Minerals

Fulgurite, also known as “fossilized lightning”, are natural glass tubes or formations that are created by the heat of lightning strikes.  When a lightning bolt hits the ground it generates temperatures of up to 30,000 Kelvin (over 53,000°F), hotter than the surface of the sun. This intense heat melts the silica rich sand and fuses it almost instantly, forming hollow branching structures that solidify as they cool.  In the Sahara Desert where thunderstorms occasionally roll in across the desert, these cooled formations can be found beneath the sand. 

The fulgurites from the Sahara Desert are special because of their environment. The desert’s quartz rich sand is the perfect material for these glassy formations. Over time the wind blown sand often buries and preserves these delicate formations protecting them from erosion. Fulgurites are scientifically important because they trap the energy of the lightning and often preserve the composition of the atmosphere at the time of their creation. They are valuable to researchers studying geophysical processes and past climate conditions. And with their irregular shapes and glassy texture they are a sought after collectible for mineral enthusiasts and natural history museums. Of note, since Fulgurite is created by an impact of lightning hitting the ground, it cannot be called impactite as it is not created by a meteoritic event. 

Fulgurite is often considered a symbol of transformation, energy, and connection to the divine, primarily due to its association with lightning.  Some believe fulgurite carries the power of lightning itself—acting as a conduit between the physical and spiritual realms. It's said to help with spiritual awakening or to encourage personal growth by clearing blockages, especially when it comes to energy flow or communication with higher states of consciousness. Because of its fiery origins, it can be seen as a tool to help ignite creativity or insight, as lightning strikes are associated with sudden inspiration or illumination.

Prehnite is a green to yellowish-green colored mineral that belongs to the phyllosilicate family. It is composed of calcium, aluminum, and silicate, with traces of iron, magnesium, and other elements. Prehnite crystals have a unique pearly luster and can form in a variety of shapes, including tabular, prismatic, and stalactitic formations.

Prehnite is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and emotions, promoting relaxation and inner peace. It is also said to be a stone of unconditional love, compassion, and healing.

These Prehnite clusters originate from Africa.  The dimensions of the clusters are listed below:

A:  31x24x20 mm/1.2x0.9x0.8 in | 20 gr/0.7 oz | 100.5 carats
B:  42x28x24 mm/1.6x1.1x0.9 in | 36 gr/1.3 oz | 182.5 carats
C:  43x32x31 mm/1.7x1.3x1.2 in | 59 gr/2.1 oz | 295.8 carats
D:  60x43x28 mm/2.4x1.7x1.1 in | 84 gr/3.0 oz | 420.6 carats

This is a specimen of Star Mica or Muscovite cluster.  These clusters show crystals that grow in sheets or book formations.  It is silvery gold with good transparency when held up to the light.  The name Muscovite comes from the term Muscovy Glass which was a name for the thick sheets of Mica used as a substitute for glass Russia. The name Mica is derived from the Greek word that means to split.

On this nice specimen, the matrix faces are covered with beautiful golden yellow point stars of muscovite mica, a typical shape for this rare mica formation. The stars are the result of twinning; the points show a bit of wear but this does not detract from the beauty of such a piece.

Name: Star Mica - Muscovite
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized  
Dimensions:  53x40x24 mm / 2.1x1.6x0.9 inches  
Weight:  51.3 Grams / 1.8 ounces  
Origin: Mined in Minas Gerais, Brazil 

Lapis lazuli or lapis for short, is a deep-blue metamorphic rock used as a semi-precious gemstone that has been prized since antiquity for its intense color.  This specimen shows deep blue with sparks of pyrite and is in great condition.

Product Type: Lapis Lazuli Rough
Specimen Size: Cabinet-Sized
Dimensions:  75x68x35 mm / 2.9x2.7x1.4 inches
Weight: 341.6 Grams / 12 ounces
Origin: Afghanistan

Tourmaline forms beautiful crystals and it can be quite striking and colorful. The Santa Rosa Mine in Itambacuri, Minas Gerais, Brazil is known for producing some of the world's finest tourmaline crystals.  This interesting pink crystal cluster would be a great addition to any new or existing collection.

Name:  Tourmaline
Specimen Size:  Thumbnail-Sized  
Dimensions:   Specimen & Box 33x33 mm / 1.3x1.3 inches  
Weight:  12.5 Grams / 0.4 Ounces (including box)  
Origin: Mined in Santa Rosa mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This specimen features beautiful brown Phlogopite crystals on matrix, from the Earl's Farm, Wilberforce, Ontario, Canada. 

Phlogopite is a fascinating mineral belonging to the mica group, recognized for its distinctive layered structure and glossy appearance. Its color typically ranges from light brown to dark brown, and it can sometimes display a golden hue. Phlogopite is notable for its excellent cleavage, allowing it to be split into thin, flexible sheets, much like other mica varieties.

Phlogopite is typically found in metamorphic rocks, especially in areas where there has been significant heat and pressure, such as around granite intrusions. It is commonly located in places like Madagascar, Russia, and parts of North America, often forming alongside other minerals, such as biotite and garnet.

