Carpe Minerals by Carles Manresa

TXR13CD6: Very aerial group formed by well-defined Copper crystals in stalagmitic growth, with their characteristic bronze color that has not been lost even though it is a very old specimen. A large and sharp Analcime crystal makes the piece even more attractive.
This specimen, well documented and of very considerable size, comes from the Fernando Reyna collection and it is very noteworthy that the Copper crystals are so well defined in such a large specimen.
Centennial Mine, Centennial, Houghton County, Michigan  USA

Specimen size: 20.2 × 13.3 × 4.2 cm = 7.95” × 5.24” × 1.65”

Main crystal size: 5 × 2.4 cm = 1.97” × 0.94”

CTX77CD6: Group of Adamite crystals on matrix, with faces and edges well defined, arranged radially, with uniform yellow color, becoming more reddish towards the terminations.
The specimen comes from the collection of duplicates of Carles Curto (number 1986.46), whose digital catalogue file we will send to the buyer.
Mapimí, Municipio Mapimí, Durango  Mexico (+1986)

Specimen size: 4.4 × 3.8 × 2.4 cm = 1.73” × 1.50” × 0.94”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 1 cm = 0.67” × 0.39”

MBT48CD6: Spherical aggregates of dark acicular Plattnerite crystals with intense metallic luster, implanted in limonitic matrix, and accompanied by translucent white Calcite crystals. When analyzing the specimen it was seen that there were also small Hemimorphite crystals distributed among the plattnerites.
The specimen comes from the collection of duplicates of Carles Curto (number 1977.16), whose digital catalogue file we will send to the buyer.
Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Municipio Mapimí, Durango  Mexico (+1987)

Specimen size: 6.8 × 6.6 × 2.4 cm = 2.68” × 2.60” × 0.94”

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

EPB96CD6: Group of numerous Pectolite crystals on matrix, of light cream color and transparent, forming fine aerial crystals. This specimen is characterized precisely by its very sharp crystals, something rather uncommon for the species. The locality of origin, the Poudrette Quarry, is known for hosting the best crystallized specimens of this species.
The specimen comes from the collections of Nicholas Theis and David H. Garske, whose label we will send to the buyer.
Poudrette Quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, La Vallée-du-Richelieu RCM, Montérégie, Québec  Canada

Specimen size: 5.6 × 4.4 × 3.1 cm = 2.20” × 1.73” × 1.22”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.2 cm = 0.39” × 0.08”

EPF96CD6: Floater specimen formed of arborescent crystals of very shiny Pyrite and different from those we usually see from this deposit, the Moscona Mine.
The specimen is very old, this type of specimen having been found at the beginning of mining, which began in 1978. A rarity.
Moscona Mine, El Llano, Solís, Corvera de Asturias, Comarca Avilés, Principality of Asturias (Asturias)  Spain (+1985)

Specimen size: 4.5 × 2 × 1.6 cm = 1.77” × 0.79” × 0.63”

EXB86CD6: Floater specimen formed of very shiny skeletal Pyrite crystals that partially cover a group of characteristic yellow Fluorite crystals from the Mina Moscona, as you can see on the back of the piece.
This specimen is very old, as this type of specimen was found at the beginning of mining, which began in 1978. A rarity.
Moscona Mine, El Llano, Solís, Corvera de Asturias, Comarca Avilés, Principality of Asturias (Asturias)  Spain (+1985)

Specimen size: 4.6 × 4.4 × 3.3 cm = 1.81” × 1.73” × 1.30”

EAH46CD6: Aggregate of botryoidal Goethite on matrix, with a uniform very dark black color, but with a luster that stands out for its high intensity, something not so common in the specimens found in La Arboleda, a mineralogically classic iron deposit for the Basque Country and which was so important for the development of its steel industry.
La Arboleda Mines, La Arboleda (Zugaztieta), Valle de Trápaga/Trapagaran, Comarca Gran Bilbao, Vizcaya / Bizkaia, Basque Country (Euskadi)  Spain (+1980)

Specimen size: 7.5 × 6 × 4.2 cm = 2.95” × 2.36” × 1.65”

MFB16CD6: An exceptional piece. Group of Dolomite crystals, two of them clearly dominant, on a matrix covered by crystals of smaller dolomites. The crystals are extraordinarily transparent and lustrous, twinned, and with very well defined faces and edges, perfect.
An old specimen, from the now extinct Asturreta Quarry in Eugui. A classic of Spanish mineralogy of very notable quality.
Asturreta Quarry, 'el pozo', Eugui, Esteríbar, Comarca Auñamendi, Chartered Community of Navarre (Navarre)  Spain (+1970)

