some damage and it is certainly not a distraction to the overall high quality of this piece. There is a large backside contact from another crystal. The color is very dark mainly because there is an excess of gemmy areas to a greater than normal depth. All other characteristics are excellent, as well. FLUORESCENT $395
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OKH-731 Uvite Bush Farm, Gouverneur, St. Lawrence County, New York. An impressive example measuring 5.8 x 3 x 2.7 cm. There is a small single terminated rider near the primary crystal’s base. Backside contacts but fine frontal views. Outstanding luster, medium brown color and nice prismatic form. The termination is wonderful with only a tiny spot rough spot on the backside. Attractive and unusually high quality. FLUORESCENT $195
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OKH-732 Uvite Bush Farm, Gouverneur, St. Lawrence County, New York. This fully terminated, damage free crystal measures 3.9 x 2.2 x 1.8 cm. Backside crystal contact, good views front and sides. Great luster, gemmy areas, nice color. Fine specimen. FLUORESCENT $150
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OKH-733 Uvite Bush Farm, Gouverneur, St. Lawrence County, New York. A large stocky crystal measuring 5.2 x 4 x 3.6 cm. Some stepped growth to a couple frontal faces, compete termination but some damage along lower back of it, several crystal contacts. FLUORESCENT $100
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OKH-734 Uvite Bush Farm, Gouverneur, St. Lawrence County, New York. A very nice single crystal measuring 2.5 x 2.4 x 2.2 cm overall. There is a contact on back, fully terminated and damage free. Excellent example. Very high quality. FLUORESCENT $80
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OKH-735 Uvite Bush Farm, Gouverneur, St. Lawrence County, New York. A beautiful high quality TN specimen measuring 2.3 x 1.9 x 1.2. Complex termination, no damage, one tiny crystal contact on back, fine color form and gemmy regions. I think you would be challenged to find such a nice high quality, classic, east coast TN tourmaline specimen in today’s market. FLUORESCENT $75
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OKH-736 Uvite Bush Farm, Gouverneur, St. Lawrence County, New York. Another fine specimen, great luster and form. This one has a tiny sliver of material missing on backside otherwise damage free. Crystal contact also on back. 3.1 x 2.2 x 2 cm. Excellent luster and great termination. An excellent specimen all around. FLUORESCENT $90
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OKH-737 Uvite Bush Farm, Gouverneur, St. Lawrence County, New York. An excellent TN specimen in all regards. Small crystal contact on back of crystal otherwise all characteristics are far above average…one of the nicest terminations on a crystal of this size that I’ve seen. 2.4 x 2 x 1.6 cm. Nice! FLUORESCENT $80
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OKH-738 Uvite Bush Farm, Gouverneur, St. Lawrence County, New York. Another large crystal measuring 6.1 x 4 x 3.5 cm. Very nice but it does have one large terminal face missing. Minor crystal contacts on back. FLUORESCENT $70
Herkimer Diamonds Always a favorite with mineral collectors, Herkimer diamonds are always in demand. The ones listed here were collected from to find pockets in the spring of 2011 from the Crystal Grove Mine. The two pockets were exceptional for their size and contents both. The specimens produced were small gemmy crystals on a quartz druze matrix. As can be seen from the photographs, the majority of the specimens were high in aesthetics, luster, and exhibit wonderful form. These are the nicest of the specimens recovered from this summer’s Herkimer diamond mining efforts that we have for sale.
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OKH-739 Herkimer Diamond Crystal Grove Mine, Lassellsville (Oppenheim), Fulton County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter. A nice display piece measuring 6.5 x 5.5 x 2.6 cm overall. The largest Herk is 2.5 x 2.5 x2.5 cm. Small repair to a chip on the backside of one crystal otherwise in perfect condition. Very nice for the price of $140
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OKH-740 Herkimer Diamond Crystal Grove Mine, Lassellsville (Oppenheim), Fulton County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter. A partial vug with several nice Herks high in it. The specimen measures 6/9 x 6.2 x 4.2 cm with Herks to 1.7 cm. One tiny Herk is broken, no damage to anything else. It stands firmly on its side displaying very nicely. $95
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OKH-741 Herkimer Diamond Crystal Grove Mine, Lassellsville (Oppenheim), Fulton County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter. A nice specimen that stands on edge showing off a single large 2.1 x 2 x 1.4 cm diamond. It has a small inclusion of anthraxolite and a spot on its reverse side where it was in contact with matrix. An aesthetic piece that displays smartly. $85
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OKH-742 Herkimer Diamond Crystal Grove Mine, Lassellsville (Oppenheim), Fulton County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter. A small matrix specimen measuring 3.8 x 3.5 x 2.1 cm with two large, and other, Herks to 2.6 cm each. Beautiful display, back shows two of the diamonds had matrix attachments. $90
