FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

Gail · Posted: Apr 17, 2008 09:16 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection

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.

Jim · Joined: 09 Apr 2008 Posts: 185 Location: Dallas

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!

Gail · Posted: Apr 18, 2008 21:24 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection

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.....

Gail · Posted: May 28, 2008 13:04 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection

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?

Jordi Fabre · Posted: May 28, 2008 13:54 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection

Welcome back. We will love to see more of your "candy"!

Jordi

Gail · Posted: May 28, 2008 22:31 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection

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.

Gail · Posted: May 28, 2008 22:50 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection

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.

Gail · Posted: May 28, 2008 23:13 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection

More of my fluorite collection....

Brooks · Joined: 17 Apr 2008 Posts: 36 Location: Portsmouth, VA

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.

Gail · Posted: Jun 08, 2008 22:59 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection

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.

Gail · Posted: Jun 09, 2008 08:19 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection

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?

Gail · Posted: Jun 09, 2008 08:37 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection

Vibrant colour, gemmy crystals, a Gail Mineral for sure!

Gail · Posted: Jun 09, 2008 08:40 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection

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.

Gail · Posted: Jun 09, 2008 08:57 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection

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.

Gail · Posted: Jun 09, 2008 09:05 Post subject: Re: Gail's collection

Another from my favourites list. A bundle of crystals in a gorgeous deep orange cluster.

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