38 minute read

minerALS SpeCimenS, foSSiLS And Amber, LotS 285-411

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285* A Fire Agate Specimen, Laughter Mountain, San Carlos Reservation, Arizona, United States, occurring as a layer of botryoidal crystallization on top of the matrix, exhibiting strong fire with noticeable green, orangey red and yellow flashes. 8.90 x 6.40 x 1.90 cm. $1,000-2,000

286* An Amazonite Specimen, Macarani, Bahia, Brazil a sharp twinned crystal of considerable size and intensely saturated greenish blue hue, lustrous crystal faces, partial coating of drusy smoky quartz confined to two crystal faces, small area of associated white quartz shows black acicular inclusions, possibly schorl tourmaline. 35.50 x 33.00 x 20.30 cm. $3,000-5,000

287* An Amethyst Stalactite Specimen, Uruguay, the densely packed deep purple crystals with sharp terminations completely cover a central core of agate, this interesting growth pattern formed vertically within cave deposits. 13.97 x 8.89 x 6.35 cm. $500-700

288* An Amethyst “Rose” Specimen, Brazil, a radiating spray of rock crystal quartz transitioning to pale lavender amethyst, translucent to transparent with sharp crystal faces, supported from a custom wood base. 30.50 X 25.40 X 2.50 cm. $500-700

289* An Unusual Amethyst and Drusy Quartz “Flower”, Brazil, consisting of a section of matrix overgrown with translucent pale drusy amethyst showing faint green from the matrix below and extending out to a radiating pattern of outward facing rock crystal to pale amethyst in a “flower” growth pattern, one side transitioning to larger milky white to pale pink quartz points showing strongly contrasted purplish pink lepidocrocite inclusions, these larger quartz points hosting an overgrowth of additional “flower” or “cactus” quartz crystal growth in colorless to pale pink hues. 43.20 x 36.80 cm. $600-800

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291 290* A Brazilianite Specimen, Minas Gerais, Brazil, of miniature size, consisting of a single doubly terminated brazilianite crystal of saturated yellowish green hue perched upon a white albite crystal.

Accompanied by a domed, fitted base. Height with stand: approximately 5.00 cm. Brazilianite crystal: 27.80 x 19.05 mm. $300-500

291* An Aquamarine Specimen, of impressive size and exhibiting classic hexagonal form, this large crystal is of medium greenish blue hue and translucent. 16.76 x 5.72 x 5.33 cm. $1,500-2,500

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292* A Naturally Etched Aquamarine Specimen, Minas Gerais, Brazil, possibly Pedra Azul, extensively etched and pierced “floater” crystal with freeform sculptural aesthetics including intact delicate sections exhibiting the resulting complex crystal faces, variegated shades of blue from pale to intense blue, excellent transparency. 10.20 x 8.90 cm. $1,000-2,000 293* A Naturally Etched Aquamarine Crystal Specimen, Minas Gerais, Brazil, possibly Pedra Azul, a “floater” crystal with extensive etching which has heavily sculpted and pierced the original form leaving a complex sculptural specimen with intricate patterns of crystal faces, variegated shades of blue from pale to intense, excellent transparency. 12.95 x 9.65 x 4.45 cm. $1,000-2,000

the present Lot 294, as well as Lots 384 and 385, were formerly in the collection of Joseph A. freilich. the mineralogical library and assortment of fine mineral specimens that mr. freilich meticulously accumulated is considered one of the more important modern collections of its kind to have been assembled.

294 294* An Aquamarine Specimen, Shengus, Pakistan, ex. Joseph A. Freilich Collection

This fine example of aquamarine from a renowned historical source has a even slightly greenish blue hue, subtle internal veils, exhibiting a stair step like formation of parallel crystals with complex terminations, accented with minor schorl tourmaline near the base.

Provenance: Sotheby’s New York January 12, 2001 The Mineral Collection of Joseph A. Freilich Lot 93 14.00 x 5.10 cm. $10,000-15,000

295* An Aquamarine and Muscovite Specimen, Nagar, Gilgit District, Northern Areas, Pakistan, a museum size specimen from a classic locality, the impressive main aquamarine crystal exhibiting a sharp complex termination, the veiled interior helping to create a resonant greenish blue hue with highly transparent areas near the termination, the bright silver and lustrous muscovite blades providing a stunning counterpoint, additional small greenish blue aquamarine crystals on the reverse.

Accompanied by a custom made lucite base. 24.10 x 25.40 x 10.20 cm. $12,000-18,000

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296 296* An Azurite Specimen, Areyonga, Northern Territories, Australia, crystallized in a flattened circular form, intensely saturated pure blue hue and significant size. 10.80 x 1.30 cm. $600-800

297* An Azurite and Malachite Specimen, a large cabinet size, consisting of three very deep blue azurite crystals with defined faces, their edges showing translucency in some areas, partially replaced with malachite and additional azurite. 9.52 x 5.72 x 3.18 cm. $800-1,200

298* An Azurite and Malachite Specimen, a large partially polished plate of light to deep blue azurite, the surface showing the botryoidal growth structure, the profile showing the layering of azurite over the matrix with visible associated malachite veining. $600-800

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299* A Barite on Quartz Specimen, consisting of a bed of slightly frosted and sharply terminated quartz crystals interspersed with pale blue and semi transparent barite crystals suspended near the quartz terminations. 21.60 x 16.13 x 8.90 cm. $800-1,200