Specimen size: 9 × 7.7 × 5.9 cm = 3.54” × 3.03” × 2.32”

Main crystal size: 3.5 × 3 cm = 1.38” × 1.18”

TPT76CD6: Cinnabar crystals with their characteristic vermilion color, deposited on a rock matrix. The upper part of the specimen is highlighted by the presence of aggregates of small dark and lustrous Metacinnabar crystals.
The specimen has been analyzed, and comes from the collection of Andrés Jiménez Shelly.
Las Cuevas Mine, Almadén, Comarca Valle de Alcudia, Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha  Spain (±2013)

Specimen size: 7.6 × 5.3 × 5 cm = 2.99” × 2.09” × 1.97”

TBZ97CD6: Aggregate of tabular Baryte crystals with faces and edges very well defined and of a very uniform sea-blue color.
This specimen, of high quality for the locality, one from which one seldom sees specimens, comes from the collection of Miguel David Martínez Pérez, whose label we will send to the buyer.
San Simón Mine, La Parreta, Alumbres, Cartagena, Comarca Campo de Cartagena, Region of Murcia (Murcia)  Spain

Specimen size: 12.1 × 7.9 × 4 cm = 4.76” × 3.11” × 1.57”

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

NXP16CD6: Very aerial floater Fluorite specimen made up of cubic crystals with well defined faces and edges and polycrystalline growths of a bluish color typical of La Viesca, forming staggered growths on which Quartz crystals have grown in a very aerial way, probably by epitaxial growth on an ancient Calcite crystal already completely dissolved when the Quartz was precipitated.
A very characteristic and notable example of what the La Viesca Mine, which closed in 2021, used to offer.
La Viesca Mine, La Collada mining area, Huergo, Siero, Comarca Oviedo, Principality of Asturias (Asturias)  Spain

Specimen size: 13.8 × 9.9 × 7.4 cm = 5.43” × 3.90” × 2.91”

Main crystal size: 2.7 × 2.5 cm = 1.06” × 0.98”

TPV16CD6: An impressive piece. A Gold leaf showing tetragonal morphology, formed by a multitude of crystals that depict multiple forms and growths.
The specimen comes from the collection of Nacho Gaspar (number Oro.59) whose label we will send to the buyer.

Rosia Montana, Apuseni Mountains, Alba, Transylvania  Romania

Specimen size: 2.5 × 2.5 × 0.1 cm = 0.98” × 0.98” × 0.04”

TXL98CD6: Sheets of native Lead on the classic rock matrix from the Swedish town of Långban, a world-renowned locality for this species, which only rarely occurs as the native element.
The specimen comes from the collection of Nacho Gaspar whose label we will send to the buyer of the piece.
Långban, Filipstad, Värmland  Sweden

Specimen size: 10 × 4 × 4.3 cm = 3.94” × 1.57” × 1.69”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.4 cm = 0.79” × 0.55”

TMT66CD6: Group of coralloidal aggregates formed by Malachite crystals of uniform grass-green color on limonitic rock matrix from the Tazalarht mining district in Morocco.
Tazalarht mining area, Taroudant Province, Souss-Massa Region  Morocco (2023)

Specimen size: 6.8 × 6.5 × 3.7 cm = 2.68” × 2.56” × 1.46”

MBF96CD6: Elongated tabular Baryte crystals with well defined faces and edges and with very well defined rhombohedral terminations, translucent and of a delicate uniform yellow color, with inclusions of small red Realgar crystals, all embedded in a whitish matrix formed of Calcite crystals, which ensures a noteworthy color contrast.
A specimen difficult to find nowadays in the commercial mineral market.
Bouismas Mine, Agdz, Bou Azzer mining district, Zagora Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region  Morocco (02/2013)

Specimen size: 5.6 × 3.8 × 3.4 cm = 2.20” × 1.50” × 1.34”

Main crystal size: 4.8 × 1 cm = 1.89” × 0.39”

EBB26CD6: The Dolphin. Over a small Quartz matrix, a multitude of small Malachite crystals of uniform green color, completely pseudomorph a previous crystal or crystals of Azurite and make up what looks like the shape of a dolphin or a fish, very well placed on a base (which is the Quartz matrix). Sharp and lustrous green Dioptase crystals adorn the specimen with a darker, more intense tone.
Kapata area, Kolwezi District, Lualaba, Katanga Copper Crescent, Katanga (Shaba)  Congo (Zaire), Democratic Republic of the (02-03/2023)

