We use cookies to show content based on your preferences. If you continue to browse you accept their use and installation. More information. >

FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board
The place to share your mineralogical experiences


Spanish message board






Newest topics and users posts
28 Mar-09:37:50 Re: 2 unknowns co-occurring with caledonite, grand reef mine, az (Cfrench58)
27 Mar-19:47:08 Re: 2 unknowns co-occurring with caledonite, grand reef mine, az (Pete Richards)
27 Mar-16:15:44 Re: 2 unknowns co-occurring with caledonite, grand reef mine, az (Cfrench58)
27 Mar-15:18:59 Re: 2 unknowns co-occurring with caledonite, grand reef mine, az (Alfredo)
27 Mar-14:39:29 2 unknowns co-occurring with caledonite, grand reef mine, az (Cfrench58)
27 Mar-05:21:48 Re: the mim museum in beirut, lebanon (Mim Museum)
27 Mar-05:03:26 Re: trying to find information on rose/pink quartz and tourmaline associations. (Ning)
27 Mar-02:39:50 Re: the mim museum in beirut, lebanon (Tobi)
27 Mar-00:23:28 Re: collection of volkmar stingl (Volkmar Stingl)
26 Mar-00:53:41 Re: collection of volkmar stingl (Volkmar Stingl)
25 Mar-13:32:10 Re: collection of michael shaw (Michael Shaw)
25 Mar-00:25:58 The mizunaka collection - quartz (Am Mizunaka)
23 Mar-13:35:22 Re: collection of firmo espinar (Firmo Espinar)
22 Mar-08:32:28 Re: collection of michael shaw (Michael Shaw)
22 Mar-04:20:41 Re: the mim museum in beirut, lebanon (Mim Museum)
21 Mar-22:49:19 Re: green seam. Looks like it in a state of decay. (Ning)
21 Mar-22:47:40 Re: green seam. Looks like it in a state of decay. (Ning)
21 Mar-22:45:25 Re: green seam. Looks like it in a state of decay. (Ning)
21 Mar-15:34:23 Re: the mizunaka collection - quartz (Am Mizunaka)
21 Mar-14:35:08 Re: jim’s mineral collection (Jim Wilkinson)
21 Mar-14:15:36 The 4th phoenix heritage mineral show (phms) hosted by mineralogical society of arizona (m (Chris Whitney-smith)
21 Mar-04:36:10 Re: the mizunaka collection (Tobi)
21 Mar-04:11:47 Re: jim’s mineral collection (James Catmur)
20 Mar-23:34:15 The mizunaka collection - quartz (Am Mizunaka)
20 Mar-18:13:16 Re: jim’s mineral collection (Jim Wilkinson)

For lists of newest topics and postings click here


RSS RSS

View unanswered posts

Why and how to register

Index Index
 FAQFAQ RegisterRegister  Log inLog in
 {Forgotten your password?}Forgotten your password?  

Like
111802


The time now is Mar 28, 2024 16:20

Search for a textSearch for a text   

A general guide for using the Forum with some rules and tips
The information provided within this Forum about localities is only given to allow reference to them. Any visit to any of the localities requires you to obtain full permission and relevant information prior to your visit. FMF is strictly against any illicit activities related to collecting minerals.
Best Finds of the Month!
  Goto page Previous  1, 2
  Index -> Off-Topic and Introductions
Like
92


View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message

Conor Quinlan




Joined: 14 Feb 2020
Posts: 24
Location: Tucson, AZ

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jun 10, 2020 14:53    Post subject: Re: Best Finds of the Month! (June)  

Hello Everyone,

I have many incredible specimens to share this month after expanding my personal collection during this lull.