Phlogopite is believed to promote inner strength and self-confidence. It is often associated with grounding energy, helping individuals remain centered and calm amid chaos.

Name:  Phlogopite on Matrix
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized  
Dimensions:  51x42x23  mm / 2.0x1.6x0.9 inches  
Weight:  42.6 Grams / 1.5 Ounces  
Origin:  Earl's Farm, Wilberforce, Ontario, Canada  

This is an incredibly beautiful and flashy piece of Canadian Labradorite.  Labradorite is an unusual mineral. It can display a beautiful iridescent play of colors, caused by internal fractures in the mineral that reflect light back and forth, dispersing it into different colors. This effect, known as labradorescence, gives Labradorite its appeal and fame.

Product Type: Labradorite
Specimen Size: Miniature-Sized
Dimensions: 52x31x20 mm / 2.0x1.2x0.8 inches
Weight: 39.6 grams / 1.4 ounces
Origin: Quebec, Canada

Orpiment is known for its strikingly bright yellow color, though it can also be bright orange or lustrous brown. The name Orpiment is derived from the Latin Auripigmentum, meaning gold pigment, in reference to its color and historical use as a golden-yellow pigment. Orpiment is often associated with bright red Realgar, and may form in strikingly colored and unique mineral combinations.

Orpiment is a photosensitive mineral and will eventually dull and develop a white powdery film upon prolonged exposure to light. Due to the instability of Orpiment, specimens should be stored enclosed and covered to prevent their exposure to light. Occasional exposure to look at a specimen will not cause damage; only prolonged or repeated exposure will cause deterioration.

Orpiment contains a significant amount of poisonous arsenic, and is itself somewhat toxic. Washing hands is recommended after handling Orpiment specimens, especially if powdery.

This is a quality specimen that would be a beautiful addition to any new or existing rock collection.

Name:  Orpiment and Realgar
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized
Dimensions:  52x38x27 mm / 2.0x1.5x1.1 inches
Weight: 56.96 grams / 2.0 oz 
Origin:   Mined in Betze Post Pit, Carlin Trend, Ucaura Mountains, Elko Co., Nevada USA

This is an interesting specimen of Malachite on matrix from Conception del Oro, Mexico.  The specimen displays beautiful malachite that forms on the surface as small crystals. It is in very good condition. 

Would be a beautiful addition to any new or existing collection.

Name: Malachite on matrix 
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized
Dimensions:  50x43x48 mm / 2.0x1.7x1.9 inches
Weight: 149.4 Grams / 5.3 Ounces 
Origin: Mined in Conception del Oro, Mexico

Pseudomorphs are mineral specimens that have the external shape of one mineral but are composed of another.  The pseudomorph goethite after marcasite forms when marcasite is exposed to oxidizing conditions and starts to oxidize and break down. As the marcasite breaks down, goethite replaces it in the crystal structure, preserving the shape of the original marcasite crystal. The resulting specimen appears as a marcasite crystal, but is actually composed of goethite.

The Farafra Oasis, in the White Desert, has been known for a number of years to deliver incredible pseudomorph specimens. The pseudomorphs occur within the Cretaceous Khoman Chalk, from which the White Desert derives its name.

These specimens are remarkable for their relatively sharp marcasite crystal forms in aesthetic crystal clusters. They are in excellent condition.  This collector's specimen is unique, of great quality and ready for display.

Name: Goethite After Marcasite Pseudomorph
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized Specimen
Dimensions:  34x30x33  mm / 1.3x1.2x1.3 inches
Weight: 38 grams / 1.3 ounces
Origin: White Desert, Farafra Oasis, Egypt

Pseudomorphs are mineral specimens that have the external shape of one mineral but are composed of another.  The pseudomorph goethite after marcasite forms when marcasite is exposed to oxidizing conditions and starts to oxidize and break down. As the marcasite breaks down, goethite replaces it in the crystal structure, preserving the shape of the original marcasite crystal. The resulting specimen appears as a marcasite crystal, but is actually composed of goethite.

The Farafra Oasis, in the White Desert, has been known for a number of years to deliver incredible pseudomorph specimens. The pseudomorphs occur within the Cretaceous Khoman Chalk, from which the White Desert derives its name.

These specimens are remarkable for their relatively sharp marcasite crystal forms in aesthetic crystal clusters. They are in excellent condition.  This collector's specimen is unique, of great quality and ready for display.

Name: Goethite After Marcasite Pseudomorph
Specimen Size:  Miniature-Sized Specimen
Dimensions:  31x22x23  mm / 1.2x0.9x0.9 inches
Weight: 17 grams / 0.6 ounces
Origin: White Desert, Farafra Oasis, Egypt

Lapis lazuli or lapis for short, is a deep-blue metamorphic rock used as a semi-precious gemstone that has been prized since antiquity for its intense color.  This specimen shows deep blue with sparks of pyrite and is in great condition.

Product Type: Lapis Lazuli Rough
Specimen Size: Miniature-Sized
Dimensions:  51x51x26 mm / 2.0x2.0x1.0 inches
Weight: 83.7 Grams / 2.9 ounces
Origin: Afghanistan