Specimen size: 7.1 × 4.8 × 3.6 cm = 2.80” × 1.89” × 1.42”

Main crystal size: 7.1 × 2.3 cm = 2.80” × 0.91”

TZZ54CD6: Grandidierite crystal of considerable size for the species, of a very uniform and deep bluish green color, and accompanied in the base of the crystal by a pseudomorph, possibly after Tourmaline, replaced by minerals whose species could not be clearly identified, beyond being a mixture of silica gel with remnants of Opal.
Mineralogy never ceases to surprise us, and certainly the pegmatites of Madagascar do not stop surprising us.
Tranomaro-Maromby area, Amboasary District, Anosy Region (Fort Dauphin Region), Toliara Province (Tuléar)  Madagascar

Specimen size: 4.1 × 3.4 × 1.2 cm = 1.61” × 1.34” × 0.47”

Main crystal size: 4.1 × 3.1 cm = 1.61” × 1.22”

MBX16CD6: Very special specimen. Three generations of Mimetite coexist, with three different morphologies. Colorless and zoned Mimetite crystals were deposited on the matrix first, followed by another generation of Mimetite crystals with inclusions of Arsendescloizite that give it the showy greenish coloration that can be seen in a good part of the specimen, and finally the largest and best developed more classic Mimetite crystals, yellow in color, and with a crown of crisscrossing crystals at the top of the piece.
The specimen has been analyzed due to its complexity, as is often the case with specimens from Tsumeb.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 7.3 × 5.8 × 3.7 cm = 2.87” × 2.28” × 1.46”

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

TLX87CD6: Very rich group formed of acicular crystals of Cylindrite intersecting with each other, with the characteristic metallic luster and very good state of preservation, and of considerable size for the species.
The specimen comes from the collection of Nacho Gaspar, whose label we will send to the buyer.
San José Mine, Oruro City, Cercado Province, Oruro Department  Bolivia

Specimen size: 8.5 × 5 × 2 cm = 3.35” × 1.97” × 0.79”

Main crystal size: 2.7 × 0.1 cm = 1.06” × 0.04”

DRF69CD6: Aggregate of spherical crystals of Anorpiment of uniform and intense green color, lustrous and with minor inclusions of Orpiment, on a rock matrix.
The specimen has been analyzed and comes from the type locality (TL) for the species, the Palomo mine in Peru.
Palomo Mine, Castrovirreyna Province, Huancavelica Department  Peru

Specimen size: 9 × 6.6 × 3.6 cm = 3.54” × 2.60” × 1.42”

TFB66CD6: Group of very lustrous and sharp Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) crystals, forming rosettes of a delicate pink tone that have grown on a matrix formed by cream-brown flaky crystals of Roweite and small remnants of Galena.
The specimen has been analyzed, giving this unusual and interesting paragenesis.
Shijiangshan Mine, Shijiangshan village, Yinwu, Linxi, Ulanhad League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region  China (06/2022)

Specimen size: 4.1 × 3.6 × 2.7 cm = 1.61” × 1.42” × 1.06”

TFF36CD6: Group of very lustrous and sharp Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) rosettes of a delicate pinkish tone that have grown on a matrix formed by lamellar cream-brown Roweite crystals.
The specimen has been analyzed, giving this unusual and interesting paragenesis.
Shijiangshan Mine, Shijiangshan village, Yinwu, Linxi, Ulanhad League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region  China (06/2022)

Specimen size: 5 × 3.1 × 2.8 cm = 1.97” × 1.22” × 1.10”

TXF96CD6: Group of very sharp lustrous Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) crystals, forming rosettes of a delicate pink tone that have grown on a matrix formed by cream-brown flaky crystals of Roweite and platy Galena at the base of the specimen.
This specimen has been analyzed, giving this unusual and interesting paragenesis.
Shijiangshan Mine, Shijiangshan village, Yinwu, Linxi, Ulanhad League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region  China (06/2022)

Specimen size: 6.2 × 4.2 × 3.9 cm = 2.44” × 1.65” × 1.54”

CXB27CD6: Floater group of very lustrous and intense blue crystals Azurite with parallel prismatic growths of little development forming cogwheels.
The specimen comes from the collection of duplicates of Carles Curto (number 2007.10) whose digital catalogue entry we will send to the buyer, and is of great quality for the locality.
Shilu Mine, Yangchun, Yangjiang Prefecture, Guangdong Province  China