300* A Bladed Barite Specimen, Mibladen, Morocco, large cabinet size, consisting of numerous clusters of bright orange bladed barite crystals on matrix. 33.00 x 17.80 x 5.10 cm. $400-600 301* A Barite Specimen, Nador Province, Morocco, delicate blue crystal sprays radiating from small section of red brown limonite matrix visible only on the underside. 17.78 x 15.24 x 7.62 cm. $400-600

302* A Benitoite and Neptunite Specimen, a good reference quality example for the collector, consisting of scattered benitoite crystals measuring to 12.50 mm, of variegated blue to white color on hardstone matrix interspersed with neptunite crystal clusters. 12.70 x 8.76 x 7.37 cm. $400-600

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303* A Green Beryl and Muscovite Specimen, Conselheiro, Minas Gerais, Itatiaia Mine, Brazil, a superb example of notable size, consisting of a large, sharply hexagonal green beryl crystal measuring approximately 10.16 cm. in length, of medium green color and good translucency with a truncated basal termination, nestled within a densely clustered base of lustrous bladed grey muscovite occurring in lamellar books and individually, accented with scattered cleavelandite crystals. 27.90 x 27.90 x 12.70 cm. $10,000-15,000 304* A Calcite on Barite and Sphalerite Specimen, Smith County, Tennessee, United States, wonderfully aesthetic, the twinned “dog tooth” calcite of glowing golden yellow orange color is suspended upon a tower of creamy barite balls, to complete the combination of associated minerals from this classic locality, a cluster of “ruby jack” sphalerite is nestled within the barite near the base.

Accompanied by a custom made lucite base. 23.50 x 19.70 x 15.20 cm. $2,000-3,000

305* A Calcite, Sphalerite and Barite Specimen, Smith County, Tennessee, United States, consisting of a single sharply terminated “dogtooth” crystal of golden calcite measuring 11.43 x 8.00 x 7.24 cm on matrix accented with “ruby jack” sphalerite, cream colored barite and numerous near colorless calcite crystals. 16.25 x 12.19 x 8.50 cm. $600-800

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306* A Calcite Specimen, Mariposa Mine, Santa Eulalia, Chihuahua, Mexico, a large vertical “dog tooth” cluster, the crystals accented at their edges in a rich golden brown color over the dark phantoms known from this locality. 38.10 x 17.80 x 19.70 cm. $800-1,200 307* A Cobaltoan Calcite Specimen, Aghbar Mine, Bou Azzer, Morocco, a dense cluster of sharp pyramidal cobaltoan calcite crystals with intensely saturated pinkish purple color and good translucency measuring up to 12.00 mm in length.

Affixed to a lucite base. 7.60 x 5.10 x 2.50 cm. $500-700

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308* A Cobaltoan Calcite Specimen, consisting of a section of matrix with a recessed vug containing numerous minute sharp crystals with extremely saturated pink purple color and excellent translucency to transparency. 8.25 x 8.25 x 7.60 cm. $200-300

309* A Cavansite on Stilbite Specimen, Pune, India, a colorful and popular member of the Indian zeolite group, this exceptionally large plate of white bladed stilbite crystals hosts numerous intensely saturated and well crystallized cavansite crystals measuring to 1.90 cm in length. 30.50 x 17.80 x 7.60 cm. $1,000-2,000 310* A Chrysocolla and Malachite with Drusy Quartz Specimen, Inspiration Mine, Globe-Miami, Arizona, United States, an older example featuring the well known growth pattern from this historic and now defunct copper mining area, featuring richly colored chrysocolla and malachite completely coated in a layer of fine and transparent drusy quartz clearly showing the intense color beneath. 10.20 x 8.30 x 4.40 cm. $1,000-2,000

311* A Chrysocolla and Malachite Specimen, botryoidal malachite with drusy chrysocolla overgrowth present on much of surface and within recesses of brown matrix. 20.30 x 14.00 x 14.00 cm. $300-500 312* A Collection of Celestite Geode Specimens, Madagascar, consisting of a celestite vug lined with numerous large euhedral prismatic pale blue crystals measuring to 7.62 cm in length, together with an additional vug containing numerous sharply crystallized medium blue crystals measuring to 2.54 cm in length, and an additional celestite geode specimen. Largest: 33.00 x 27.90 x 22.90 cm. Additional: 17.80 x 15.20 x 10.20 cm. $1,000-2,000

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313* A Crocoite Specimen, Tasmania, a dense intergrowth of well formed crocoite crystals of intense orange red hue. 15.20 x 12.70 x 8.90 cm. $800-1,200

314 An 81.97 Carat Natural Diamond Crystal, impressive size, crude partial octahedral form, complex crystal faces over the entirety of the surface including trigons, large area of high clarity on one side. 2.55 x 2.15 x 1.66 cm. Property from the Collection of Stan Krandall, Former Owner of Sidney Krandall & Sons, Troy, Michigan $6,000-8,000

315* A Dioptase Specimen, a densely packed cluster of sharp, lustrous and intensely saturated bluish green crystals to 14.00 mm in length on colorless calcite crystal and brown matrix.

