Carpe Minerals by Carles Manresa

EFF70CDD: We've seen many pieces of this material, but just a few in matrix like this one, and also with the well-defined 'star' of Rutile-Hematite.
Caí bom Mine, Novo Horizonte, Bahia, Northeast Region  Brazil

Specimen size: 4.7 × 4.5 × 1.9 cm = 1.85” × 1.77” × 0.75”

Main crystal size: 2 × 0.1 cm = 0.79” × 0.04”

EXX37CD1: An outstanding Anatase crystal in a Quartz with inclusions that serves as a support and at the same time allows us to clearly see the morphology of the Anatase crystal.
Sopa, Diamantina, Jequitinhonha, Minas Gerais  Brazil

Specimen size: 3.1 × 2.5 × 2.5 cm = 1.22” × 0.98” × 0.98”

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 0.6 cm = 0.47” × 0.24”

EXX74CD2: Very aerial parallel growth of tabular Fluorapatite crystals, transparent, very shiny, and intensely pink. On matrix, with white lenticular Calcite crystals.
Fluorapatites from this mine were very difficult to obtain, and it is a small surprise that this piece from the past comes with such quality when very few specimens were seen in its time.
Morro Velho Mine, Nova Lima, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais  Brazil

Specimen size: 7.9 × 3.6 × 4.4 cm = 3.11” × 1.42” × 1.73”

Main crystal size: 2.8 × 1.5 cm = 1.10” × 0.59”

EXL57CD1: A textbook example of morphological perfection. The Schorl crystal has good development in all directions and at the top it shows a richness of faces which embellishes it even more, with the
added white Feldspar at the base, which gives it contrast.
Golconda pegmatite, Governador Valadares, Vale do Rio Doce, Minas Gerais  Brazil

Specimen size: 6.2 × 1.8 × 2.1 cm = 2.44” × 0.71” × 0.83”

Main crystal size: 6 × 1.3 cm = 2.36” × 0.51”

EXR50CD1: The elbaites from this mine are very characteristic, with that intense color, between yellow and green, and with their sharp crystals, almost always accompanied by 'lepidolite' and Albite (variety cleavelandite)
Aesthetic and attractive.
Urubu Mine, Monte Belo, Itinga, Jequitinhonha, Minas Gerais  Brazil

Specimen size: 8.4 × 4 × 3.8 cm = 3.31” × 1.57” × 1.50”

Main crystal size: 7.9 × 2.2 cm = 3.11” × 0.87”

MPL70CD2: Parallel growth of two flattened crystals of Elbaite, shiny, very deep green, and partially included in a hyaline Quartz crystal, which is partially coated by Albite.
Very original, it draws attention to how the Elbaite is included in the Quartz without practically any change in its growth, color and shape.
Cruzeiro Mine, Santa Maria do Suaçui, Governador Valadares, Vale do Rio Doce, Minas Gerais  Brazil

Specimen size: 8.5 × 4.2 × 3.3 cm = 3.35” × 1.65” × 1.30”

Main crystal size: 4.6 × 1.7 cm = 1.81” × 0.67”

MBB98CD2: Isolated crystal of Elbaite (rubellite variety) with very defined crystal shapes and excellent terminal faces. Between transparent and translucent, it is shiny and implanted in a translucent Quartz crystal with leafy Albite crystals at the base.
Its rear termination is recrystallized, similar to the other small crystal implanted in Quartz.
A beauty that reminds us of how creative Nature can be.
Santa Rosa Mine, Itambacuri, Vale do Rio Doce, Minas Gerais  Brazil

Specimen size: 9.5 × 7.7 × 7.3 cm = 3.74” × 3.03” × 2.87”

Main crystal size: 5.8 × 0.9 cm = 2.28” × 0.35”

ETL86CDD: Good color and transparency with a small white rosette of Albite (cleavelandite variety) and 'lepidolite' crystals forming a base for the Elbaite, enhancing its elegance. There are two more Albite plates at the upper termination of the Elbaite, giving it a peculiar appearance.
Pederneira claim, São José da Safira, Governador Valadares, Vale do Rio Doce, Minas Gerais  Brazil

Specimen size: 12.4 × 3.3 × 2.8 cm = 4.88” × 1.30” × 1.10”

Main crystal size: 12.4 × 1.4 cm = 4.88” × 0.55”

