Carpe Minerals by Carles Manresa

EPX91CD2: Isolated crystal of Boleite, on matrix, from the type locality for the species, of good size, well-profiled, unusually shiny, and vivid and uniform in color.
It is accompanied by a small white sheet of Gypsum crystals that contrasts with the Boleite crystal.
Amelia Mine, Santa Rosalía (El Boleo), Boleo District, Municipio Mulegé, Baja California Sur  Mexico

Specimen size: 7.9 × 5.3 × 4.8 cm = 3.11” × 2.09” × 1.89”

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

XXB46CD5: Isolated Wulfenite crystal, tabular and thick, implanted on a Calcite matrix covered by a multitude of small Vanadinite crystals (arsenical variety). The Wulfenite crystal has the characteristic intense orange color of Los Lamentos wulfenites and has smooth, well defined faces, with rougher, but more lustrous, edges.
Los Lamentos Mountain Range, Municipio Ahumada, Chihuahua  Mexico

Specimen size: 2.2 × 1.9 × 2.2 cm = 0.87” × 0.75” × 0.87”

Main crystal size: 1.5 × 0.5 cm = 0.59” × 0.20”

XMP27CD5: Group of thick tabular Wulfenite crystals on a spathic Calcite matrix with small scattered crystals of the arsenical variety of Vanadinite. The Wulfenite crystals are characterized by being bicolored, smooth and yellow-orange at the ends and rougher in appearance and deeper in color in the center of the crystals.
Los Lamentos Mountain Range, Municipio Ahumada, Chihuahua  Mexico

Specimen size: 6.8 × 3.6 × 3.2 cm = 2.68” × 1.42” × 1.26”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 0.6 cm = 0.55” × 0.24”

CRC66CD1: Descriptive text by Carles Curto:
Aggregate of cuboctahedral Galena crystals on a matrix of Calcite.
Naica, Municipio Saucillo, Chihuahua  Mexico (1988)

Specimen size: 4.6 × 3.7 × 2.2 cm = 1.81” × 1.46” × 0.87”

Main crystal size: 2.1 × 1.6 cm = 0.83” × 0.63”

CRF54CD1: Descriptive text by Carles Curto: Feathery dendritic aggregates of deformed crystals in a Calcite matrix.

To which we should add: Very rich in Silver, picturesque, with partial coatings of black Acanthite. In general, of higher quality than most specimens seen from this locality.
New Nevada Mine, Cerro San Antonio, San Miguel, Batopilas, Andrés del Río District, Municipio Batopilas, Chihuahua  Mexico (±1980)

Specimen size: 6.3 × 5.3 × 2.3 cm = 2.48” × 2.09” × 0.91”

Main crystal size: 4.7 × 2.6 cm = 1.85” × 1.02”

CRB37CD1: Descriptive text by Carles Curto:
Cubic crystal with hopper faces, with small scalenohedral, doubly terminated Calcite crystals.
San Carlos Mine, La Luz, Municipio Guanajuato, Guanajuato  Mexico (+1986)

Specimen size: 1.7 × 1.2 × 1.0 cm = 0.67” × 0.47” × 0.39”

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

CXM29CD2: Group of prismatic Epidote crystals, one of them clearly dominant, highly profiled with a defined polycrystalline termination. The crystals are shiny and very dark green, almost black.
One of the best-known specimens for the locality, both for its definition and the fact that the crystal group is on matrix.
The specimen belongs to Carles Curto's duplicate collection (number 1988.31), and the print of the digital card will be sent to the buyer.
Taxco de Alarcón, Municipio Taxco, Guerrero  Mexico

Specimen size: 7 × 3.9 × 3.1 cm = 2.76” × 1.54” × 1.22”

Main crystal size: 3.5 × 2 cm = 1.38” × 0.79”

EFR49CD4: Group of Borcarite crystals on matrix. This species is a curious combination of borate and carbonate - hence its name - with calcium and magnesium, of a delicate bottle-green color, with crystals that are among the sharpest and best developed known for the species, translucent and very lustrous.
A high quality specimen for the species.
San Bartolo Mine, Charcas, Municipio Charcas, San Luis Potosí  Mexico (2023)