Affixed to a lucite base. 5.58 x 5.33 x 3.81 cm. $500-700

316* An Emerald Specimen on Matrix, Chivor, Boyaca, Colombia, from one of the two classic Colombian emerald sources, featuring several intersecting doubly terminated emerald crystals measuring up to 5.46 cm in length formed over a layer of minute calcite crystals resting on the dark schist matrix. 10.80 x 8.90 x 3.17 cm. $3,000-5,000

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317* An Epidote Specimen, Julia Claim, near Hawthorne, Mineral County, Nevada, United States, a radiating spray of lustrous epidote crystals measuring up to 10.00 cm long, appearing deep yellowish green in reflected light and deep reddish brown in transmitted light, associated quartz crystals. 14.00 x 5.70 x 3.20 cm. $400-600 318* An Ettringite Specimen, N’Chwaning Mines, Kuruman, Kalahari Manganese Fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa, from a source associated with fine specimens from so many species, this example provides a rare example of ettringite on matrix, the numerous crystals range from minute to larger measuring up to 1.90 cm in length and are of saturated golden yellow color with sharp faces and terminations, light gray to black matrix of drusy crystals provides excellent contrast. 6.03 x 5.08 x 2.54 cm. $1,500-2,500 319* A Fluorite Specimen, De’An Mine, Jiangxi Province, China, ex. The Dr. Edward E. David Collection

Consisting of a cubo-octahedron fluorite of intense purple hue, often referred to as “grape jelly”, and a high degree of translucency on a base of quartz that has been etched to more fully reveal the fluorite, from the 2004 find.

Provenance Note: Dr. David held the position of Presidential Science Advisor under Nixon and was a serious collector of minerals. 11.90 x 7.40 x 6.40 cm. $600-800

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320* A Fluorite Specimen, Yaogangxian Mine, Hunan Province, China, consisting of numerous near colorless fluorite cubic crystals, many with purple phantoms near the outer edges, on a base of microcrystalline quartz drusy. 10.15 x 7.62 x 5.97 cm. $100-200

321* A Green Fluorite Specimen, Chinese, China, consisting of a dense overlapping cluster of light green and highly transparent fluorite, the edges of the cubes display interesting complex microcrystalline faces, numerous complex twins, transitioning to near colorless at edges. 15.25 x 9.52 x 10.80 cm. $400-600 322* A Green Fluorite Stalactite Specimen, Chenzhou Prefecture, Hunan Province, China, an aesthetic and significantly sized specimen from this relatively new source, the icelike cubes of pale green fluorite climb along the elevated chalky white matrix and possess excellent clarity and fine size to 3.50 cm in length. 33.00 x 19.10 x 8.90 cm. $1,500-2,500

323* A Green Fluorite Specimen, China, massive size, crude octahedral form, transitioning from an intense bluish green to near colorless. 29.20 x 22.86 x 12.05 cm. $300-500 324* A Green Flourite Specimen, China, a sea of highly transparent crystals cover the entire surface area of the matrix beneath, the color ranging from nearly colorless to medium green, mounted on an iron armature for display. 53.30 x 48.30 x 14.00 cm. $1,500-2,500

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325* A Purple and Green Fluorite Specimen, De’an Mine, Jiangxi, China, a large, delicate plate of purple, green and bicolor octahedral fluorite crystals within stark white quartz, trimmed specifically for backlighting to reveal the phantom growth. 36.20 x 24.77 cm. $400-600

326* A Green Fluorite Specimen, Rogerley Mine, Durham County, England, from the well known British source which produces fine green fluorite with a strong fluorescent reaction causing a bluish purple glow, the plate hosts an extensive coating of strong green cubic crystals measuring to 1.90 cm in length interspersed with lustrous deep grey octahedral galena measuring to 1.00 cm in length. 16.50 x 17.80 x 15.20 cm. $1,500-2,500

327* A Yellow Fluorite on Quartz Specimen, Nashik, India, exhibiting an unusual spherical crystalline form from this relatively new source, a single mustard yellow sphere of translucent fluorite measuring approximately 7.60 cm in diameter coating the drusy quartz base. 10.80 x 10.80 x 5.10 cm. $800-1,200

328* A Fluorite Specimen, Annabel Lee Mine, Hardin Co., Illinois, United States, from a classic locality for fluorite, this colorful example boasts distinct phantoms in each of the cubic crystals, the larger with a central golden yellow zone surrounded by several distinct blue and purple layers, the smaller cube with a strong purple core within a blue and purple surround, the translucent crystals mounted on a swiveling wood base with locality plaque. 18.70 x 18.10 cm. $400-600 329 A Fluorite Specimen, Hardin County, Illinois, United States, collected in 1972, consisting of a cluster of penetration twin crystals with finely hoppered faces, intense purple color with scattered speckled color, the crystal surfaces featuring sparsely distributed orange yellow calcite crystals, highly translucent. 14.50 x 10.00 x 7.00 cm. Property from the Collection of William Claussen, Lemont, Illinois $600-800 330 A Collection of Fluorite Crystals, Hardin County, Illinois, United States, consisting of three detached crystals, the first of intense yellow color with an outer colorless rim, the second of blue color with an internal phantom and scattered pyrite, the third of blue color with a strong purple phantom. Yellow Crystal: 4.50 x 3.60 x 3.60 cm. Blue Crystal with Pyrite: 7.00 x 6.00 x 4.50 cm. Blue Crystal: 9.00 x 6.00 x 6.00 cm. Property from the Collection of William Claussen, Lemont, Illinois $150-250

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331 331 A Purple Fluorite Specimen, Hardin County, Illinois, United States, collected in 1972, strongly saturated purple crystals with classic cubic as well as hoppered faces on matrix, good translucency. 28.00 x 13.00 x 7.00 cm. Property from the Collection of William Claussen, Lemont, Illinois $700-900

