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Tobi
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Joined: 07 Apr 2009
Posts: 4250
Location: Germany
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 Posted: Mar 28, 2012 03:53 Post subject: Re: Louis Collection |
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| WONDERFUL Chinese classic!
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Louis Friend
Joined: 26 Jan 2012
Posts: 89
Location: Adelaide
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| Posted: Apr 04, 2012 02:49 Post subject: Chinese Cassiterite |
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CASSITERITE ON MUSCOVITE
This specimen was unboxed the other day. I cleaned it in a solution of ascorbic acid with a few other added ingredients to remove all the yellow stains. This led to a great improvement in appearance, but the piece was very attractive prior to cleaning – well in my opinion. It consists of a magmatic rock as matrix covered with copious books of mica. The top and bottom of the specimen comprises highly lustrous and very complex crystals of Cassiterite. The largest Cassiterite crystal is about 1.8cm. The cleaning process really gives a “shine” to the Cassiterite crystals and if there is sufficient interest, I might include some information on the cleaning and preparation of minerals.
Also included is a photo of the stand. The stand comprises a rear “saddle” and two front supports, which enables the piece to stand high with no fear of forward or rear movement.
| Description: |
Cassiterite with Muscovite
Mt Xuebaoding Pingwu County, Mianyang Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China.
9 x 9 x 6 cm: 380 gram |
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34980 Time(s) |
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| Description: |
Cassiterite with Muscovite
Mt Xuebaoding Pingwu County, Mianyang Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China.
9 x 9 x 6 cm: 380 gram |
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34972 Time(s) |
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| Description: |
Cassiterite with Muscovite
Mt Xuebaoding Pingwu County, Mianyang Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China.
9 x 9 x 6 cm: 380 gram |
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34974 Time(s) |
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| Description: |
Cassiterite with Muscovite
Mt Xuebaoding Pingwu County, Mianyang Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China.
9 x 9 x 6 cm: 380 gram |
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34967 Time(s) |
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34965 Time(s) |
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_________________
"The aim of science is to make difficult things understandable in a simpler way; the aim of poetry is to state simple things in an incomprehensible way. The two are incompatible." Dirac |
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Carles Millan
Site Admin
Joined: 05 May 2007
Posts: 1538
Location: Catalonia
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| Posted: Apr 04, 2012 03:23 Post subject: Re: Chinese Cassiterite |
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| Louis Friend wrote: | | if there is sufficient interest, I might include some information on the cleaning and preparation of minerals. |
Please, go ahead! I advise you to open a new topic in the Preparing and Cleaning Minerals section.
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Louis Friend
Joined: 26 Jan 2012
Posts: 89
Location: Adelaide
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| Posted: Apr 05, 2012 22:46 Post subject: Re: Chinese Cassiterite |
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| Carles Millan wrote: | | Louis Friend wrote: | | if there is sufficient interest, I might include some information on the cleaning and preparation of minerals. |
Please, go ahead! I advise you to open a new topic in the Preparing and Cleaning Minerals section. |
Dear Carles:
Many thanks for your continuing support. I really do appreciate it!
My methods for cleaning and preparing minerals are more advanced that the usual methods often described and detailed on Mindat. Advanced does not mean difficult or cumbersome, rather techniques fine-tuned to each mineral. It does require some pecuniary commitment on the part of the collector, and it is necessary to acquire a few dental and surgical tools but nothing that should be impossible for the average collector or their wallet.
There are many chemical methods available to enhance, but not alter a mineral specimen. Regrettably, the best chemical methods are often propriety secrets but as a science teacher my job is to teach, and teach I will, so revealing secrets is of little concern to me. Knowledge is communal property!
I am still working on the “photographic” studio. I will be making one that enables a piece to be lit from all directions including the bottom, and I am making provision so that transparent and highly reflective minerals – the proverbial mirrors, can be isolated in a zone of constant lighting. I am really combining the best of two photographic techniques – portrait and small object photography. Again, I have researched the WEB and I will be using the knowledge I have acquired.