Specimen size: 4 × 2 × 1.3 cm = 1.57” × 0.79” × 0.51”

Main crystal size: 0.2 × 0.1 cm = 0.08” × 0.04”

CMP87CD5: Botryoidal aggregates of the “wood tin” variety of Cassiterite, with a bright yellow-orange color and concentric growths, as can be seen on the sides of the piece.
This specimen comes from the collection of duplicates of Carles Curto (number 1967.12) whose digital catalogue entry and handwritten label we will send to the buyer.
Santa María del Oro, Municipio Charcas, San Luis Potosí  Mexico

Specimen size: 5.4 × 4.5 × 2 cm = 2.13” × 1.77” × 0.79”

TAX50CD4: Azurite crystals on matrix, grouped in aggregates forming rosettes of slightly curved but very sharp crystals. With excellent luster and the best deep 'electric blue' color so characteristic of the Milpillas mine in Mexico, which is now closed.
A specimen of very high quality in which the contrast between the white matrix and the blue Azurite crystals is even more highlighted by the presence of grass-green fibrous Malachite crystals.
It should be noted that the presentation of Azurite crystals as rosettes is not common in Milpillas.
Milpillas Mine, level 1280, Cuitaca, Municipio Santa Cruz, Sonora  Mexico (2016)

Specimen size: 9.7 × 6.6 × 3.2 cm = 3.82” × 2.60” × 1.26”

Main crystal size: 2.2 × 1.1 cm = 0.87” × 0.43”

EBZ37CD1: The Wardite crystal is sharp, with better (deeper) color than usual, and has the curiosity of carrying small Lazulite crystals within the Wardite crystal, which generates a curious contrast of colors.
Stoneman Camp, Young's Creek, Dawson mining district, Yukon Territory  Canada

Specimen size: 3.6 × 3 × 2.4 cm = 1.42” × 1.18” × 0.94”

Main crystal size: 1.6 × 1.4 cm = 0.63” × 0.55”

CXX16CDD: From a classic Spanish locality, the Galena crystal is well individualized on its Quartz matrix. A very old piece, dating back to 1967-1968 and from the Carles Curto collection.
Linares, Comarca Sierra Morena, Jaén, Andalusia  Spain (1967-1968)

Specimen size: 3.1 × 3 × 1.7 cm = 1.22” × 1.18” × 0.67”

Main crystal size: 1.9 × 1.4 cm = 0.75” × 0.55”

TVA94CD4: Group of perfectly sharp and profiled Sphalerite crystals with complex crystallography and twinning, with the characteristic honeyed color, transparent, implanted on a rock matrix, on very sharp snow-white Dolomite crystals.
The specimen comes from a classic Spanish mine for Sphalerite, located in a spectacular landscape next to the Picos de Europa National Park, and it has been inaccessible for many years due to the galleries being flooded.
From the collection of Andrés Jiménez Shelly who bought it years ago from Jordi Fabre.
Áliva Mine (Las Mánforas Mine), Áliva mining area, Camaleño, Comarca Liébana, Cantabria  Spain

Specimen size: 6.3 × 4.9 × 1.7 cm = 2.48” × 1.93” × 0.67”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 1.3 cm = 0.55” × 0.51”

TAL70CDD: Áliva sphalerites are globally renowned for two things: their transparency/color and crystal size. In this case, the crystal size is undeniable, and although its thickness makes the transparency less visible, it boasts well-defined polycrystalline growth, a rarity in these pieces. Damage-free with some matrix at the base.
Áliva Mine (Las Mánforas Mine), Áliva mining area, Camaleño, Comarca Liébana, Cantabria  Spain

Specimen size: 11.3 × 10 × 8.8 cm = 4.45” × 3.94” × 3.46”

Main crystal size: 5.7 × 5.2 cm = 2.24” × 2.05”