Specimen size: 5 × 4.2 × 4.1 cm = 1.97” × 1.65” × 1.61”

Main crystal size: 0.4 × 0.3 cm = 0.16” × 0.12”

MLP91CD6: Crystal aggregate of pale pink Shinichengite forming small groups of rosettes covering a rock matrix with greenish brown Andradite crystals. The specimen is partially covered by cream-colored globular aggregates of
Bulfonteinite and small transparent Imayoshiite crystals. The Shijiangshan Mine from which the specimen comes is the type locality for the new species Shinichengite.
The specimen has been analyzed and we will send a copy to the buyer. It should be noted that previously Shinichengite had been identified as Tobermorite-Clinotobermorite, without specifying an exact species, since it was already seen that it was not so obvious what species it was.
Since the vast majority of the shinichengites found are white, these pink ones were analyzed, turning out to also be Shinichengite.
Shijiangshan Mine, Shijiangshan village, Yinwu, Linxi, Ulanhad League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region  China (09/2021)

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

MTB99CD6: Crystal aggregate of Imayoshiite with small groups of Shinichengite in rosette and associated with lustrous black Sphalerite crystals. The Shijiangshan Mine is the type locality (TL) for Shinichengite.
The specimen has been analyzed and we will send a copy to the buyer. It should be noted that previously Shinichengite had been identified as Tobermorite-Clinotobermorite, without specifying an exact species, since it was not so obvious what species it was.
Shijiangshan Mine, Shijiangshan village, Yinwu, Linxi, Ulanhad League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region  China (09/2021)

Specimen size: 4.8 × 3.5 × 2.4 cm = 1.89” × 1.38” × 0.94”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.4 cm = 0.39” × 0.16”

MXT53CD6: Crystal aggregate of pale pink Shinichengite forming small groups in rosette, covering a rock matrix with greenish brown Andradite crystals. The specimen is partially covered by cream-colored globular aggregates of Bulfonteinite. The Shijiangshan Mine from which the specimen comes is the type locality (TL) for Shinichengite.
The specimen has been analyzed and we will send a copy to the buyer. It should be noted that previously Shinichengite had been identified as Tobermorite-Clinotobermorite, without specifying an exact species, since it was already seen that it was not so obvious what species it was.
Since the vast majority of the shinichengites found are white, these pink ones were analyzed, turning out to also be Shinichengite.
Shijiangshan Mine, Shijiangshan village, Yinwu, Linxi, Ulanhad League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region  China (09/2021)

Specimen size: 8.4 × 5.6 × 4.3 cm = 3.31” × 2.20” × 1.69”

MCD11CD6: Aggregate of white Shinichengite crystals forming small globular groups covering a rock matrix and accompanied by greenish Andradite crystals. Globular aggregates of cream-colored Bulfonteinite partially cover the specimen as well as very small crystals of Imayoshiite. The Shijiangshan Mine from which the specimen comes is the type locality (TL) for Shinichengite.
The specimen has been analyzed and we will send a copy of the analysis to the buyer. It should be noted that previously Shinichengite had been identified as Tobermorite-Clinotobermorite, without specifying an exact species, since it was not so obvious what species it was.
Shijiangshan Mine, Shijiangshan village, Yinwu, Linxi, Ulanhad League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region  China (09/2021)

Specimen size: 9.4 × 4.3 × 4.9 cm = 3.70” × 1.69” × 1.93”

MBR10CD6: Aggregate of pale pink Shinichengite crystals forming small rosette groups covering a rock matrix with greenish brown Andradite crystals. The specimen is partially covered by cream-colored globular aggregates of
Bulfonteinite. The Shijiangshan Mine from which the specimen comes is the type locality (TL) for Shinichengite.
The specimen has been analyzed and we will send a copy of the analysis to the buyer. It should be noted that previously Shinichengite had been identified as Tobermorite-Clinotobermorite, without specifying an exact species, since it was already seen that it was not so obvious what species it was. Since the vast majority of the shinichengites found are white, these pink ones were analyzed, turning out to also be Shinichengite.
Shijiangshan Mine, Shijiangshan village, Yinwu, Linxi, Ulanhad League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region  China (09/2021)

Specimen size: 8.4 × 6.6 × 4.6 cm = 3.31” × 2.60” × 1.81”