I am a little concerned about the number of views I have recently been receiving on “Louis Friend” Collection. I can only assume my pieces do not appeal to a wider audience. Is this so? Should I start “request a rock – RAR!!
Kind Regards
Louis
_________________
"The aim of science is to make difficult things understandable in a simpler way; the aim of poetry is to state simple things in an incomprehensible way. The two are incompatible." Dirac |
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Louis Friend
Joined: 26 Jan 2012
Posts: 89
Location: Adelaide
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| Posted: Apr 09, 2012 02:04 Post subject: Re: Louis Collection |
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Not exactly a mineral but I have tried to be an artist, so the first picture is of one of my Peruvian Orpiments.
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34847 Time(s) |
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_________________
"The aim of science is to make difficult things understandable in a simpler way; the aim of poetry is to state simple things in an incomprehensible way. The two are incompatible." Dirac |
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Louis Friend
Joined: 26 Jan 2012
Posts: 89
Location: Adelaide
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| Posted: Apr 09, 2012 02:12 Post subject: Re: Louis Collection |
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Not exactly a mineral, but a photo of an “idealized” Cassiterite crystal. If you find it useful please feel free to use it!! I will soon be rendering an actual photo as a line drawing but including “colours” as if it were a picture painted in oil. This way everyone can then call themselves an artist. :)
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35010 Time(s) |
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_________________
"The aim of science is to make difficult things understandable in a simpler way; the aim of poetry is to state simple things in an incomprehensible way. The two are incompatible." Dirac |
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Louis Friend
Joined: 26 Jan 2012
Posts: 89
Location: Adelaide
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| Posted: Apr 14, 2012 02:52 Post subject: Large Plate of Scheelite Crystals |
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Scheelite on Muscovite
In my opinion these Scheelite on Muscovite combos are some of the most attractive and highly displayable specimens to come out of China. This particular piece features seven main Scheelite crystals. The Scheelite crystals are sharp, highly lustrous and gemmy with a beautiful orange colour. The largest Scheelite crystal is about 2.5cm long.
Also included is a photo of the stand and its label.
| Description: |
Scheelite on Muscovite
Mt Xuebaoding Pingwu County, Mianyang Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China.
13 x 11 x 8 cm; 1130 gram |
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34718 Time(s) |
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| Description: |
Scheelite on Muscovite
Mt Xuebaoding Pingwu County, Mianyang Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China.
13 x 11 x 8 cm; 1130 gram |
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34710 Time(s) |
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| Description: |
Scheelite on Muscovite
Mt Xuebaoding Pingwu County, Mianyang Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China.
13 x 11 x 8 cm; 1130 gram |
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34750 Time(s) |
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34680 Time(s) |
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_________________
"The aim of science is to make difficult things understandable in a simpler way; the aim of poetry is to state simple things in an incomprehensible way. The two are incompatible." Dirac |
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Tobi
Site Admin
Joined: 07 Apr 2009
Posts: 4250
Location: Germany
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| Posted: Apr 14, 2012 06:27 Post subject: Re: Large Plate of Scheelite Crystals |
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| Louis Friend wrote: | | In my opinion these Scheelite on Muscovite combos are some of the most attractive and highly displayable specimens to come out of China. |
Damn sure! And your specimen above is a really great sample of this beautiful scheelites from China!
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GneissWare
Joined: 07 Mar 2008
Posts: 1287
Location: California
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| Posted: Apr 14, 2012 09:23 Post subject: Re: Scheelite on Muscovite |
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| Louis Friend wrote: | SCHEELITE ON MUSCOVITE
Over the next few months, I will be focusing on more Scheelite and Cassiterite specimens from Mt Xuebaoding. I would not be surprised to see this locality becoming a “classic” for future mineral collectors. |
I think it is already a classic locality, due to the wide variety of minerals, unusual associations and all in very display-worthy specimens. I buy specimens from here every time I see one.