TPM56CD5: A rarity for Almadén, not only because of the minerals it contains but because of how they interact with each other. Very dark vermilion Cinnabar crystals are deposited on a matrix of 'piedra frailesca', but mostly covered by a druse of Quartz crystals with Cinnabar inclusions that make the Quartz look like it has iron oxide staining but which is really caused by the reddish mercury sulfide.
This specimen comes from the former collection of Andrés Jiménez Shelly.
Las Cuevas Mine, Almadén, Comarca Valle de Alcudia, Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha  Spain (1999-2002)

Specimen size: 5.2 × 3.2 × 3.1 cm = 2.05” × 1.26” × 1.22”

Main crystal size: 0.4 × 0.2 cm = 0.16” × 0.08”

MHH88CD3: On a matrix formed by the “frailesca” rock which is typical of the Almadén area, there are several cavities which have developed Cinnabar crystals, one of them clearly dominant with the predominant forms of the rhombohedron, with curved edges, extraordinarily lustrous and deep carmine-red. They are associated with small Calcite crystals and droplets of Mercury scattered in the matrix, plus tiny lustrous Pyrite crystals.
A classic association for the now extinct Las Cuevas Mine, in the Almadén mining district, although, unlike most specimens from this mine, the crystal is sharper and redder than what used to come out there.
Las Cuevas Mine, Almadén, Comarca Valle de Alcudia, Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha  Spain

Specimen size: 6.7 × 4.9 × 3.1 cm = 2.64” × 1.93” × 1.22”

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

TFB93CD4: Group of numerous Cinnabar crystals with perfectly defined faces and edges, dominated by rhombohedron forms, translucent and very lustrous, and very vivid in color with marked striations on the crystal faces and on matrix.
An excellent classic of Spanish mineralogy from the collection of Andrés Jiménez Shelly whose label we will send to the buyer, and on which the annotation M.C.N. is observed, indicating that it belonged to the Museum of Natural Sciences of Madrid.
Almaden Mine, Almadén, Comarca Valle de Alcudia, Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha  Spain

Specimen size: 10 × 5.2 × 4.2 cm = 3.94” × 2.05” × 1.65”

Main crystal size: 0.8 × 0.7 cm = 0.31” × 0.28”

TPP90CD5: Complex twinned Scheelite crystal, with polycrystalline growths, well defined faces and edges and a uniform and intense color with orange tones and good luster. This antique specimen comes from the first period of mining the La Parrilla concession, which was one of the largest tungsten mining areas in Spain.
It comes from the former collection of Andrés Jiménez Shelly.
La Parrilla Claim, Santa Amalia, Don Benito-Almoharín, Comarca Vegas Altas, Cáceres, Extremadura  Spain (1989)

Specimen size: 4.2 × 4 × 2.6 cm = 1.65” × 1.57” × 1.02”

TBF26CDD: The best-colored barites from Murcia come from the San Jorge mining group. Carefully selected, this piece comes from the collection of Miguel David Martínez.
San Jorge mining group, Sierra Minera de Cartagena-La Unión, Portmán, La Unión, Comarca Campo de Cartagena, Region of Murcia (Murcia)  Spain

Specimen size: 5.3 × 4.3 × 4 cm = 2.09” × 1.69” × 1.57”

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

NBR14CD5: Isolated Anglesite crystals, with well defined and slightly yellowish faces and edges, pseudomorphed by Cerussite on a rock matrix covered by Goethite and secondary copper minerals that give this bluish appearance to the Goethite. This striking coating was even said to be Plumbogummite, but this piece has been analyzed, ruling out the existence of that species.
A Spanish classic from the Corta San Valentín in the La Unión mining district in Murcia.
San Valentín open pit, Sancti Espíritu, Sierra Minera de Cartagena-La Unión, La Unión, Comarca Campo de Cartagena, Region of Murcia (Murcia)  Spain (2023)

Specimen size: 8.8 × 6.2 × 6 cm = 3.46” × 2.44” × 2.36”

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 0.5 cm = 0.47” × 0.20”