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OKH-743 Herkimer Diamond RESERVED Crystal Grove Mine, Lassellsville (Oppenheim), Fulton County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter. A fine damage free plate of crystals with a slightly domical shape. 5 x 4.7 x 2 cm. Individual crystals to 1.6 cm that are exceptionally clear. Great piece! $80
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OKH-744 Herkimer Diamond Crystal Grove Mine, Lassellsville (Oppenheim), Fulton County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter. Nice damage free Herks stand up off this matrix specimen. They are up to 1.5 cm each and 5 x 4.5 x 4 cm are the specimen’s overall dimensions. $145
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OKH-745 Herkimer Diamond RESERVED Crystal Grove Mine, Lassellsville (Oppenheim), Fulton County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter. This specimen is the finest of the offerings that we have. It measures 8 x 5 x 4.2 cm overall with crystals to 3.6 cm. On crystal has been reattached with all the rest being damage free naturals. The matrix is a dome shaped druze covered section of dolostone. Good views all around. Contact on edge of one large diamond. Displays great vertically or on edge. An uncommon find. Especially fine for Crystal Grove. $295
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OKH-746 Herkimer Diamond Crystal Grove Mine, Lassellsville (Oppenheim), Fulton County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter. Another large crystal specimen measuring 6.5 x 4.5 x 3 cm with Herks to 3.7 cm. Two big crystals are complete and damage free but had to be reattached. Chip on one of the tiny diamonds but it is barely noticeable. Excellent quality. $170
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OKH-747 Herkimer Diamond RESERVED Crystal Grove Mine, Lassellsville (Oppenheim), Fulton County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter. An attractive 5.5 x 5 x 4.3 cm grouping of clear crystals to 1.4 cm each. The crystals sit up high and display nicely with only one small one having damage. Clusters this nice are certainly not commonplace from this mine. $125
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OKH-748 Herkimer Diamond Crystal Grove Mine, Lassellsville (Oppenheim), Fulton County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter. A small specimen measuring 3.5 x 3 x 2.4 cm with crystals to 1.7 cm. Very clear crystals, one tiny one is damaged. Displays well. $80
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OKH-749 Herkimer Diamond RESERVED Crystal Grove Mine, Lassellsville (Oppenheim), Fulton County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter. A damage free dome with two very clear crystals sitting up high on it. 3.9 x 3 x 2.9 cm. Crystals to 1.2 cm. Very attractive $30
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OKH-750 Herkimer Diamond Crystal Grove Mine, Lassellsville (Oppenheim), Fulton County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter. A nice example with a largish diamond, 1.7 cm, and other compose this 3.8 x 3.3 x 2.7 cm specimen. One small chip on edge of large diamond. $30
Phlogopite During the spring of 2010 a weathered seam was discovered at the Selleck Road occurrence, West Pierrepont, New York. Besides the minerals typically found at the site: tremolite, uvite, quartz, and feldspar pseudomorphs, an unusual discovery was made. Oddly shaped mica crystals to 4 cm in diameter were found loose in the opening and embedded in the massive calcite that comprised the unweathered portions of the seam.
The species was phlogopite and the crystals presented themselves as well developed individuals and groups, both on and off matrices of tremolite, quartz and feldspar. They are a reddish brown color and often quite translucent when viewed perpendicular to the “c” axis. The most unusual characteristic is their form which very much resembled the shape of a “Mercedes Benz” emblem when viewed down the “c” axis of the crystal. Investigation has shown these unusual crystals not to be a form of growth deformation, rather a rare form of twinning. So unique were these specimens that they made the Mineralogical Record “What’s New”. They appear to be the only macroscopic examples of this type of twinning ever found. Informational Article.
Both the crystals and matrices are quite unstable so the majority of the specimens require elaborate cleaning methods and stabilization. Curatorial preparation included a light coating of the B-72 acriloid. The process is reversible, stable up to 300 years, and did not change the luster or overall appearance of any of the species with the exception of the gray quartz seen on some matrix specimens. The quartz often looks a bit glassier.
I put these few nice thumbnail sized specimens away for a web update and it is now time for that posting. To follow are 12 of the best specimens for form, condition and size. There are no better. I do have some miniature to cabinet sized specimens that have mica twins but the “triplet” form is not complete on most. Contact me if a larger specimen is required.