332 A Multi Color Fluorite Specimen, Hardin County, Illinois, United States, collected in 1972, consisting of multiple penetration twins with cores of deep golden yellow with intense purple outer zoning, scattered pyrite inclusions, excellent translucency for backlighting. 16.00 x 14.00 x 9.00 cm. Property from the Collection of William Claussen, Lemont, Illinois $1,000-2,000

333 A Fluorite and Calcite Specimen, Hardin County, Illinois, Untied States, collected in 1972, purply fluorite crystals host a dense overgrowth of creamy calcite crystals and an unidentified acicular crystallization, possibly strontianite. 11.00 x 9.00 x 8.00 cm. Property from the Collection of William Claussen, Lemont, Illinois $150-250

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334 A Multi Color Fluorite Specimen, Hardin County, Illinois, United States, collected in 1972, consisting of intense yellow cubic crystals, scattered hoppered growth, many crystals with strong purple outer edges, accented with a scattering of golden pyrite both as inclusions and at the surface, excellent translucency for backlighting. 15.00 x 13.00 x 14.00 cm. Property from the Collection of William Claussen, Lemont, Illinois $800-1,200

335* A Yellow Fluorite with Calcite Specimen, Minerva Mine #1, Cave in Rock District, Hardin County, Illinois, United States, in a cluster of fine cubic crystals measuring up to 3.18 cm, the interiors with intense golden yellow phantoms transitioning to colorless towards the edge, scattered crystals have faint purple outer edges, accented with an aesthetic spray of lamellar golden calcite. 14.00 x 10.20 x 6.40 cm. $500-700

336 A Purple Fluorite with Calcite Specimen, Hardin County, Illinois, United States, collected in 1972, this small cabinet specimen features intensely saturated purple fluorite crystals with subtly hoppered faces and speckled coloration hosting a rich overgrowth of yellow calcite crystals. 6.80 x 4.80 x 2.70 cm. Property from the Collection of William Claussen, Lemont, Illinois $300-500

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337 A Purple Fluorite Specimen with Calcite, Hardin County, Illinois, United States, collected in 1972, this large plate of fluorite shows hoppered growth to many of the crystals as well as several phantoms with intense purple cores and colorless outer zones, both sides of the plate hosting numerous near colorless calcite crystals. 31.00 x 19.00 x 14.00 cm. Property from the Collection of William Claussen, Lemont, Illinois $800-1,200

338 A Multi Color Fluorite Specimen with Calcite and Pyrite, Hardin County, Illinois, United States, collected in 1972, this showy specimen features a central cubic crystal with a deep golden yellow core, an intermediate purple zone and deep blue outer border as well as a scattering of included pyrite crystals, the surrounding fluorite covered with scattered white and sharply crystallized calcite. 10.00 x 10.00 x 8.50 cm. Property from the Collection of William Claussen, Lemont, Illinois $300-500

339 A Fluorite and Calcite Specimen, Hardin County, Illinois, United States, collected in 1972, featuring a central deep purplish blue fluorite crystal with a nearly complete surround of sharply terminated calcite scalenohedral crystals, the internal color of the highly transparent fluorite shows prominently with backlighting. 14.00 x 10.00 x 7.00 cm. Property from the Collection of William Claussen, Lemont, Illinois $500-700

340* A Sea Green Fluorite Specimen, Huanzala Mine, Peru, massive in size and sourced from an uncommon locality, octahedral crystals measuring to 15.00 cm in length, the surfaces take on a frosted appearance due to the innumerable crystal faces, excellent translucency when backlit. 20.30 x 15.20 x 10.80 cm. $1,000-2,000

341* A Fluorite with Barite Specimen, Berbes, Spain, a classic Spanish plate of drusy quartz with sharp modified cubic fluorite crystals of pale purple color and high transparency interspersed with white to pale yellow “books” of laminar calcite crystals. 25.40 x 11.43 x 6.35 cm. $200-300

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343 342* A Yellow Fluorite Specimen, Villabona, Spain, a large cabinet specimen, consisting of a dense cluster of unusually intense and pure yellow as well as highly transparent cubic fluorite crystals measuring to 2.00 cm in length. 17.78 x 15.24 x 10.16 cm. $800-1,200

343* A Demantoid Garnet in Matrix Specimen, Ambanja District, Diana Region, Antsiranana Province, Madagascar, from the 2009 find, sharp dodecahedral and rich yellowish green demantoid crystals measuring up to 1.25 cm in length in two distinct clusters surrounding a central grouping of colorless translucent calcite showing sharp crystal faces all on matrix. 12.70 x 10.16 x 6.35 cm. $1,500-2,500

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345* A Spessartine Garnet and Smoky Quartz Specimen, Tongbei area, Fujian Province, China, a fine example from this relatively new source, a blanket of rich reddish orange and sharp faced spessartine garnets cover the matrix interspersed with numerous deep brown and sharply terminated smoky quartz crystals measuring up to 4.50 cm in length, many of the quartz crystals partially encrusted with spessartine.

