FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Jim]

Thanks for the comments, Amethystguy!

The emerald was found by long time NC dealer Bud Sigmon. It is more gemmy than it looks, and the "tuncated triangle" hexagonal shape is a bit unusual from my understanding.

Cheers,

[Brooks]

Jim, thanks for sharing your wonderful collection with us. I hope to in the near future create my own collection thread to share with those in this forum.

[Jim]

Hi Brooks,

Great to hear from you, and thanks for the compliment. I hope you do show off your collection here soon. It's so fun giving people a peek into your collecting philosophy. I display regularly at different shows, but I tend not to show the gem crystals you're seing here, as most times people just like to see my Arkansas diamonds. In fact, many people don't fully realize that I collect gem crystals of many gem species.

I can't wait to see your stuff, so please post soon!

Cheers,

[Jim]

This is a really nice crystal previously in the Tom Gressman collection. These Ferro-Axinite crystals came out of Russia for a short time in the late 1990s-early 2000s, and they are regarded amongst the most impressive examples of the species ever found. This specimen is a highly lustrous, gemmy, trichroic smoky purple, red and brown color, d/t crystal cluster.

[Jim]

I think I’ve seen more fine red beryl TNs than morganites, so it was great to find this small crystal with a light peachy-orange color. It is very gemmy with good luster. Ex -Jean Behier Collection.

[Jim]

I have only a few tourmalines in my collection. This is the rare variety called liddicoatite. The crystal is pristine and completely gem quality. There is a nice color separation, which even I can see (being color blind) under certain lighting! It is a little jewel in person.

[Jim]

Again, euclase is one of my favorites species. This crystal, from a find in 2005, makes a great complement to my example from Brazil. It is a gem euclase of deep color and pristine condition front and back. The minor associated specks are pyrite. It came from the Marc Weill Collection.

[Jim]

Here's a recent acquisition that I was thrilled to get, since it is my birthstone! Peridot, the gem form of forsterite, is one of the birtstones for August. This example is a sharp, lustrous crystal from the classic locality, and it came from the Ernie Schlichter Collection

[Jim]

This is a rare, gem quality aquamarine from the Mourne Mountains, Co. Down, Ireland. It has a great pedigree (ex Irv Brown, Tim Sherburn), but what makes it extra special to me is the locality.

You see... I'm adopted, and my Irish adoptive father used to take me to rock and mineral shows when I was very young. He didn't really like minerals himself, but he loved making his son happy. I show this gem crystal as a way to pay homage to my father and the Irish name of Houran.

Cheers!

[Brooks]

Jim, Absolutely love the gem crystals, especially the Euclase. So fine!

[Jim]

Thanks, Brooks!

You're so kind to take time to post a comment. Is there anything better than a fine euclase?! I personally feel there isn't! But all gem crystals catch my eye and heart.

Cheers,

[Jim]

This is a neat and quite unusual triple-cluster of gemmy and glassy amethyst crystals "sceptered" on top of a milky quartz stem. Shows nicely all around 360 degrees and free of damage. ex- Dawn and Jim Minette collection.

[Jim]

Here's a petalite floater crystal with extraordinarily well defined (for the species) faces and edges. It is very transparent and of excellent luster and color. Thanks to Jordi for the specimen!

[Jim]

This specimen is a sharp, lustrous crystal of gemmy peridot. This Egyptian locality is known for producing very sharp crystals like this one which is uncommon for most peridot localities. Ex- Ernie Schlichter

[jimB]

HI Jim.
Treasure that St, Johns Olivine, those are hard to find.