I look forward to seeing more of your pieces!
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Tobi
Site Admin
Joined: 07 Apr 2009
Posts: 4250
Location: Germany
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| Posted: Apr 14, 2012 09:47 Post subject: Re: Scheelite on Muscovite |
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| GneissWare wrote: | | Louis Friend wrote: | | I would not be surprised to see this locality becoming a “classic” for future mineral collectors. |
I think it is already a classic locality, due to the wide variety of minerals, unusual associations and all in very display-worthy specimens. |
I agree: This locality can be yet considered a classic one for sure!
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Josele
Joined: 10 Apr 2012
Posts: 410
Location: Tarifa, Spain
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| Posted: Apr 14, 2012 13:34 Post subject: Re: Louis Collection |
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| Louis Friend wrote: | MONSTER MAGNETITE
Originally offered for sale as “garnet” a magnet indicated otherwise. The luster of the magnetite is more typical of andradite garnet from the same deposit, hence the confusion. |
Very beautiful pieces, congratulations for your good taste to choose them and for the custom stands.
Just a suggestion, the superb specimen "MONSTER MAGNETITE" at the beginning of this thread perhaps is andradite, which can be also magnetic.
Greetings.
_________________
Josele |
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Louis Friend
Joined: 26 Jan 2012
Posts: 89
Location: Adelaide
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| Posted: Apr 14, 2012 18:44 Post subject: Re: Louis Collection |
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| Josele wrote: | | Louis Friend wrote: | MONSTER MAGNETITE
Originally offered for sale as “garnet” a magnet indicated otherwise. The luster of the magnetite is more typical of andradite garnet from the same deposit, hence the confusion. |
Very beautiful pieces, congratulations for your good taste to choose them and for the custom stands.
Just a suggestion, the superb specimen "MONSTER MAGNETITE" at the beginning of this thread perhaps is andradite, which can be also magnetic.
Greetings. |
Dear Josele:
Many thanks for your kind words.
Many specimens labeled andradite from this locality are in fact Magnetite. The confusion arises in part from the crystal morphology (rhombic-dodecahedra) and the luster. I tested virtually every portion of the piece with a magnet, and it is highly magnetic and I had a portions examined by XRD, which also confirmed that the specimen was Magnetite. Its measured density is also more typical of Magnetite. I will be adding a genuine Inner Mongolian Andradite garnet to the collection when my wallet recovers from its recent ordeals. :)
Kind Regards
Louis
_________________
"The aim of science is to make difficult things understandable in a simpler way; the aim of poetry is to state simple things in an incomprehensible way. The two are incompatible." Dirac |
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Louis Friend
Joined: 26 Jan 2012
Posts: 89
Location: Adelaide
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| Posted: Apr 14, 2012 20:08 Post subject: Re: Scheelite on Muscovite |
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| GneissWare wrote: | | Louis Friend wrote: | SCHEELITE ON MUSCOVITE
Over the next few months, I will be focusing on more Scheelite and Cassiterite specimens from Mt Xuebaoding. I would not be surprised to see this locality becoming a “classic” for future mineral collectors. |
I think it is already a classic locality, due to the wide variety of minerals, unusual associations and all in very display-worthy specimens. I buy specimens from here every time I see one.
I look forward to seeing more of your pieces! |
Dear Bob:
Many thanks for your encouraging words. I intend to add a few more of the Mt Xuebaoding pieces over the coming months, but they are not cheap and they really hurt a teacher’s wallet. :) I have a few combo pieces comprising Beryl (Aquamarine) with Cassiterite and Muscovite, which I will post soon. I would like to get a Scheelite with Beryl combo too.
I also have a Beryl (aquamarine) on Muscovite from Pakistan. This piece is especially interesting because it responded very well to one of my cleaning regimes. The piece had the typical iron staining and “frosted” Beryls typical for the locality, but after cleaning all the stains were removed and the Beryl crystals now have a ”glassy” luster and are very gemmy from top to bottom with a beautiful blue colour.