Accompanied by a custom made lucite base. 13.00 x 7.90 x 6.90 cm. $1,500-2,500

346* A Uvarovite Garnet Specimen, a chromium rich member of the vast garnet family, this example features a rich coating of microcrystals in a vivid deep green hue over a black basaltic matrix. 22.85 x 8.90 x 6.86 cm. $400-600 347* A Crystallized Gold Leaf Specimen, California, United States, leaf with areas of fine crystallization, lustrous surface and rich color. 7.60 grams. 50.00 x 20.00 mm. $600-800

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348* An Orange Gypsum Specimen, Australia, formed in an aesthetic arch of broad, bladed orange gypsum crystals measuring to 1.40 cm in length interspersed with finer acicular crystals, crystals have good translucency and luster. 12.70 x 7.00 x 6.40 cm. $200-300

349* A Gypsum Ram’s Horn Specimen, Mexico, of the variety selenite, this unusual stalactite formation is possible due to the considerable flexibility of the mineral. Length: 20.30 cm. $100-200

350* An Etched Heliodor Crystal Specimen, Wolodarski-Wolynski, Ukraine, a gem beryl “floater” crystal of saturated, slightly greenish yellow hue and excellent transparency, natural surface etching has produced myriad complex crystal faces while leaving the original hexagonal prismatic form intact. 12.70 x 5.10 x 3.80 cm. $2,000-3,000

351* A Hemimorphite Specimen, China, a thick coating of sparkling glacial blue hemimorphite with subtle color variation over the entire surface, cross section shows numerous separate layers of crystallization over the matrix underneath. 19.68 x 15.24 x 13.98 cm. $800-1,200

352* A Hemimorphite Specimen, Yunnan Province, China, a large “tower” of pale to medium blue drusy hemimorphite crystallization over matrix, the botryoidal growth creating an interesting and sculptural undulating surface structure.

Accompanied by a custom made lucite base. 10 kg. 44.50 x 17.80 x 15.20 cm. $800-1,200

353* A Kyanite Specimen, massive size, consisting of numerous coarsely acicular kyanite crystals, ranging in color from light blue to deep intense blue and varying in transparency from opaque to transparent in areas, the individual crystals measuring up to approximately 40.00 cm in length, minor associated mica. 55.88 x 25.40 x 12.19 cm. $600-800

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356 354* A Malachite Specimen, Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of Congo, a large plate of deep green malachite with a subtly shimmering velvet surface, the botryoidal growth apparent in a thick layer of crystallization over the matrix including two complete stalactites. Accompanied by a custom made lucite stand. Height: 31.80 cm. $400-600

355* A Mimetite Specimen, San Pedro Corralitos, Chihuahua, Mexico, the botryoidal form beautifully showcased with intense yellow spheres measuring up to 6.00 mm in diameter occurring as clusters in a thick coating over the brown matrix which offers strong color contrast. 6.35 x 5.08 x 5.08 cm. $1,500-2,500

356* An Okenite and Gyrolite Specimen, India, consisting of six puffy white okenite spheres together with one large and numerous minute white gyrolite spheres on a drusy bed within a basaltic matrix. 14.73 x 10.16 x 7.62 cm. $400-600

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357* An Opal Specimen, Coober Pedy, South Australia, a large example partially polished to reveal strong play-of-color of predominantly red and orange flash, natural surfaces in crevasses and on the reverse have been left intact. 307.0 carats. 7.00 x 5.70 x 1.30 cm. $800-1,200

358* A Boulder Opal Specimen, Australia, consisting of an outer layer and several internal seams of boulder opal displaying the play-of-color phenomenon predominantly in the blue green range, dark reddish brown ironstone matrix. 8.90 x 4.45 x 3.18 cm. $200-300

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359 359* An Orpiment Specimen, Elbrusskiy Mine, Caucasus, Russia, consisting of a double-sided specimen richly encrusted with deep reddish orange sprays of orpiment crystals on matrix, minimal degradation and wear.

NOTE: Orpiment is highly sensitive to light, prolonged exposure can cause degradation to the crystal structure and should be avoided. Orpiment contains arsenic which is toxic and should be handled with care. 9.15 x 7.62 x 4.32 cm. $400-600

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360* A Pyrite and Japan Law Twin Quartz Specimen, China, containing numerous impressively large pyrite crystals measuring to 8.90 x 6.35 cm in classic cubic and pyritohedral form against a base of drusy quartz and scattered sharp quartz points including several small Japan law twin crystals. 40.60 x 35.60 x 22.90 cm. $3,000-5,000

361* A Pyrite Crystal Specimen, Navajun, Spain, consisting of a single large and euhedral cubic pyrite crystal partially confined within the gray talc matrix. 16.50 x 11.40 x 6.40 cm. $400-600

362* A Pyrite Specimen and an Additional Pyrite Specimen, Navajun, La Rioja, Spain, consisting of a plate of talc matrix hosting 10 evenly distributed lustrous and pristine cubic pyrite crystals, together with an additional twinned pyrite crystal. Plate: 11.40 x 10.20 x 6.40 cm. Twinned Crystal: 5.70 x 3.80 x 3.10 cm. $300-500 363* A Pyrite with Quartz Specimen, a plate of large lustrous cubic pyrite crystals of bright golden color partially overgrown with milky quartz crystals. 25.40 x 20.30 x 8.90 cm. $300-500

364* A Pyrite Specimen with Calcite, Quartz and Sphalerite, dense clusters and scattered single crystals of pyrite crystals interspersed with fine colorless quartz crystals, light cream colored calcite sprays and lustrous dark grey sphalerite. 24.00 x 17.78 x 5.71 cm. $400-600

365* A Pyrite and Quartz Specimen, consisting of numerous cubic pyrite crystals interspersed with sharp quartz points on matrix. 31.75 x 30.50 x 17.75 cm. $800-1,200

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368 366* A Spanish Pyromorphite Specimen, new locality, 1997, Spain, mined in 1997, a rich scattering of classic truncated barrel shape crystals covers the concave matrix, the crystals range from light yellow to an intense slightly greenish yellow color in sharp contrast to the host rock, associated barite and limonite. 7.60 x 5.10 x 2.50 cm. $300-500

