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GneissWare
Joined: 07 Mar 2008
Posts: 1287
Location: California
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Posted: Apr 16, 2008 15:40 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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Gail, that sounds like a fair deal. Visitation is the next best thing to owning, I guess, and a good Bordeaux certainly helps.
Thanks for all your efforts in posting the photos. I aids mental health to take a peek every once and awhile here at work.
Bob
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Gail
Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.
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Posted: Apr 16, 2008 16:51 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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A doubly terminated grassy green notched V-twin translucent to transparent titanite xl cluster ( 44 x 32 x 30 mm ) green black opaque titanaugite micro-crystals or included by titanaugite crystals.
I greatly enjoy Titanite from various locations but this one is my absolute favourite in our collection.
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Close up of same specimen. |
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Titanite ( sphene ) with and included with Augite var. Titanaugite on Calcite. Arondu, Basha Valley, Skardu district, Baltistan, Northern Areas, Pakistan 4.4 x 3.2 x 3.0 cm |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Gail
Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.
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Posted: Apr 16, 2008 17:14 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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Okay, so then I went and looked at the Tyrol Titanite and realized how aesthetic it is so thought I would follow with this photo.
Yellow green twinned titanite crystal ( 44 x 19 x 11 mm ) with a gem quality transparent nose ( 11 x 5 x 5 mm ) and a translucent body perched high on "compressed" dark green fibrous crystalline gneiss, which gives it an unusually hard matrix. It is a very old mineral specimen from the Austrian Alps.
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Titanite ( Sphene ) Dorfer Alp, Tyrol, Austria 4.3 x 5.2 x 3.8 cm |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Les Presmyk
Joined: 06 Dec 2007
Posts: 372
Location: Gilbert, AZ
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Posted: Apr 17, 2008 08:49 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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THis is a good example of why mineral collecting is so interesting and so diverse. While there is no question the kunzite, topaz and aquamarine specimens are marvelous and more valuable, I would take the Tsumeb specimen, hands-down. Not for value, obviously, but that is the one I think is the most unique.
To each his/her own. Tracy, of course you need to keep your pictures coming.
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Gail
Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.
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Posted: Apr 17, 2008 09:04 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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I haven't really had a chance to touch on my Smithsonite suite so thought I might start with this one. It is a very shiny and gemmy dark green Smithsonite with wonderful crystals of cerussite jutting out giving it a very surreal look. It literally sparkles in the cabinet. This is very recently added to the collection.
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Smithsonite ( Cuprian ) with Cerussite Tsumeb mine, Ojikoto region Namibia 9.5 x 4.3 x 3.5 cm |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Gail
Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.
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Posted: Apr 17, 2008 09:16 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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Extraordinary cluster of bright long-necked ( up to 24 mm ) deep purple amethyst sceptered crystals to 32 mm in total length spreading radially in all directions from a quartz matrix. It is a thing of beauty and I often stop to enjoy it.
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Quartz var. Amethyst ( sceptered ) Kanur, Chennai ( Madrass ) India 6.5 x 10.2 x5.0 cm |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Jim
Joined: 09 Apr 2008
Posts: 185
Location: Dallas
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Posted: Apr 17, 2008 09:39 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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Gail,
LOVE the amethyst spray! I vote for you and Jim to share pics of your historical specimens of hiddenite along with that original signed card by W. E. Hidden!
For me, I love gem crystals with history and a story to tell :)
Cheers!
_________________ Jim
MAD about crystals |
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Gail
Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.
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Posted: Apr 18, 2008 21:24 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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Just took posession of this fine specimen after purchasing it in Tucson this year. I will measure it and give the info tomorrow, but am just thrilled to have it. It was rebuilt with only three areas of recontact , and they are very well done. It is very glossy and "clean" and a remarkable visual specimen. It was named the "Tree" by the people we bought it from and I would have to agree with the name and plan to keep it so.
I have to put this as one of my top best pieces, a real favourite as far as interesting and aesthetic.
I had seen a group of these in Tucson and they were just so breathtaking and never before seen either. One was like a quarter moon, but looked just too fragile for me. Another was on matrix, and although I love matrix on many of my pieces, it just didn't have the pizazz this one had, so thus our choice for the Tree.
More later.....
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The "Tree" at home in our cabinet. |
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Apatite, Sapo Mine, Brazil |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Gail
Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.
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Posted: May 28, 2008 13:04 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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Between weddings, and large bicycle events that I direct, I haven't had much time to post lately. Things are settling down and I am hoping to post more photos.
Tracy, how about you?
_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Jordi Fabre
Overall coordinator of the Forum
Joined: 07 Aug 2006
Posts: 4902
Location: Barcelona
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Posted: May 28, 2008 13:54 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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Welcome back. We will love to see more of your "candy"!
Jordi
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Gail
Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.