MAX51CD2: Intergrown crystals of well-defined, transparent, shiny, and aerial Dolomite on its matrix.
The dolomites from Eugui are one of the hallmarks of Spanish mineralogy, and this particular piece stands out for the great transparency of its crystals and their aerial and individualized shape.
Asturreta Quarry, 'el pozo', Eugui, Esteríbar, Comarca Auñamendi, Chartered Community of Navarre (Navarre)  Spain (+1970)

Specimen size: 7.9 × 7.3 × 5.7 cm = 3.11” × 2.87” × 2.24”

Main crystal size: 1.6 × 1.4 cm = 0.63” × 0.55”

NTB96CDD: Undamaged, shiny, with a small matrix, the perfect specimen for the deposit. From the collection of Miguel David Martínez.
Celestine deposit, Hurchillo floodgates, Tajo-Segura irrigation system, Arneva, Orihuela, Comarca Vega Baja del Segura, Alicante / Alacant, Valencian Community / Comunitat Valenciana  Spain (08/2016)

Specimen size: 9.9 × 3.2 × 2.6 cm = 3.90” × 1.26” × 1.02”

Main crystal size: 9.9 × 2.5 cm = 3.90” × 0.98”

TBX66CDD: A Spanish classic where iron oxides provide color only to the matrix, creating a strong contrast with the colorless Gypsum crystals.
Chella, Comarca Canal de Navarrés, Valencia / València, Valencian Community / Comunitat Valenciana  Spain (2010)

Specimen size: 11.2 × 8.5 × 6.5 cm = 4.41” × 3.35” × 2.56”

Main crystal size: 4 × 1.7 cm = 1.57” × 0.67”

MRR68CD3: Deep blue cubic Fluorite crystals, translucent, with smooth faces, and beveled by the rhombododecahedron that presents a rough and a much more intense, almost blackish coloration, which is distinctive of the specimens from the Josefa-Veneros vein in La Collada.
On a matrix formed by scalenohedral crystals of white Calcite and small Quartz crystals.
A classic specimen from this locality that is acquiring a certain mythical halo with the passage of time.
Josefa-Veneros vein, 75 level, Coroña de Arriba-La Collada, La Collada mining area, Siero, Comarca Oviedo, Principality of Asturias (Asturias)  Spain

Specimen size: 4.5 × 3.3 × 2.3 cm = 1.77” × 1.30” × 0.91”

Main crystal size: 0.4 × 0.4 cm = 0.16” × 0.16”

TBR50CD5: Group of cubic Fluorite crystals with light blue polycrystalline faces, very translucent and lustrous, with the classic edges modified by lilac-colored rough rhombohedral faces so characteristic of Josefa-Veneros, and with scalenohedral crystals of Calcite on the back of the piece.
About fifty years have passed since this piece was found and we still continue to marvel at Josefa-Veneros' quality specimens, like this one, which comes from Julio Martín's collection.
Josefa-Veneros vein, 75 level, Coroña de Arriba-La Collada, La Collada mining area, Siero, Comarca Oviedo, Principality of Asturias (Asturias)  Spain (±1974)

Specimen size: 6.7 × 5.2 × 3 cm = 2.64” × 2.05” × 1.18”

Main crystal size: 2.4 × 2.2 cm = 0.94” × 0.87”

EXL27CD4: Cubic Fluorite crystals with slightly rounded edges and vertices, colorless, transparent, very shiny and on matrix, associated with several white lamellar Baryte crystals. The inclusions in the Fluorite crystals are hydrocarbons of organic origin and, in the case of this piece, they stand out due to the water-clear transparency of the Fluorite crystals.
From a classic Asturian mine from which it is increasingly difficult to obtain quality specimens, this piece comes via the collection of Thomas von Criegern.
Emilio Mine, Obdulia vein, Caravia mining area, La Rubiera, Loroñe, Colunga, Comarca de la Sidra, Principality of Asturias (Asturias)  Spain

Specimen size: 5.8 × 5.1 × 3.4 cm = 2.28” × 2.01” × 1.34”