CBB47CD3: Doubly terminated floater crystal of Spodumene showing slight curvatures on some faces and edges. It is vertically twinned and has perfectly oriented growth marks. Transparent, with a very weak color that varies between green and yellow depending on the incidence of the transmitted light. An old classic, very peculiar, with its curved faces and vertical twinning.
This specimen comes from the collection of duplicates of Carles Curto (number 2010.01) whose digital catalogue file we will send to the buyer. It was previously in the collection of Folch duplicates.
Cuieté pegmatites, Cuieté Velho, Conselheiro Pena, Minas Gerais  Brazil (+1954)

Specimen size: 11.8 × 1.5 × 1 cm = 4.65” × 0.59” × 0.39”

Main crystal size: 11.8 × 1.5 cm = 4.65” × 0.59”

CBB87CD3: Spodumene doubly terminated floater crystal (kunzite variety) with marked growth striations and rich faces at the upper termination. Between translucent and transparent, it has an intense pink color.
This specimen comes from the collection of duplicates of Carles Curto (number 1985.13) whose digital catalogue file we will send to the buyer of the piece.
Taquaral, Itinga, Jequitinhonha, Minas Gerais  Brazil

Specimen size: 9.0 × 3.7 × 1.6 cm = 3.54” × 1.46” × 0.63”

ELX97CDD: The crystal is large, floater, perfect, and of good color. What I think identifies this piece more is the definition of the crystals, much more 'geometric' than is usual in this variety of the Spodumene.
Urucum Mine, Galiléia, Vale do Rio Doce, Minas Gerais  Brazil

Specimen size: 25.6 × 7.3 × 3.6 cm = 10.08” × 2.87” × 1.42”

Main crystal size: 25.6 × 6.7 cm = 10.08” × 2.64”

EPP87CD3: Aggregate of Orthoclase crystals of delicate cream color, one of them clearly dominant, with perfectly defined faces and edges, crowned by a group of Stellerite crystals of different orange tones, with thickened growths towards the crystal terminations, sharp and with good luster. Small Quartz crystals (smoky variety) complete the piece. A combination of species which is not very common but for which unfortunately we do not know the precise locality beyond the country level.
Given the unusual nature of the specimen, we had it analyzed and will send a copy of the analysis to the buyer.
Brazil (the whole Country)  Brazil

Specimen size: 8.4 × 7.1 × 2.8 cm = 3.31” × 2.80” × 1.10”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.3 cm = 0.20” × 0.12”

NRY62CDD: From Nacho Gaspar's collection, a very special Andorite, on Pyrite matrix, with a well-defined and aerial crystal.
San José Mine, Oruro City, Cercado Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 6 × 4.7 × 2.1 cm = 2.36” × 1.85” × 0.83”

Main crystal size: 2.9 × 2.3 cm = 1.14” × 0.91”

EMM74CDD: Small but eye-catching specimen, with a very straight crystal of emerald in its Calcite matrix. Good color and transparency.
Chivor mining district, Municipio Chivor, Eastern Emerald Belt, Boyacá Department  Colombia

Specimen size: 2.6 × 2.5 × 2.1 cm = 1.02” × 0.98” × 0.83”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.3 cm = 0.28” × 0.12”

ERX27CD4: Group of Rhodochrosite crystals, on matrix, rhombohedral with pronounced curvatures on the faces and edges. Uniform pink in color and more intense in the more aerial crystals.
This specimen comes from the Robert Gustafson collection, whose label we will send to the buyer.
Huachocolpa District, Huancavelica Province, Huancavelica Department  Peru

Specimen size: 8.9 × 4.7 × 2.4 cm = 3.50” × 1.85” × 0.94”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.6 cm = 0.39” × 0.24”

TMX90CD5: Group of octahedral Pyrite crystals, very lustrous, with very well defined faces and edges, and with golden reflections on the faces that have rough shapes, with somewhat developed and very smooth edges, and with the vertices truncated by pinacoid faces that in turn show growth striations.
Of considerable size and great crystallographic complexity.
Huanzala Mine, Huallanca District, Dos de Mayo Province, Huánuco Department  Peru (08-11/2023)

Specimen size: 15 × 11.1 × 5.9 cm = 5.91” × 4.37” × 2.32”

Main crystal size: 3.5 × 3.1 cm = 1.38” × 1.22”

