Seaman Museum Galena With Spinel Twins!   Specimen #:  GAL

Superbly stunning specimen of highly lustrous wonderfully formed crystals of galena in a number of crystal formations from the Buick Mine, Viburnam Trend, Bixby, Iron County, Missouri.  I acquired this specimen from the Seaman Mineral Museum on the campus of Michigan Technological University (formerly Michigan College of Mines) in Houghton, Michigan in the heart of the Copper Country back about five years ago at a benefit auction to raise funds for a new museum building.   The galena crystals reach a maximum diameter of nearly an inch in size, and the crystal formations include three spinel twins including one really nice 1/2 inch diameter flattened crystal, exceptional and frequent penetration twinning of octahedral crystals with interesting alterations including many with flattened edges giving them a total of 14 faces.  In between the galena crystals the space is filled up with dolomite and chalcopyrite crystals.  This has rich crystal coverage on all sides except the naturally flattened base which provides an excellent display stand.  I can tell you that other dealers would have this specimen priced at two or more times our price, do an internet search and see for yourselves.  Excellent condition and a vibrant piece complete with rare crystallizations.  This is the best galena specimen we have ever had in stock hands down!!.   Weighs about 6 pounds.

Size:  7.5 x 4.5 x 5 inches

Price:  $375.00

Museum Quality Brazilian Tourmaline & Barite:

Specimen #:  STIBBY

Superbly stunning specimen of THOUSANDS of lustrous wonderfully formed crystals of tourmaline in a number of crystal formations from the Minas Gerais mining district in Brazil.  This piece was collected more than 30 years ago and is simply spectacular.  It is by leaps and bounds the finest specimen of tourmaline we have ever carried.  It measures 8.75 x 6.5 x 5.5 inches in size and has more crystals than you could ever possibly count ranging from super delicate hair thick elongated crystals to stout crystals 1/4 inch in diameter.  Maximum crystal length hits two inches.  The tourmaline is growing of a base of white crystalline barite which is composed of very large flattened intergrown bladed crystals reaching in excess of 2 inches in diameter.  Growing in among the barites and tourmalines are numerous other mini crystallizations of clear barite, calcite, and others (likely quartz and microcline).  You will need a hand lens for full appreciation.  The larger tourmalines are deep black (schorl), and many of the thin needles are brown and transparent (dravite).  The specimen has a number of natural crystal filled vugs just loaded with tourmalines with some spanning the entire width of the vug from one side to the other.  The top, both long sides and one end have near total tourmaline coverage, the other end is composed of tourmaline and white barite crystals, and the base is naturally flattened and comprised of undamaged sheaves of white barite crystals with a secondary crystalline calcite and barite covering.   You can display this on any side you choose with equally aesthetic results.  This specimen is fragile, so it will be shipped triple boxed and packed in powdered laundry detergent for safety.   This is the best specimen we currently have in stock.  If you were to find this on many mineral sites the price would probably be incredible, our price is really cheap for this beauty!    Weighs about 6.5 pounds.

Size:  8.5 x 6.5 x 5.5 inches

Price:  $1,450.00

Blanchard Mine Blue Fluorite & Calcite:    Specimen #:  GATT

Wonderful large cabinet specimen of bright blue transparent cubic fluorite crystals growing with mini white calcite crystals from the Blanchard Mine near Bingham, New Mexico.  Fluorite crystals reach a bit over 1/2 inch in maximum diameter.  The color combination on this piece is wonderful, with excellent crystal coverage on all sides allowing for numerous display options.  Weighs about 6 pounds.

Size:  8.5 x 5 x 4 inches

Price:  $200.00