Main crystal size: 1.3 × 0.8 cm = 0.51” × 0.31”

EPP67CD4: Group of Fluorite crystals with dominant cubic habit but with combinations of the shapes of the tetraquishexahedron that remind us of the neighboring Jaimina mine, with a predominance of intense violet tones, which is not very characteristic for the Emilio mine where light blue or colorless tones predominate.
Emilio Mine, Obdulia vein, Caravia mining area, La Rubiera, Loroñe, Colunga, Comarca de la Sidra, Principality of Asturias (Asturias)  Spain

Specimen size: 9.2 × 5.9 × 4.5 cm = 3.62” × 2.32” × 1.77”

Main crystal size: 1.6 × 1.3 cm = 0.63” × 0.51”

EAR50CD3: A kind of geode completely covered by crystals of very lustrous Quartz where perfectly sharp cubic Fluorite crystals have grown, some of them very isolated and aerial. They are highly transparent, have markedly smooth faces and a delicate light pink-violet color.
A not-so-classic of Asturian mining with a quality that is difficult to achieve today.
Berbes mining area, Berbes, Ribadesella, Comarca Oriente, Principality of Asturias (Asturias)  Spain

Specimen size: 7.6 × 5.7 × 4.1  cm = 2.99” × 2.24” × 1.61”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.6 cm = 0.28” × 0.24”

EXA48CD3: Group of cubic Fluorite crystals with marked blue-violet tones, translucent and with polycrystalline growths. With well-defined faces and edges, they are implanted in a matrix of leafy, snow-white Baryte crystals that offer a marked color contrast.
A classic specimen from the Berbes mining area, unmistakable.
Berbes mining area, Berbes, Ribadesella, Comarca Oriente, Principality of Asturias (Asturias)  Spain

Specimen size: 9.6 × 4.5 × 4.9 cm = 3.78” × 1.77” × 1.93”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.5 cm = 0.79” × 0.59”

XPR47CD5: Lustrous thick tabular crystals of Fluorapatite, two of them clearly dominant, with very well defined faces and marked hexagonal contours and with an obvious geometric color zoning, green in the center of the crystal and intense lilac around the entire perimeter. Associated with small Muscovite and Pyrite crystals. A floater.
Minas da Panasqueira, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal

Specimen size: 4 × 4 × 2.2 cm = 1.57” × 1.57” × 0.87”

Main crystal size: 3.3 × 2.4 cm = 1.30” × 0.94”

LTX66CDD: A great collection, a great piece. This specimen, one of the first we sold when acquiring this collection, has returned to us and remains crystallographically distinct and attractive.
Minas da Panasqueira, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (±2014)

Specimen size: 6.5 × 5.8 × 4.2 cm = 2.56” × 2.28” × 1.65”

Main crystal size: 5.3 × 4.3 cm = 2.09” × 1.69”

WWE16CD1: Notable for several reasons. Due to its pedigree, since it belonged to the Natural History Museum of Los Ángeles and was later in the Raúl Sanabria collection, and for the Fluorapatite / Sphalerite association, which is rare in Panasqueira, and for its perfection, without the slightest defect or damage.
An excellent piece, which carries with it a lot of added value.
Minas da Panasqueira, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal

Specimen size: 9 × 6.7 × 8.2 cm = 3.54” × 2.64” × 3.23”

Main crystal size: 4 × 1.9 cm = 1.57” × 0.75”

WRM47CD2: Crystals of Fluorapatite with a short prismatic habit, partially biterminated, shiny, and of a beautiful violet color, the most desired color for fluorapatites from Panasqueira. They are on matrix, with flattened crystals of Ferberite, Quartz crystals, and coatings of Muscovite.
Like all specimens in Raúl Sanabria's collection, it was chosen with great care, always aiming to have something special that sets it apart.
Minas da Panasqueira, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (02/2021)

Specimen size: 9.6 × 8 × 6.7 cm = 3.78” × 3.15” × 2.64”

Main crystal size: 2.9 × 2 cm = 1.14” × 0.79”