EBR96CD4: Two Fluorite crystals, one of them clearly dominant, with a little Galena matrix. They are green, gem quality (very luminous and transparent), with perfectly defined faces and edges, dominant octahedron forms and the vertices truncated by the pinacoid. A little treasure.
Milpo Mine, Cerro de Pasco, Atacocha mining district, Pasco Province, Pasco Department  Peru (2022)

Specimen size: 1.9 × 1.8 × 1.3 cm = 0.75” × 0.71” × 0.51”

Main crystal size: 1.6 × 1.2 cm = 0.63” × 0.47”

ECD16CD4: Two translucent, apple-green Fluorite crystals with very defined faces and edges and with the dominant form of the octahedron.
Milpo Mine, Cerro de Pasco, Atacocha mining district, Pasco Province, Pasco Department  Peru (2022)

Specimen size: 2.6 × 2 × 1.6 cm = 1.02” × 0.79” × 0.63”

Main crystal size: 2 × 2 cm = 0.79” × 0.79”

TTB27CD4: Fluorite crystals, one of them clearly dominant and in which octahedron forms predominate, between translucent and transparent, with apple-green zoning in the center of the crystal, with polycrystalline growths on the faces, and associated with crystals of Galena and Pyrite.
The Galena has been analyzed to distinguish it from the geocronites from the same find. A copy of the analysis will be sent to the buyer.
Milpo Mine, Cerro de Pasco, Atacocha mining district, Pasco Province, Pasco Department  Peru (2022)

Specimen size: 4.6 × 3.7 × 3.3 cm = 1.81” × 1.46” × 1.30”

Main crystal size: 3 × 2.7 cm = 1.18” × 1.06”

TBR98CD4: Fluorite crystals between translucent and transparent, apple-green, very lustrous, partially coated by a multitude of Pyrite crystals and accompanied by two groups of dark grey Galena crystals.
The Galena has been analyzed to distinguish it from the geocronites from the same find and a copy of the analysis will be sent to the buyer.
Milpo Mine, Cerro de Pasco, Atacocha mining district, Pasco Province, Pasco Department  Peru (2022)

Specimen size: 6.4 × 5.6 × 3.6 cm = 2.52” × 2.20” × 1.42”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 1.4  cm = 0.55” × 0.55”

MBX96CD5: Calcite crystal with a very sharp trigonal shape, implanted on a matrix formed by Quartz crystals, with both species tinted by iron oxides. The faces of the Calcite crystal are smooth, with delicate growth striations and darker, perfectly sharp edges.
The specimen comes from a recent limited discovery in the Laohuao area in China.
Laohuao, Zhaogang township, Liannan, Qingyuan Prefecture, Guangdong Province  China (±09/2023)

Specimen size: 4.2 × 3.5 × 2 cm = 1.65” × 1.38” × 0.79”

Main crystal size: 3.6 × 3.1 cm = 1.42” × 1.22”

MBT46CD5: Calcite crystals with very sharp trigonal shapes, one of them clearly dominant, implanted on a matrix formed by Quartz crystals, with both species stained by iron oxides. The faces of the Calcite crystals are smooth, with delicate growth striations and darker, perfectly defined edges.
The specimen comes from a recent limited discovery in the Laohuao area in China.
Laohuao, Zhaogang township, Liannan, Qingyuan Prefecture, Guangdong Province  China (±09/2023)

Specimen size: 5.6 × 4.8 × 2.5 cm = 2.20” × 1.89” × 0.98”

Main crystal size: 2.2 × 2  cm = 0.87” × 0.79”

MTC16CD5: Calcite crystals with very sharp trigonal shapes, one of them clearly dominant, implanted on a matrix formed by Quartz crystals, with both species stained by iron oxides. The faces of the Calcite crystals are smooth, with delicate growth striations and darker, perfectly defined edges.
The specimen comes from a recent limited discovery in the Laohuao area in China.
Laohuao, Zhaogang township, Liannan, Qingyuan Prefecture, Guangdong Province  China (±09/2023)

Specimen size: 6.1 × 4.2 × 3.9 cm = 2.40” × 1.65” × 1.54”

Main crystal size: 2.5 × 2.2 cm = 0.98” × 0.87”