The following mineral specimens will be posted in random order below over the course of the week. Each post will include (2) specimens with pictures & a short description:

1. Carlsbad-twinned topaz a/f orthoclase
2. Red topaz & hyalite opal
3. Beryl var. aquamarine & tourmaline var. schorl on orthoclase
4. Native copper a/f cuprite with native silver
5. Kunzite covered with bi-colored tourmaline
6. Rhodochrosite a/f bivalve fossil
7. Chunky hexagonal mimetite on matrix
8. Iridescent opal in silica matrix
9. Native crystalline gold

Mineral Posts:

3. High quality aquamarine specimens are a favorite amongst collectors because of their jaw dropping aesthetic nature. The enticing rich blue color in combination with a gorgeous crystalline structure makes this species a must have for any serious collector.
I have wanted a top quality aquamarine ever since I was a kid & this specimen doesn't disappoint with a few unique features!
Features a huge (7.3 cm) long doubly terminated partially clear aquamarine that's uniquely interpenetrated with dark scholar crystal at the center.
Dozens of complex & beautiful scholar crystals cover the specimen as well as several more aquamarine crystals.
Exhibited on a matrix of solid orthoclase which displays an aesthetic pattern of complex twinning & structural modifications.

9. Just acquired a few days ago, normally I'm not as interested in gold specimens, but this native gold exhibits some of the most interesting crystal formations I have ever seen!
Primarily a very rare (1.5 cm) formation made from (6-7) perfectly terminated spinel-law twin crystals!
Several hoppered octahedrons ranging from (1 - 3 mm) in size surround the formation.
Beautiful compact dendritic patterns are exhibited on the opposite side the specimen.
Complete "Floater" crystal with no damage or points of contact!
Exquisite top quality "mirror-brilliant" luster with a buttery yellow golden hue



aqua scholar ortho 4.jpg
 Mineral: Beryl (variety aquamarine) & Schorl (Tourmaline Group) on Orthoclase
 Locality:
Erongo Region, Namibia
 Dimensions: (11.3 x 6.9 x 6 cm)
 Description:
 Viewed:  8366 Time(s)

aqua scholar ortho 4.jpg



aqua scholar ortho.jpg
 Mineral: Beryl (variety aquamarine) & Schorl (Tourmaline Group) on Orthoclase
 Locality:
Erongo Region, Namibia
 Dimensions: (11.3 x 6.9 x 6 cm)
 Description:
Image shows the back of the specimen where the complex twinned orthoclase is displayed. Very Aesthetic!
 Viewed:  8366 Time(s)

aqua scholar ortho.jpg



gold 7.jpg
 Mineral: Gold
 Locality:
Eagle's Nest Mine, Sage Hill, Michigan Bluff District, Placer County, California, USA
 Dimensions: (2.1 x 1.6 x 1.2 cm)
 Description:
Native Crystalline Gold
Shows the complex & beautiful crystalline formation made up of what I believe are either spinel law, triangular contact twins or some combination.
 Viewed:  8360 Time(s)

gold 7.jpg



gold 9.jpg
 Mineral: Gold
 Locality:
Eagle's Nest Mine, Sage Hill, Michigan Bluff District, Placer County, California, USA
 Dimensions: (2.1 x 1.6 x 1.2 cm)
 Description:
Native Crystalline Gold
Shows the other side of the specimen which exhibits a mesmerizing compact dendritic pattern formation
 Viewed:  8336 Time(s)

gold 9.jpg



gold 5.jpg
 Mineral: Gold
 Locality:
Eagle's Nest Mine, Sage Hill, Michigan Bluff District, Placer County, California, USA
 Dimensions: (2.1 x 1.6 x 1.2 cm)
 Description:
Native Crystalline Gold
Angle shows the suspected "triangular contact twins" as well as some "hopped octahedron" crystals
 Viewed:  8360 Time(s)

gold 5.jpg



aqua scholar ortho 5.jpg
 Mineral: Beryl (variety aquamarine) & Schorl (Tourmaline Group) on Orthoclase
 Locality:
Erongo Region, Namibia
 Dimensions: (11.3 x 6.9 x 6 cm)
 Description:
 Viewed:  8379 Time(s)

aqua scholar ortho 5.jpg



_________________
Sincerely,
Conor Quinlan | (Tucson, AZ)
(+20-Yrs) of Mineral Hunting Experience
Tucson Mineral Show Fanatic Since (1999)
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
8
   

Conor Quinlan




Joined: 14 Feb 2020
Posts: 24
Location: Tucson, AZ

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jun 10, 2020 15:26    Post subject: Re: Best Finds of the Month!  