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Posted: May 28, 2008 22:31 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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Malachite
Kasompi Mine, Katanga
Democratic Republic of Congo
(A nickel, copper, cobalt deposit worked during the 1940's and 50's.)
The Kasompi mine ~ Swambo, Central area, Katanga.
24.8 cm x 27 cm x 10 cm
This piece just called to me across a room.
There are single fibrous crystals up to 75 mm long. When this piece is on display and well lit it is a real eyecatcher and grabs both experienced and novice collectors alike. The formations are like fans and the colour is so rich and green with that wonderful sheen that makes people say "How can this be made by nature?".
We just noticed this was on BlueCap productions What's Hot in Tucson, 2008. We bought it from the Gobins at the start of the show.
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close up of sprays of velvety malachite. |
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Malachite, Spann collection. |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Gail
Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.
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Posted: May 28, 2008 22:50 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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This is our Fluorite cabinet, rather my baby...I had realized that we had Fluorites scattered throughout our collection and I wanted to have a cabinet just for organizing some of our colourful and fun specimens. When non mineral people come to stand before it they are amazed that it is the same mineral in so many varieties of colour and shape as well as from so many locations.
Just thought I would show you how I have laid out the pieces for colour and interest for display.
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I have a passion for pink fluorites, it's a woman thing! |
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Close up of a few pieces. |
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Some of our many Fluorites on display. |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Gail
Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.
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Posted: May 28, 2008 23:13 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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More of my fluorite collection....
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Fluorite from Pakistan. PINK!!!! |
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Chamonix, France...where we honeymooned! This lovely Fluorite was found on Mt. Blanc. Added gemstone to emphasize the colour. |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Brooks
Joined: 17 Apr 2008
Posts: 36
Location: Portsmouth, VA
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Posted: May 29, 2008 11:37 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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Hi Gail,
Really enjoyed checking out your fluorites. I also like fluorite because it comes in just about every color imaginable. I have a number of them myself and have also grouped them together. You just can't beat a orange or pink fluorite from the Alpine region of Europe for something rare and beautiful.
_________________ Brooks
"Happy Trails to You" - Roy Rogers |
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Gail
Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.
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Posted: Jun 08, 2008 22:59 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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Jim gave this to me for Valentines day this year. The colour is exceptional and I had really taken to it in Tucson at the Westward Look in Bill Larson's room. It had been in the private collection of Laura Thompson, Wayne's wife, before she died. I felt that I saw the same special aspects that she must have. Jim saw my admiration of this piece and presented it to me that day, as a Valentine's gift.
I love the separation of the crystals, the deep rich colour and the undamaged edges.
Nice miniature for my collection.
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Wulfenite Red Cloud Mine La Paz County, Arizona |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Gail
Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.
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Posted: Jun 09, 2008 08:19 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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The very first piece I "won" on an auction was an Inesite from this location, it was a toe nail size and I thought it would be bigger as the photo suggested. I learned to put a metric ruler by the computer and give up thinking in inches! I keep that specimen as a reminder of the fun of getting my first auction win.
This is a much later acquistion, and a much larger one I might add...
Anyhow, this is a superb piece, we are trying it out on its side...to see if we might change the base to view it this way instead of standing straight up?
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Inesite on Quartz Daye Mine, Hebei Province, China |
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41231 Time(s) |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Gail
Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.
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Posted: Jun 09, 2008 08:37 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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Vibrant colour, gemmy crystals, a Gail Mineral for sure!
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Wulfenite on Quartz Red Gem Pocket Red Cloud Mine, La Paz Co. Arizona |
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41238 Time(s) |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Gail
Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.
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Posted: Jun 09, 2008 08:40 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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Our "Space Shuttle" is one I never tire of looking at. It reminds me of an old Flash Gordon movie with the lift off thrusters on.
A prize in our collection and one I am particularly fond of.
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Tourmaline var. Elbaite ( sceptered ) Pederneira Mine, San Jose da Safira, Minas Gerais, Brazil |
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41257 Time(s) |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Gail
Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.
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Posted: Jun 09, 2008 08:57 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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We call this our "Disco Ball" or, as my grandson says, a bag of french fries from McDonalds. It is a well know piece, K.C. Pandey still has it in some of his advertisements.
It is a lovely ball of Apophyllite on Stilbite and is a true "ball" as it is complete all the way around.
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From the front. Apophyllite on Stilbite Momin Akhada Rahri. Maharashtra. India |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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Gail
Joined: 21 Feb 2008
Posts: 5839
Location: Texas, Lone Star State.
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Posted: Jun 09, 2008 09:05 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection |
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Another from my favourites list. A bundle of crystals in a gorgeous deep orange cluster.
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Wulfenite and Mimetite Red Cloud Mine La Paz Co., Arizona |
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_________________ Minerals you say? Why yes, I'll take a dozen or so... |
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