MTB14CD5: Calcite crystals with very sharp trigonal shapes, one of them clearly dominant, implanted on a matrix formed by Quartz crystals, with both species stained by iron oxides. The faces of the Calcite crystals are smooth, with delicate growth striations and darker, perfectly defined edges.
The specimen comes from a recent limited discovery in the Laohuao area in China.
Laohuao, Zhaogang township, Liannan, Qingyuan Prefecture, Guangdong Province  China (±09/2023)

Specimen size: 6.3 × 4.5 ×  4.4 cm = 2.48” × 1.77” × 1.73”

Main crystal size: 1.9 × 1.6 cm = 0.75” × 0.63”

MBR46CD5: Calcite crystals with very sharp trigonal shapes implanted on a matrix formed by Quartz crystals, with both species stained by iron oxides. The faces of the Calcite crystals are smooth, with delicate growth striations and darker, perfectly defined edges.
The specimen comes from a recent limited discovery in the Laohuao area in China.
Laohuao, Zhaogang township, Liannan, Qingyuan Prefecture, Guangdong Province  China (±09/2023)

Specimen size: 6.5 × 4.1 × 1.3 cm = 2.56” × 1.61” × 0.51”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 1.6 cm = 0.67” × 0.63”

MBY86CD5: Calcite crystals with very sharp trigonal shapes, two of them clearly dominant, implanted on a matrix formed by Quartz crystals, with both species stained by iron oxides. The faces of the Calcite crystals are smooth, with delicate growth striations and darker, perfectly defined edges.
The specimen comes from a recent limited discovery in the Laohuao area in China.
Laohuao, Zhaogang township, Liannan, Qingyuan Prefecture, Guangdong Province  China (±09/2023)

Specimen size: 9.5 × 5.6 × 2.8 cm = 3.74” × 2.20” × 1.10”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.9 cm = 0.79” × 0.75”

EAD66CD1: From a mine famous for the quality of its siderites and chalcopyrites, but which has a bad reputation for frequent small (or large) damage. This specimen on the other hand is totally perfect.
Kaiwu Mine, Hezhang, Bijie Prefecture, Guizhou Province  China (2023)

Specimen size: 4.8 × 3.7 × 2.6 cm = 1.89” × 1.46” × 1.02”

Main crystal size: 3.4 × 1 cm = 1.34” × 0.39”

EAB56CD1: From a mine famous for the quality of its siderites and chalcopyrites, but which has a bad reputation for frequent small (or large) damage. This specimen on the other hand is totally perfect.
Kaiwu Mine, Hezhang, Bijie Prefecture, Guizhou Province  China (2023)

Specimen size: 5.3 × 4.1 × 3.4 cm = 2.09” × 1.61” × 1.34”

Main crystal size: 1.6 × 0.6 cm = 0.63” × 0.24”

EAC27CD1: From a mine mainly famous for the quality of its siderites and chalcopyrites, but which also yields very good tennantites-tetrahedrites. Unfortunately it has the bad reputation that its specimens are very often more or less damaged. On the other hand, this specimen is totally perfect.
Kaiwu Mine, Hezhang, Bijie Prefecture, Guizhou Province  China (2023)

Specimen size: 5.5 × 4.5 × 3.2 cm = 2.17” × 1.77” × 1.26”

Main crystal size: 2.7 × 1.5 cm = 1.06” × 0.59”

MBR89CD5: Scalenohedral Calcite crystal, doubly terminated floater, transparent and extraordinarily lustrous, very rich in perfectly defined faces and edges, and with reddish iron oxide inclusions.
A treasure!
Tonglüshan Mine, Edong, Daye, Huangshi Prefecture, Hubei Province  China (2023)

Specimen size: 5.5 × 3.2 × 2.4 cm = 2.17” × 1.26” × 0.94”

MRB46CD5: Group of lenticular Calcite crystals with very marked trigonal shapes, formed by a very flattened rhombohedron and a fine prism. On matrix, transparent-translucent and with growth striations on the faces, which are very well defined, as well as on the edges, and with an internal phantom formed by another trigonal Calcite crystal, more ocher in color and perfectly visible, resulting in a very peculiar geometry.
This specimen comes from a recent discovery in the Hongwei mine, in Daye, China.
Hongwei Mine, Edong, Daye, Huangshi Prefecture, Hubei Province  China (±09/2023)

Specimen size: 9.3 × 5.6 × 2.5 cm = 3.66” × 2.20” × 0.98”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 1.7 cm = 0.67” × 0.67”

