FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Jim]

What are the most favorite specimens in your collections?

Cheers!

[Carles Millan]

Jim,

I encourage you to be the first to answer your own question...

[Jim]

OK, I didn't intend to start a thread like this.... but here we go.

My absolute favorite is the "Okie Dokie" diamond from the Crater of Diamonds State Park, Pike Co., AR. It is a flawless, 4.21-carat crystal of deep canary yellow color. It is probably the most perfect and important diamond found there since 1977.

This diamond has appeared in the MR several times, Rocks & Minerals, Lost Treasure magazine, Western and Eastern Treasures magazine, the AMT book, as well as NBC's The Today Show, MSNBC and Inside Edition.

It is my favorite for its perfection, its historical significance for the Crater of Diamonds State Park and the human interest story that accompanies it.

Cheers,

[Carles Millan]

No doubt, it is a first class specimen.

[Gail]

How fun Jim! What a great and informative thread.

My absolute baby is this incredible aqua from Pakistan.

[Jim]

Hi Gail,

Glad you and Jim made it back safely from the show. And congrats on a successful showing!

That aquamarine of yours is a definite keeper, although I have to say that out of all of your aquas I like the "v shaped" aqua from Idaho that is ex-Graeber.

That said, I do really like this one too. It has uncommonly good aesthetics and really nice size!

Cheers,

[Carles Millan]

Hi Gail

It's really superb. Congratulations!

[Jim]

No one else has any favorite minerals in their collection?!!!!!!!!! Come on Jordi, John and everyone... let's see your minerals!

Thanks,

[Carles Millan]

This is so far my favorite, although not the most priced in my collection

Calcite, fluorite

Gemmy rich amber colored doubly terminated twinned scalenohedral calcite crystal, set alongside a translucent purple cubic fluorite crystal with phantom. No damage. Overall size: 82 mm x 60 mm x 40 mm. Main calcite crystal: 82 mm long. Fluorite crystal: 27 mm on edge. Ex Dr. Steve Neely collection.

Elmwood Mine, Carthage, Smith County, Tennessee, USA.

Photo copyright © Carles Millan. Reproduction allowed as long as the author's name is cited. Creative Commons Attribution Licence - Some Rights Reserved.

[Jim]

Very nice, Carles! Has it been repaired anywhere? It's lovely and I've a special fondness for US minerals :)

Cheers,

[Gail]

Carles, what a fabulous mineral. Stunning!

[Carles Millan]

Jim Houran wrote:

>Very nice, Carles! Has it been repaired anywhere? It's lovely and I've a special fondness for US minerals

Hi Jim!

No, absolutely no repair, I believe. It's perfect. It is from Steve Neely collection and it is a guarantee. I like it a lot but am fully aware it's not a first class. I own about ten specimens that must be more priced than this Elmwood calcite. Almost 10% of my collection comes from the US (especially from the central-eastern states). I myself I've been nine times there on vacation, the last one in May '09.

[Carles Millan]

Gail Spann wrote:

>Carles, what a fabulous mineral. Stunning!

Hi Gail,

I'm really glad you like it. Thank you for your comment. I've been reading your long topic about the Springfield show these days. I fear you (and Jim) must be very tired right now.

[Gail]

Carles, that topic was a labour of love. So many people like the write ups we do.
We are tired, and still trying to get back to normal. We didn't sleep much for the week before the show either. But it was a wonderful experience and we really enjoyed ourselves.
And, if ever you find your way to Dallas, Jim Houran and my Jim and I would surely have to show you our collections! Right Jim?

[Carles Millan]

Gail,

If in the long run I ever plan to go to Dallas be sure I will contact you in advance.

Thank you very much!