367* A Collection of Large Smoky Quartz Specimens, consisting of a fine single crystal of smoky quartz showing deep golden brown color and good translucency, the termination sharp and complex crystal faces evident on the sides, together with a clustered group of crystals with sharp terminations, the largest single crystal measuring approximately 36.20 x 17.78 cm. Single crystal: 73.66 x 36.83 cm. Cluster: 48.26 x 45.72 x 45.72 cm. $1,000-2,000

368* A Twinned Crystal of Smoky Quartz, Brazil, a large and exceptional twinned smoky quartz crystal with cascading complex faces, a high degree of clarity and golden brown color transitioning from pale to dark from bottom of the crystal towards the termination, mounted on a metal stand for display. 45.70 x 25.40 x 25.40 cm. $3,000-5,000

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369* A Skeletal Smoky Quartz Specimen, consisting of a doubly terminated skeletal smoky quartz overgrowth on a colorless quartz crystal base with some amethyst coloration at the termination. 20.32 x 16.00 x 12.70 cm. $500-700

370* A Green Quartz Specimen, Madagascar, this attractive and large scale example features lustrous complex crystal faces, exhibiting a fascinating mineralogical oddity, the faces on only one side of the crystal have shallow deposits of microscopic inclusions, most likely epidote which is known from this deposit, cause light green “phantoms” floating just below the surface. 19.60 Kg; 43.30 lbs. Width: 43.20 cm. $1,000-2,000

371* A Quartz Crystal Specimen, consisting of a densely intergrown rock crystal quartz cluster, the crystals of semi transparent to translucent clarity, some with frosted surfaces, slight iron oxide staining. 36.83 x 31.75 x 22.86 cm. $400-600

372* A Quartz, Calcite and Pyrite Specimen, a large, attractive plate of sharply euhedral quartz crystals of milky transparency interspersed with bright and well crystallized pyrite and stark white bladed calcite, minor scattering of an unknown nonlustrous dark grey mineral. 39.35 x 27.94 x 8.90 cm. $1,000-2,000

373* A Quartz Specimen on Base, China, consisting of an exposed vug densely packed with large and sharply terminated translucent to transparent quartz crystals to 14.00 cm in length, several doubly terminated “floater” crystals, a cluster of crystals in the lower right quadrant exhibiting natural citrine coloration, displayed on a custom carved wood base. 61.00 x 61.00 x 48.30 cm. $1,500-2,500

374* A Quartz Crystal Cluster Specimen, Brazil, a dense cluster of sharply euhedral quartz crystals exhibiting Dauphine habit with elongated with slightly milky transparency and subtle iron oxide tint. 29.20 x 19.68 x 19.00 cm. $300-500

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375* A Rhodochrosite on Quartz Specimen, “Hedgehog Pocket”, Main Slope Drift, Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado, United States, recognizable as originating from this well known 1996 discovery due to the abundant needle-like minute quartz crystals covering the matrix, this example features numerous saturated pinkish red rhodochrosite rhombohedrons with lustrous surfaces measuring to 9.00 mm within the dense quartz clusters. 8.50 x 5.90 x 4.40 cm. $2,000-3,000 376* A Rhodochrosite Specimen, “04-15 Pocket”, Tetrahedrite Drift, Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado, United States, collected in 2004 shortly before the famed mine was closed forever, consisting of a matrix plate with numerous pink to red rhombohedral rhodochrosite crystals measuring to approximately 2.00 cm, many with partial “frosting” to their faces, with a rich secondary overgrowth of sharply acicular quartz crystals. 10.50 x 7.00 x 3.40 cm. $4,000-6,000

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377* A Rhodochrosite Specimen, “Pincushion Pocket”, Sweet Home Mine, Colorado, United States, recovered in 2001 from this sought after pocket, numerous sharp rhombohedrons of lustrous and intense pinkish red to red rhodochrosite amidst acicular quartz crystals on a dark bed of tetrahedrite, wonderful aesthetics. 10.80 x 8.30 x 6.40 cm. $5,000-7,000

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378* A Rhodochrosite Specimen, “Corner Pocket”, Sweet Home Mine, Alma, Colorado, United States, a large single rhombohedral crystal from perhaps the most revered of all the mineral producing sites in the United States, intensely saturated red hue, a high degree of transparency and excellent surface luster, accented by several light blue cubic fluorite crystals, fine acicular quartz crystals and minor tetrahedrite. 8.00 x 8.00 cm. $5,000-7,000

379* A Rhodochrosite Specimen, N’Chwaning Mine, Kuruman, South Africa, from the famed African find, this fine and richly crystallized cluster of scalenohedral rhodochrosite shows the intensely saturated red hue and bright transparency so sought after from this classic locality made more compelling due to the separate “sprays” in opposing directions adding another dimension to the aesthetics.