Sorry for the late response, it's been a busy couple weeks.

I agree that labeling is necessary to give a specimen legitimate historical value. I should've introduced the specimen differently; yes, I wish the specimen included a label but the actual mineral itself is more important to my personal collection than the history as I collect feldspar minerals & even without a label it's still a rare ortho pseudo that was most likely sourced from Cornwall between 1828-1860s.
And w/o the label I was able to negotiate a far better deal!

I have read several articles and there seem to be relatively few locations that produce these Carlsbad pseudos, especially more recently (after 1900). I can only find one mine outside the U.K. that produces similar pseudos in Bolivia, but their appearance seems fairly distinct from the Cornwall pieces which have minute tinges of dark red-orange spots. The Cornwall Mine stopped producing these specimens in 1860s. Given this info, I am confident the specimen is from Cornwall, just don't know the exact mining date, but it's most likely before 1860!

_________________
Sincerely,
Conor Quinlan | (Tucson, AZ)
(+20-Yrs) of Mineral Hunting Experience
Tucson Mineral Show Fanatic Since (1999)
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

Tobi
Site Admin



Joined: 07 Apr 2009
Posts: 4092
Location: Germany


Access to the FMF Gallery title=

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jun 15, 2020 04:08    Post subject: Re: Best Finds of the Month!  

I really like that 11 cm aquamarine specimen from Erongo.
A world-class piece, congratulations!
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

Conor Quinlan




Joined: 14 Feb 2020
Posts: 24
Location: Tucson, AZ

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jun 17, 2020 18:20    Post subject: Re: Best Finds of the Month! (Mimetite & Copper a/f Cuprite w/ Silver)  

(2 of 4) Update on "Best of the Month mineral specimens":

4. Native Copper a/f Cuprite w/ Native Silver:
I have never been a huge fan of metal based minerals but I was pleasantly surprised by this stunning piece which exhibits copper in a way that was truly aesthetic to me. The sharply defined copper pseudomorph displays intricately defined crystals that maintain a perfect octahedral structure. The bit of native silver that shines though is displayed in the form of a disk along with several other smaller patches of silver which are spread all over the specimen.

7. Chunky Hexagonal Mimetite on Matrix:
Perfect & Beautiful this mimetite specimen shows how stunning the mineral can be when exhibited in the form of larger crystals (up to 1.2 cm). The appearance is somewhat special too with a butterscotch yellow color.



copper af cuprite 3.jpg
 Mineral: Copper a/f Cuprite w/ Native Silver
 Locality:
Rubtsovskoe Mine, Rubtsovsky District, Altai Krai, Russia
 Dimensions: (2.7 x 2.4 x 2.5 cm)
 Description:
 Viewed:  7966 Time(s)

copper af cuprite 3.jpg



copper af cuprite 2.jpg
 Mineral: Copper a/f Cuprite w/ Native Silver
 Locality:
Rubtsovskoe Mine, Rubtsovsky District, Altai Krai, Russia
 Dimensions: (2.7 x 2.4 x 2.5 cm)
 Description:
 Viewed:  7964 Time(s)

copper af cuprite 2.jpg



copper af cuprite.jpg
 Mineral: Copper a/f Cuprite w/ Native Silver
 Locality:
Rubtsovskoe Mine, Rubtsovsky District, Altai Krai, Russia
 Dimensions: (2.7 x 2.4 x 2.5 cm)
 Description:
 Viewed:  7966 Time(s)

copper af cuprite.jpg



Chunky mimemite 2.jpg
 Mineral: Chunky Mimetite on Matrix
 Locality:
Mount Bonnie Mine, Grove Hill, Victoria Daly Regional Council, Katherine Region, Northern Territory, Australia
 Dimensions: (3.25 x 1.9 x 1.4 cm)
 Description:
 Viewed:  7972 Time(s)