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OKH-887 Phologopite Twin RESERVED Selleck Road Occurrence, West Pierrepont, St. Lawrence County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter, Spring 2010. I think this twin is the finest of the entire grouping. It measures 2.9 x 1.5 x 1.6 cm and shows triplet reversal on the back of the piece. It is a floater grouping views beautifully from the front. The back shows minor cleaving but on one of the branches. This is simply an amazing mica crystal, easily as nice as the majority of those I added to my collection. Very high luster because it was etched from calcite matrix. This is the finest example that will be offered for sale and it is at a fraction of the cost of any normal high end thumbnail specimen. $175
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OKH-888 Phologopite Twin Selleck Road Occurrence, West Pierrepont, St. Lawrence County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter, Spring 2010. this one is a nice matrix specimen on quartz and feldspar It measures 2.1 x 2 x 1.9 cm overall. It sits nicely and displays well. Only the two top branches are evident. $50
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OKH-889 Phologopite Twin RESERVED Selleck Road Occurrence, West Pierrepont, St. Lawrence County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter, Spring 2010. This is the most perfect of the entire grouping. It measures 1.6 x 1.6 x 1.3 cm and shows triplet reversal on the backside of the piece. It is a floater grouping and views beautifully from the front and back both. This is simply an amazing mica crystal, easily as nice as the majority of those I added to my collection. Very high luster, found naturally etched from the calcite. Zero Damage. This is simply crystallographic perfection will and it is at a fraction of the cost of any normal high end thumbnail specimen. Amazing piece! $190
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OKH-890 Phologopite Twin Selleck Road Occurrence, West Pierrepont, St. Lawrence County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter, Spring 2010. This is another perfect crystal. It measures 1.6 x 1.6 x 1.5 cm and shows triplet reversal on the backside of the piece. It is a floater grouping and views beautifully from the front and back both. This is simply an amazing mica crystal, easily as nice as the majority of those I added to my collection. Very high luster, etched from calcite. Zero damage. This is simply crystallographic perfection will and it is at a fraction of the cost of any normal high end thumbnail specimen. $150
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OKH-891 Phologopite Twin Selleck Road Occurrence, West Pierrepont, St. Lawrence County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter, Spring 2010. This is the only specimen on a matrix of tremolite, the mineral for which the site is so famous. It measures 2.5 x 2.4 x 4 cm and has phlogopite sitting up high on the matrix. It measures 1.2 cm and the entire specimen is damage free. It is a floater grouping and views beautifully from all directions. Very high luster, etched from calcite. Zero damage. A fantastic example. $170
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OKH-892 Phologopite Twin Selleck Road Occurrence, West Pierrepont, St. Lawrence County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter, Spring 2010. This specimen is single terminated and somewhat larger measuring in at 2.8 x 2.6 x 2.3. Nice luster and form. $100
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OKH-893 Phologopite Twin Selleck Road Occurrence, West Pierrepont, St. Lawrence County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter, Spring 2010. This is a wonderful example which views exceptionally well from the front. The luster is high and the form is nothing short of perfection. . No damage, etched from the calcite. 2.2 x 1.7 x .7 cm. Very nice! $70
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OKH-894 Phologopite Twin Selleck Road Occurrence, West Pierrepont, St. Lawrence County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter, Spring 2010. This is as perfect a crystal as any offered in this grouping, only smaller. It measures 1.3 x 1.2 x 1 cm and shows triplet reversal on the backside of the piece. It is a floater grouping and views beautifully from the front and back both. This is simply an amazing mica crystal, easily as nice as the majority of those I added to my collection. Very high luster, etched from the calcite. Zero Damage. This is simply crystallographic perfection will and it is at a fraction of the cost of any normal high end thumbnail specimen. $75
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OKH-895 Phologopite Twin Selleck Road Occurrence, West Pierrepont, St. Lawrence County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter, Spring 2010. This is the most perfect of the entire grouping. It measures 2.5 x 2.4 x 2.3 cm and shows triplet reversal on the backside of the piece. It is a floater grouping and views beautifully from the front and so-so from the back. High luster, found naturally etched from the calcite. A fine example with tiny bits of quartz and feldspar in places $130
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OKH-896 Phologopite Twin Selleck Road Occurrence, West Pierrepont, St. Lawrence County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter, Spring 2010. A large single terminated crystal measuring 3.2 x 3 x 1.5 cm. It is a good piece with a nice frontal view and back view showing no triplet development. Found naturally etched from calcite seam, loose. $70
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OKH-897 Phologopite Twin Selleck Road Occurrence, West Pierrepont, St. Lawrence County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter, Spring 2010. This one measures 2 x 2 x 1.5 cm and shows triplet reversal on the backside of the piece. It is a floater grouping and views beautifully from the front and fairly nicely from the back. High luster, found naturally etched from the calcite. In nice condition and shows well. $95
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OKH-898 Phologopite Twin Selleck Road Occurrence, West Pierrepont, St. Lawrence County, New York. Collected by Michael Walter, Spring 2010. This is another perfect crystal. It measures 2 x 1.5 x 1.2 cm and shows triplet reversal on the backside of the piece. It is a floater grouping and views beautifully from the front and back both with the backside’s triplet development not being as obvious. This is simply an amazing mica crystal, easily as nice as the majority of those I added to my collection. Very high luster, etched from the calcite. Zero Damage. This is simply crystallographic perfection will and it is at a fraction of the cost of any normal high end thumbnail specimen. Really nice example. $120