TTX66CD5: From the largest antimony deposit known on Earth, Xikuangshan in China, we received this specimen formed of spheroidal and radiated aggregates of acicular Valentinite crystals, well isolated in their rock matrix with small Quartz coatings.
Xikuangshan Sb deposit, Lengshuijiang, Loudi Prefecture, Hunan Province  China

Specimen size: 5.4 × 3.8 × 1.2 cm = 2.13” × 1.50” × 0.47”

EQR28CD3: These were new at Sainte Marie 2022. Twinned Sphalerite crystals, more isolated than usual, sharp and with very well-defined faces and edges, between translucent and transparent, lustrous and intense red with yellow tones. On matrix, with small white Calcite crystals and they somewhat resemble those from Áliva in color, although their crystallography is different. Extremely perfect without the slightest damage or abrasion.
It was an occasional discovery from which nothing further has been heard, and no specimens like these are seen anymore.
Huxu Mine, Dongxiang, Fuzhou Prefecture, Jiangxi Province  China (12/2021)

Specimen size: 7.6 × 5.5 × 4 cm = 2.99” × 2.17” × 1.57”

Main crystal size: 2.6 × 1.7 cm = 1.02” × 0.67”

EPD94CD3: These were new at Ste. Marie 2022. Twinned Sphalerite crystals, more isolated than usual, sharp and with very well-defined faces and edges, between translucent and transparent, lustrous and intense red with yellow tones. On matrix, with small white Calcite crystals and they somewhat resemble those from Áliva in color, although their crystallography is different. Some crystals have small abrasions, but still...
It was an occasional discovery from which nothing further has been heard, and no specimens like these are seen anymore.
Huxu Mine, Dongxiang, Fuzhou Prefecture, Jiangxi Province  China (12/2021)

Specimen size: 16 × 10 × 7 cm = 6.30” × 3.94” × 2.76”

Main crystal size: 3 × 2.2 cm = 1.18” × 0.87”

TRX97CD5: Group of tabular Baryte crystals showing very marked rhombic morphology, with the faces and edges of the crystals perfectly defined, transparent, with extraordinarily bright luster and with very marked geometric color zoning, darker towards the center of the crystal and an intense uniform yellow color towards the edges.
This very elegant specimen comes from the collection of Bill Dameron.
Dongchuan District, Kunming Prefecture, Yunnan Province  China

Specimen size: 7.8 × 4 × 4.2 cm = 3.07” × 1.57” × 1.65”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.6 cm = 0.79” × 0.63”

TVX46CD1: Very abundant Veszelyite crystals, with the quality and intense color expected from those of this locality. But also when the crystals appear filling a vug, this makes them very visible, clearly giving the image of being a 'matrix piece'.
Sanguozhuang, Dongchuan District, Kunming Prefecture, Yunnan Province  China (2021)

Specimen size: 6.7 × 4.3 × 3.4 cm = 2.64” × 1.69” × 1.34”

Main crystal size: 0.2 × 0.2 cm = 0.08” × 0.08”

EAF46CD1: Small but fine. From the enormous amount of material that continually arrives from China there are always little things that attract attention, like this Pyrite with crystallographically complex crystals, well placed in their matrix.
Tongling Prefecture, Anhui Province  China (2023)

Specimen size: 4 × 3.2 × 4.4 cm = 1.57” × 1.26” × 1.73”

Main crystal size: 0.9 × 0.7 cm = 0.35” × 0.28”

EAE56CD1: Small but fine. From the enormous amount of material that continually arrives from China there are always little things that attract attention, like this Pyrite with crystallographically complex crystals, well placed in their matrix.
Tongling Prefecture, Anhui Province  China (2023)

Specimen size: 4.6 × 3.7 × 1.8 cm = 1.81” × 1.46” × 0.71”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.9 cm = 0.39” × 0.35”

EXM71CDD: From the early days of the arrival of minerals from China to Europe, this is a good Cinnabar, with a very isolated and well-developed crystal in its Quartz matrix.
Tongren Mine, Tongren, Tongren Prefecture, Guizhou Province  China

Specimen size: 9.3 × 8.4 × 3.3 cm = 3.66” × 3.31” × 1.30”

Main crystal size: 1.8 × 1.5 cm = 0.71” × 0.59”