Chunky mimemite 2.jpg



chunky mimemite.jpg
 Mineral: Chunky Mimetite on Matrix
 Locality:
Mount Bonnie Mine, Grove Hill, Victoria Daly Regional Council, Katherine Region, Northern Territory, Australia
 Dimensions: (3.25 x 1.9 x 1.4 cm)
 Description:
 Viewed:  7976 Time(s)

chunky mimemite.jpg



_________________
Sincerely,
Conor Quinlan | (Tucson, AZ)
(+20-Yrs) of Mineral Hunting Experience
Tucson Mineral Show Fanatic Since (1999)
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
10
   

Tobi
Site Admin



Joined: 07 Apr 2009
Posts: 4092
Location: Germany


Access to the FMF Gallery title=

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jun 18, 2020 03:57    Post subject: Re: Best Finds of the Month!  

Superb mimetite crystals!
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
2
   

Conor Quinlan




Joined: 14 Feb 2020
Posts: 24
Location: Tucson, AZ

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jun 18, 2020 14:43    Post subject: Re: Best Finds of the Month! (Kunzite + Tourmaline & Opal)  

Update (3 of 4) on "Best of Month" mineral specimens for June 2020:

5. Clear Kunzite w/ Bi-Colored Tourmaline:
Being an avid collector of specimens that exhibit multiple minerals I was delighted to discover this fantastic piece. Although the kunzite appears clear a very faint yellow tinge is visible & can be compounded when viewed from the correct angle. The kunzite is also nearly perfect structurally & most importantly adds an aesthetic appeal that's very unique & impossible to achieve with either mineral alone
The contrasting pink & green colors exhibited by the tourmaline are fairly vivid & have a high luster that gleams brightly when lit with lighting. All crystals are gemmy with great clarity & decently low levels of inclusions.

8. Iridescent Precious Opal in Silica Matrix:
Precious opal displays every color of the rainbow with great intensity. Exhibits green, yellow, blue & purple in lower light, then displays orange & red as light intensity increases. Opal completely fills every cavity reaching depths, as well as widths, of up to (2 cm) within & across the matrix. The largest estimated volume of almost solid opal = (2 x 1.5 x 1.5 cm). The inclusion of a silica based matrix made this piece even more appealing as a naturally sourced mineral specimen.



kunzite tourmaline .jpg
 Mineral: Spodumene (variety kunzite) and 'Tourmaline'
 Locality:
Dara-I-Pech District (Pech District), Kunar Province (Konar), Afghanistan
 Dimensions: 21 x 3.5 x 2.75 cm
 Description:
Kunzite & Bi-Colored Tourmaline
 Viewed:  7844 Time(s)

kunzite tourmaline .jpg



kunzite tourmaline 2.jpg
 Mineral: Spodumene (variety kunzite) and 'Tourmaline'
 Locality:
Dara-I-Pech District (Pech District), Kunar Province (Konar), Afghanistan
 Dimensions: (21 x 3.5 x 2.75 cm)
 Description:
Kunzite & Bi-Colored Tourmaline
Close-up of bi-colored tourmaline crystals on kunzite
 Viewed:  7854 Time(s)

kunzite tourmaline 2.jpg



kunzite & tourmaline 3.jpg
 Mineral: Spodumene (variety kunzite) and 'Tourmaline'
 Locality:
Dara-I-Pech District (Pech District), Kunar Province (Konar), Afghanistan
 Dimensions: (21 x 3.5 x 2.75 cm)
 Description:
Kunzite & Bi-Colored Tourmaline
Back side of the specimen which is only kunzite
 Viewed:  7849 Time(s)