Accompanied by a custom made lucite base. 6.40 x 5.10 cm. $7,000-9,000

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380 380* A Scolecite on Stilbite Specimen, Nashik Quarry, Nashik District, Maharashtra, India, a lovely example from the Indian zeolite family, the orange pink tabular stilbite crystal serving as a base for the expansive spray of colorless, highly transparent scolecite crystals of acicular form, a wonderfully aesthetic and delicate specimen. Height: 11.40 cm. $2,000-3,000

381* A Selenite Specimen, Las Salinas de Paracas, Paracas, Peru, a large example of this attractive gypsum variety, consisting of numerous golden bladed selenite crystals of excellent clarity on top of a base of white halite, strongly fluorescent with accompanying phosphorescence. 25.40 x 17.80 x 4.40 cm. $800-1,200

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382* A Blue Smithsonite Specimen, Kelly Mine, Magdalena, Socorro County, New Mexico, United States, exhibiting the botryoidal growth and slightly greenish blue hue of vivid saturation associated with smithsonite from this locality, the surface showing a satin-like quality, the smithsonite over matrix in a coating measuring approximately 1.65 cm thick. 10.80 x 7.62 x 5.71 cm. $600-800

382A* A Sphalerite on Dolomite Specimen, Spain, consisting of deep brownish orange and highly transparent twinned crystals of sphalerite measuring up to 23.00 mm scattered across the hardstone matrix interspersed with bright white dolomite crystals. 13.33 x 9.53 x 8.25 cm. $400-600

383* A Staurolite Specimen, Keivy, Kola Peninsula, Russia, exhibiting the crossed pattern contact twin at 90 degrees that this species is well known for in an example of impressive size. Length: 12.70 cm. $300-500

384* A Stibnite Specimen, ex. Joseph A. Freilich Collection

A single elongated crystal of impressive size, bright metallic luster, the length showing a subtle wave when viewed from certain angles, supported on a lucite base.

Provenance: Sotheby’s New York The Mineral Collection of Joseph A. Freilich January 12, 2001 Lot 213 31.10 x 3.20 cm. $1,500-2,500

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Lot 385, in addition to having been part of the important collection of Joseph A. freilich, was once in the possession of mr. Clarence Sweet bement (18431923). mr. bement, born into a wealthy manufacturing family in philadelphia, had the means and a lifelong passion to accumulate only the best examples from worldwide localities. in 1900, after putting together one of best and most extensive private mineral collections ever to have existed in the united States, he sold the entire group to J.p. morgan who subsequently donated the treasure of 12,500 individual specimens to the American museum of natural history.

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385* A Sulphur Specimen, Cianciana, Sicily, Italy, ex. Joseph A. Freilich Collection. ex. Clarence S. Bement Collection, AMNH.

consisting of a dense cluster of crystals with pyramidal terminations and cavernous faces, exhibiting the vivid “glowing” canary yellow that has made the Sicilian deposits the world standard.

Provenance: Sotheby’s New York January 12, 2001 The Mineral Collection of Joseph A. Freilich Lot 218 10.20 x 8.90 cm. $2,000-3,000 386* A Sulphur Specimen, Racalmuto Mine, Agrigento Province, Sicily, Italy, an excellent glowing canary yellow example from the classic source that sets the standard, this aesthetically pleasing sulphur crystal cluster consists of a large single crystal measuring approximately 4.00 cm in length perched above a group of smaller crystals, all of bright color, sharp form and high clarity.

Accompanied by a custom made lucite base. 10.16 x 8.89 x 8.89 cm. $4,000-6,000

387* A Polychrome Tourmaline Specimen, Pederneira Mine, Sao Jose Da Safira, Minas Gerais, Brazil, the sharp and high clarity crystal with steeply peaked pyramidal termination indicative of the “rocket pocket”, the complex color transitioning from a classic watermelon at the base with a pink core and green rind, to a bluish green center and a yellowish green termination. 9.50 x 1.30 x 1.30 cm. $2,000-3,000

388* A Bicolor Tourmaline Specimen, exhibiting trigonal form with a basal termination, the bottom two-thirds of the crystal in a classic “watermelon” coloration with pink interior and green exterior, the top one-third of deep green hue, the bottom of the crystal accented with minor muscovite and small green tourmaline crystals, base of crystal shows rough surface. 5.08 x 3.18 x 3.18 cm. $150-250 389* A Paraiba Tourmaline Crystal in Matrix, Paraiba, Brazil, of bright and saturated blue hue, the translucent crystal shows trigonal form and is embedded within the quartz matrix, an additional smaller tourmaline crystal is embedded on the reverse.

Gemological Note: Properly designated as cuprian bearing elbaite, tourmaline of intense green, greenish blue and blue hues of this type were first discovered in the state of Paraiba, Brazil. As the name suggests, the inclusion of copper serves as the chromophore and beautiful tourmaline of this variety has since been discovered in Nigeria and Mozambique. However, the quality of original Brazilian find has never been exceeded and material from Paraiba remains the most sought after. 3.20 x 2.30 x 2.20 cm. $300-500 390* A Vanadinite Specimen, Mibladen, Morocco, consisting of a richly crystallized cluster of sharp, lustrous and classic barrel shape crystals on matrix, their color of intense slightly brownish orange red, numerous twinned crystals and individual crystals to nearly 2.00 cm in length. 7.60 x 6.40 x 3.80 cm. $1,500-2,500

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391* A Wulfenite and Mimetite Specimen, San Francisco Mine, Cerro Prieto, Sonora, Mexico, a delicate interplay between sharp, transparent and intense orange yellow wulfenite blades measuring to 4.25 cm in length coated with a scattering of orange mimetite spheres. 11.43 x 10.16 x 5.08 cm. $2,000-3,000

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392* A Wulfenite on Matrix Specimen, Los Lamentos, Chihuahua, Mexico, of imposing museum size, collected in the 1970’s from this well known source for fine wulfenite, the matrix overlaid with white calcite seams and a rich blanket of tabular wulfenite crystals of rich orange hue and measuring up to 1.25 cm in length. 30.50 x 20.30 x 8.90 cm. $8,000-12,000

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393* A Palm Flower and Fish Fossil, Eocene, Green River Formation, Wyoming, United States, the impressive plate consisting of a fossil palm flower which has been finely preserved and meticulously uncovered, accented by an ancient herring fossil with well defined detail, the specimen provides a compelling window into this ancient aquatic scene.