CMB46CD3: Aggregate of equant Copper crystals, one of them aerial, with deformed and curved faces and edges, and well-defined morphology.
The specimen comes from the collection of duplicates of Carles Curto (number 1970.18) whose digital catalogue file we will send to the buyer of the specimen.
New Cornelia Mine, Ajo, Little Ajo Mountains, Ajo District, Pima County, Arizona  USA

Specimen size: 1.6 × 1.4 × 0.8 cm = 0.63” × 0.55” × 0.31”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.5 cm = 0.39” × 0.20”

MLR66CD4: Rich group of Kinoite crystals forming a coating on an andesitic rock matrix. They are very lustrous and have vivid reflections of an intense light blue color. It comes from the well-known Christmas mine in Arizona, USA.
The specimen was from the collection of Jean-François Demaizière, whose label we will send to the buyer.
Christmas Mine, Christmas, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mountains, Gila County, Arizona  USA

Specimen size: 4.3 × 3.4 × 2.3 cm = 1.69” × 1.34” × 0.91”

MTJ16CD3: In thin, crisscrossed “stockwork”-like plates formed of a ferruginous matrix completely covered by botryoidal masses of Goethite, groups of very bright Aurichalcite crystals have been deposited, predominantly grass-green, giving a beautiful chromatic contrast with the matrix.
Without claiming to be among the best from this famous locality, this piece is very fine and elegant. A little beauty.
79 Mine, Chilito, Hayden area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mountains, Gila County, Arizona  USA

Specimen size: 4.8 × 3.6 × 3.1 cm = 1.89” × 1.42” × 1.22”

EXR46CD1: Granted, more spectacular azurites came out of Milpillas, but for a great classic locality like the Copper Queen mine, this piece is not bad at all, with a lot of luster, very perfect and with the Azurite crystals grouped in rosettes.
The piece is a floater and has Malachite on both sides.
Copper Queen Mine, Queen Hill, Bisbee, Warren District, Mule Mountains, Cochise County, Arizona  USA

Specimen size: 9.4 × 7.8 × 6.2 cm = 3.70” × 3.07” × 2.44”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.4 cm = 0.28” × 0.16”

CRM50CD3: Complete Spodumene floater crystal (kunzite variety) with the arrow-shaped twin characteristic for this type of specimen, translucent with a quite intense pink color. The spodumenes from this locality are legendary since at the time they were a reference for the species, competing with the Brazilian ones.
The specimen comes from the collection of duplicates of Carles Curto (number 1987.06) whose
digital catalogue file we will send to the buyer.
Himalaya Mine, Gem Hill, Mesa Grande District, San Diego County, California  USA

Specimen size: 7.4 × 5.8 × 1 cm = 2.91” × 2.28” × 0.39”

MPQ48CD2: Druse of well-developed rhombohedral crystals of Rhodochrosite, with slight curvatures on the faces and edges, shiny, of a very intense and uniform pink color, and on matrix. Accompanied by Galena and white spheroidal coatings of Quartz microcrystals.
From a French collection, it is a splendid example from this classic American locality, both for the richness of crystals and the intensity of color.
Sunnyside Mine group (American Tunnel Mine), Bonita Peak, Gladstone, Eureka District, San Juan County, Colorado  USA

Specimen size: 11 × 10.8 × 5.4 cm = 4.33” × 4.25” × 2.13”

Main crystal size: 0.6 × 0.4 cm = 0.24” × 0.16”

TFB70CD3: Arborescent and aerial growth of terminated Copper crystals, with well-defined faces and edges and deep and uniform color. The size of its crystals is important for a species that rarely gives large or sharp crystals.
This specimen, a classic for the Michigan copper belt in the USA, comes from the Moutet collection, from Marseille.
Keweenaw County, Michigan  USA

Specimen size: 6.1 × 3.3 × 1.8 cm = 2.40” × 1.30” × 0.71”

Main crystal size: 3.7 × 1.2 cm = 1.46” × 0.47”

EBB50CD5: Group of sharp Rhodochrosite crystals with a uniform pink color. On matrix, with small Pyrite coatings and Quartz crystals visible on the back of the piece. This specimen comes from Butte, Montana, a classic American locality from which it is currently very difficult to obtain specimens.
Butte, Butte District, Silver Bow County, Montana  USA

Specimen size: 8 × 5.7 × 4.4 cm = 3.15” × 2.24” × 1.73”

Main crystal size: 1.5 × 1 cm = 0.59” × 0.39”