Kind Regards
Louis
_________________
"The aim of science is to make difficult things understandable in a simpler way; the aim of poetry is to state simple things in an incomprehensible way. The two are incompatible." Dirac |
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Louis Friend
Joined: 26 Jan 2012
Posts: 89
Location: Adelaide
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| Posted: Apr 15, 2012 03:47 Post subject: AQUAMARINE CASSITERITE COMBO |
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Beryl var. Aquamarine with Cassiterite, Muscovite
This is in my opinion a superb combination piece from this noted locality, soon to be classic, if not so already. It consists of three gemmy and glassy tabular pale blue transparent crystals of beryl, the prominent one measuring 3.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm in size, set on a muscovite matrix with lustrous black cassiterite crystals. This is a very three dimensional specimen and I hope I have captured its best view – a truly inspiring piece!
| Description: |
Beryl var. Aquamarine with Cassiterite, Muscovite
Mt Xuebaoding Pingwu County, Mianyang Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China.
9 x 8 x 7 cm; 250 gram |
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| Viewed: |
33856 Time(s) |
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| Description: |
Beryl var. Aquamarine with Cassiterite, Muscovite
Mt Xuebaoding Pingwu County, Mianyang Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China.
9 x 8 x 7 cm; 250 gram |
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| Viewed: |
33862 Time(s) |
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_________________
"The aim of science is to make difficult things understandable in a simpler way; the aim of poetry is to state simple things in an incomprehensible way. The two are incompatible." Dirac |
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Louis Friend
Joined: 26 Jan 2012
Posts: 89
Location: Adelaide
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| Posted: Apr 19, 2012 04:42 Post subject: Aquamarine with Muscovite from Chumar Bakhoor |
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AQUAMARINE WITH MUSCOVITE FROM CHUMAR BAKHOOR
This pegmatite deposit is justly famous for outstanding aquamarine specimens. The cabinet piece shown here is beautiful. Gorgeous gem quality transparent blue and sharply terminated prismatic aquamarine crystals set perfectly amongst a matrix of silvery crystallized muscovite. The longest Aquamarine crystal is about 5 x 1 cm and the largest 4 x 2 cm. The specimen is composed of several groups of Aquamarines, but those on the top are the most prominent.
However, the specimen did not always look so as the fourth photo and the one supplied by the seller reveals. The muscovite had prominent iron staining and the Aquamarines had a frosted look. On closer inspection with a 25X loupe, this frosting was attributable to some other mineral adhering to the surface of the crystal faces. It took 14 days of soaking in one of my cleaning solutions followed by some “specimen enhancement” (Dental tools & Dremel tools) to bring out the true beauty of the piece.
| Description: |
Beryl (Var. Aquamarine) with Muscovite.
Chumar Bakhoor, Hunza Valley, Gilgit District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Northern Areas, Pakistan.
14 x 10 x 10 cm; 760 gram |
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33691 Time(s) |
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| Description: |
Beryl (Var. Aquamarine) with Muscovite.
Chumar Bakhoor, Hunza Valley, Gilgit District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Northern Areas, Pakistan.
14 x 10 x 10 cm; 760 gram |
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33715 Time(s) |
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| Description: |
Beryl (Var. Aquamarine) with Muscovite.
Chumar Bakhoor, Hunza Valley, Gilgit District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Northern Areas, Pakistan.
14 x 10 x 10 cm; 760 gram |
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| Viewed: |
33637 Time(s) |
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| Description: |
Beryl (Var. Aquamarine) with Muscovite.
Chumar Bakhoor, Hunza Valley, Gilgit District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Northern Areas, Pakistan.
14 x 10 x 10 cm; 760 gram |
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33686 Time(s) |
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_________________
"The aim of science is to make difficult things understandable in a simpler way; the aim of poetry is to state simple things in an incomprehensible way. The two are incompatible." Dirac |
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