NOTE: The color of this specimen has been slightly enhanced to improve contrast. 157.50 x 50.80 x 3.20 cm. $7,000-9,000

394 A Fish Fossil, Green River Formation, Wyoming, United States, priscacara serrata, the primary fossil exhibits a very well articulated dorsal fin with numerous delicate fin rays still intact, the entire fish specimen measures approximately 23.00 x 13.00 cm, additional adjacent minor fossils present. 39.60 x 27.50 x 1.50 cm. Property from the Collection of William Claussen, Lemont, Illinois $300-500

395* A Polished Orthoceras Fossil Plate, featuring numerous examples of the nautiloid fossils measuring up to 22.86 cm in length within matrix. 39.37 x 26.67 x 4.45 cm. $150-250

396* A Sea Fan Pair, Philippines, of the order Gorgonacea, consisting of two large examples from separate species, one black and one white, for a beautiful visual contrast, offered on stands. Larger: 109.22 x 91.44 x 10.16 cm. Smaller: 93.98 x 106.68 x 10.16 cm. $300-500

397* A Set of Framed Black and White Sea Fans, Philippines, of the order Gorgonacea, consisting of two fans of different species, one white and one black, offered in custom frames. Frames: 101.60 x 76.20 x 12.70 cm. $700-900

398* A Framed Sea Fan, Philippines, of the order Gorgonacea, the present specimen is nearly the maximum size attainable for sea fans, offered in a custom frame. Frame: 101.60 x 76.20 x 12.70 cm. $800-1,200

399* A Collection of Sea Fan Specimens, of the order Gorgonacea, consisting of two large examples, one offered on a lucite stand. Larger: 76.00 x 70.00 cm. Smaller height: 57.20 cm. $300-500

400* A Seashell Collection, Worldwide Localities, consisting of 76 gastropods and 33 bivalves, most species exhibit their natural coloration and textures though some have been polished to reveal their mother-of-pearl iridescence, contained in two glass covered cases. 48.26 x 41.91 cm. $300-500

401* A Framed Starfish Collection, From various South Pacific locations, an impressive collection of 11 varied starfish mounted in a framed display. 76.20 x 61.00 cm. $200-300

402* A Set of Framed Fossilized Shark’s Teeth Displays, Morocco, consisting of three separate framed collections including numerous teeth in a variety of sizes and varieties arranged in a multi row circular pattern. Frames: 83.80 x 83.80 cm. $2,000-3,000

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403* A Green Amber Specimen, Oligocene, El Valle Mines, Dominican Republic, of large and impressive size, the rich brown orange color modified by green fluorescence when in the sun or another UV light source, numerous fauna and gas bubble inclusions. 0.7 lbs. 15.20 x 10.80 x 3.80 cm. $700-900

404* A Collection of Polished Amber Nugget Specimens, Oligocene, La Toca Mines, Dominican Republic, consisting of a fluorescent blue transparent piece of amber, together with a larger semi-translucent amber piece that is heavily included with plant materials. 70.00 grams. Larger: 8.89 x 6.35 x 2.54 cm. Smaller: 7.62 x 5.08 x 2.54 cm. $2,000-3,000 405* A Polished Amber Specimen with Encapsulated Termite Swarm and Mammal Hair, Oligocene Era, La Bucara Mines, Dominican Republic, crystal green amber containing a mating swarm of over twenty termites, most with wings still attached, an extraordinarily rare tuft of golden mammal hair and a detailed flower segment. 8.30 x 2.50 x 2.50 cm. $700-900

406* A Collection of Amber with Insect Inclusions, consisting of two polished amber specimens, the first from the Dominican Republic of a strong orange color and containing over 50 insects, the second from Chiapas, Mexico and containing numerous stingless bees of the genus Proplebia and a wingless termite, both originating during the Oligocene period. Dominican: 9.50 x 5.70 x 2.50 cm. Mexican: 7.60 x 5.10 x 2.50 cm. $700-900 407* A Polished Amber Specimen with Insects, China, a rare specimen from this uncommon source in a substantial size, containing numerous insects, a spider and various plant manner, resting on a carved zitan wood base in a fruit and vine motif. Height: 10.16 cm. $800-1,200

408* A Collection of Copal Stalactite Droplets, Madagascar, dating to approximately 1,000,000 years old and comprised of 12 pieces, a portion of the golden hued pieces incorporating fossilized flies. Longest: 17.80 cm in length. $800-1,200

409* An Insect Filled Copal Specimen, Columbia, of deep golden color, included with a collection of evenly distributed insects and caterpillar coprolite. 21.00 x 17.80 x 6.40 cm. $400-600

410* A Nesmen Moldavite Specimen, ex. Miroslav Kos Collection.

of elongated form and vivid yellowish green color with complex surface structure, an excellent example of this tektite type. 79.00 x 18.00 x 7.00 mm. $400-600

411* A Libyan Desert Glass Tektite, Sahara Desert, of golden green color and high translucency, the interior showing numerous gas bubbles, the surface exhibiting the telltale texture and shape created by a combination of their creation from meteorite impacts and their subsequent sandblasted weathering. 90.50 grams. 4.90 x 5.40 x 3.30 cm. $700-900

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