This piece is unique due its 'cocoon,' of attractive green Prehnite. The Amethyst has inclusions of small flecks of Hematite. There are purple and black zoning bands near the top of the Quartz. I have seen thousands of these crystals hit the market over the last 14 years, and this is the best prehnite associated specimen I've seen during that time period. Crystals from this area are often misidentified as being from "Brandberg, Namibia," which is actually a deposit within a nature preserve in the same district. The Goboboseb mountains, in the Erongo region from which this cluster was found, is know for its remoteness, as the nearest water source is over 35 kilometers away. The host basalt has been dated to over a billion years old. I have discussed this with geologists, who have theorized that Quartz crystals from the Goboboseb mountains have probably been crystallized for over a Billion years!  On the top left face of the Quartz crystal the surface has slight etching due to Prehnite that had been removed from a small portion of that face. 

OLMIITE4 - Olmiite on Calcite
$ 145.00 (=~ CAN$ 195.57)
N Chwanning II Mine, Kuruman, Republic of South Africa
small cabinet - 5.5 x 3.8 x 1.7 cm

Once regarded as Poldervaartite, this mineral was later known to be Olmiite due to a higher concentration of Manganese than originally observed. This was found around 2000 from a substantial pocket, purchased by Charlie Key. This fine example shows crystals of Olmiite with two different colors; one a milky beige, and the other a more transparent salmon color. It's in great condition. It has a glassy, bright surface. It comes mounted on a 1.25 inch/ 3 cm acrylic base. 

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SPINEL1 - Blue Spinel on Matrix
$ 125.00 (=~ CAN$ 168.59) SOLD
Beraketa, Madagascar
cabinet - 9.5 x 8.5 x 5 cm

This material is not readily available. I had bought a parcel of these many years ago, and finally managed to finish cleaning them. This is the best of the lot. The largest Spinel is about 1.2 cm across. 

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TOURM8 - Tourmaline var. Elbaite
$ 195.00 (=~ CAN$ 263.00) SOLD NET
Pech, Afghanistan
small cabinet - 5.2 x .8 x .8 cm

This is an electric green gem Tourmaline. Gem Tourmaline crystals have always been Dr. Steve Smale's favorites. I acquired this from him before he moved to Hong Kong. It comes with his personal collection label as pictured. It is internally clean and shows a beautiful gradient of color from its base to its termination. It weighs 6.7 grams. 

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OPAL3 - Opal (polished)
$ 245.00 (=~ CAN$ 330.44)
Jalisco, Mexico
thumbnail - 2.6 x 1.4 x .9 cm

Mexican Opal from Jalisco is prized for its transparency, fire and stability. I acquire this opal directly from the miners, who cut and polish the pieces by hand. The opal forms in a reddish matrix and when extremely good pieces are found, they carve away the matrix, and polish the remaining opal. The net result is a totally unique, highly lustrous free form. It can be set in jewelry or left in its own case to be displayed. This excellent example weighs 10.90 carats. 

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