kunzite & tourmaline 3.jpg



opal 2.jpg
 Mineral: Opal
 Locality:
Queensland, Australia
 Dimensions: (5.5 x 5 x 4 cm)
 Description:
Precious Opal in Silica Matrix
Close-up of precious opal veins in the silica based matrix
 Viewed:  7878 Time(s)

opal 2.jpg



opal 3.jpg
 Mineral: Opal
 Locality:
Queensland, Australia
 Dimensions: (5.5 x 5 x 4 cm)
 Description:
Precious Opal in Silica Matrix
 Viewed:  7866 Time(s)

opal 3.jpg



_________________
Sincerely,
Conor Quinlan | (Tucson, AZ)
(+20-Yrs) of Mineral Hunting Experience
Tucson Mineral Show Fanatic Since (1999)
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
5
   

Conor Quinlan




Joined: 14 Feb 2020
Posts: 24
Location: Tucson, AZ

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Aug 10, 2020 18:55    Post subject: Unique Ultra-Rare Silver Amalgam Specimen: Luanheite & Eugenite  

Although Silver Amalgams are ultra-rare in nature when they do occur they are generally quite dull in appearance & form in thin sheets.
However, this particular specimen exhibits a far more complex & thick structure, as well as a very unique, highly aesthetic, bronze patina in addition to the silver! More than likely a one-of-a-kind specimen!

(SEM) tested to verify the existence of both Luanheite as well as Eugenite by Prof. N. Rudashevsky (Signed Document w/ Labeled SEM Images).
Also found additional deposits of the following minerals:
Stephanie | Freibergite | Pyragyrite | Polybasite | Acantite | Sphalerite | Arsenopyrite | Limonite | Quartz



luanheite 2.jpg
 Mineral: Luanheite
 Locality:
Privol'noye Mine, Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Russia
 Dimensions: (5.9 x 3.3 x 1 cm)
 Description:
Front Side of the luanheite
 Viewed:  7465 Time(s)

luanheite 2.jpg



luanheite .jpg
 Mineral: Luanheite
 Locality:
Privol'noye Mine, Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Russia
 Dimensions: (5.9 x 3.3 x 1 cm)
 Description:
Back Side of the luanheite
 Viewed:  7469 Time(s)

luanheite .jpg



_________________
Sincerely,
Conor Quinlan | (Tucson, AZ)
(+20-Yrs) of Mineral Hunting Experience
Tucson Mineral Show Fanatic Since (1999)
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
4
   

Peter Lemkin




Joined: 18 Nov 2016
Posts: 398
Location: Prague

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Aug 10, 2020 23:21    Post subject: Re: Unique Ultra-Rare Silver Amalgam Specimen: Luanheite & Eugenite  

Wow! Not only rare, but a nice and large specimen. Lucky you.
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

James Catmur
Site Admin



Joined: 14 Sep 2006
Posts: 1340
Location: Cambridge


Access to the FMF Gallery title=

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Aug 11, 2020 10:53    Post subject: Re: Unique Ultra-Rare Silver Amalgam Specimen: Luanheite & Eugenite  

Conor

I am not sure they are 'ultra-rare in nature' as I have a fair number in my collection. They are not common but there are far rarer minerals.

Have a look at this one on the Spanish side

https://www.foro-minerales.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=151067#151067

James

Conor Quinlan wrote:
Although Silver Amalgams are ultra-rare in nature
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
1
   

Tobi
Site Admin



Joined: 07 Apr 2009
Posts: 4092
Location: Germany


Access to the FMF Gallery title=

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Aug 13, 2020 03:20    Post subject: Re: Best Finds of the Month! (Kunzite + Tourmaline & Opal)  

Conor Quinlan wrote:
Opal
Queensland, Australia
Dimensions: (5.5 x 5 x 4 cm)
Precious Opal in Silica Matrix
Gorgeous opal - I love it!!!
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   
Display posts from previous:   
   Index -> Off-Topic and Introductions   All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 2 of 2
  Goto page Previous  1, 2  

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum


All pictures, text, design © Forum FMF 2006-2024


Powered by FMF