WRA96CD2: Well-developed Quartz crystal, translucent and shiny, coated with shiny and bluish Fluorapatite crystals; with Siderite and a coating of small Pyrite crystals on the back. Noteworthy, in addition to its beauty, are the Fluorapatite inclusions inside the Quartz crystal, which, due to their partial fusion at the Quartz formation temperature, have a very unusual appearance.
Like all specimens in Raúl Sanabria's collection, it was chosen with great care, always aiming to have something special that sets it apart.
Minas da Panasqueira, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (12/2016)

Specimen size: 12.4 × 11.5 × 8.4 cm = 4.88” × 4.53” × 3.31”

Main crystal size: 11.5 × 4.2 cm = 4.53” × 1.65”

WRW97CD2: Druse of Fluorapatite crystals of good size, with a prismatic habit, many of them totally or partially doubly terminated, translucent, shiny, and deep green. Some, especially the main crystal, have recrystallized fibrous-looking faces in white. On matrix, with lenticular Siderite crystals and well-colored shiny Chalcopyrite crystals.
Like all specimens in Raúl Sanabria's collection, it was chosen with great care, always aiming to have something special that sets it apart.
Minas da Panasqueira, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal

Specimen size: 15.4 × 13.4 × 6.9 cm = 6.06” × 5.28” × 2.72”

Main crystal size: 4.5 × 4.5 cm = 1.77” × 1.77”

WAQ27CD2: Flattened crystal of Ferberite, partially doubly terminated with well-defined parallel growths. It is very shiny and is on a matrix covered with Muscovite crystals, lenticular Siderite crystals, and shiny and sharp Arsenopyrite crystals.
Although in one area, the crystal appears less defined, it has no breaks or impacts; it simply did not grow under the same conditions as the rest of the crystal, conditions that, as seen, created a high-quality crystal.
Like all specimens in Raúl Sanabria's collection, it was chosen with great care, always aiming to have something special that sets it apart.
Minas da Panasqueira, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (05/2021)

Specimen size: 11.7 × 8 × 4.6 cm = 4.61” × 3.15” × 1.81”

Main crystal size: 7.4 × 6.2 cm = 2.91” × 2.44”

TBX17CD5: Pyrite is not the most common mineral in the Panasqueira mines, but from time to time curious samples like this one have been found, formed by a group of very lustrous pineapple-shaped crystals with a cavity that shows a crystal of cubic morphology, also of Pyrite, adorning the entire specimen, which comes from the former collection of Francisco Fernández Ortega. A floater.
Minas da Panasqueira, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal

Specimen size: 7.7 × 7 × 4.8 cm = 3.03” × 2.76” × 1.89”

Main crystal size: 1.3 × 1 cm = 0.51” × 0.39”

WZP50CD2: Group of hyaline Quartz crystals, all doubly terminated, with very defined faces, and some with polycrystalline terminations. They have a sharper and 'cleaner' appearance than the typical Panasqueira quartz, with coatings of Siderite and leafy aggregates of Muscovite.
Like all specimens in Raúl Sanabria's collection, it was chosen with great care, always aiming to have something special that sets it apart.
Minas da Panasqueira, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal (06/2021)

Specimen size: 14.7 × 7.2 × 5.4 cm = 5.79” × 2.83” × 2.13”

Main crystal size: 14.2 × 3.5 cm = 5.59” × 1.38”

WPF66CD2: Very well-developed Quartz crystal with parallel growth on the terminal faces and several very sharp, black, and shiny crystals of Cassiterite. The Quartz is partially coated with small lenticular crystals of Siderite, in turn covered with very shiny microcrystals of Pyrite.
Like all specimens in Raúl Sanabria's collection, it was chosen with great care, always aiming to have something special that sets it apart.
Minas da Panasqueira, Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Cova da Beira, Centro  Portugal

Specimen size: 17.5 × 9.8 × 9.4 cm = 6.89” × 3.86” × 3.70”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 1 cm = 0.55” × 0.39”