Mardani Fine Minerals

ID #: 21768, Fluorite​​​​​​​​​Huanzala Mine, Huallanca District, Dos de Mayo Province, Huánuco Department, Peru​​​​​​​​​
Huanzala is most commonly known as a source of fabulous pyrite crystals, yet it has occasionally yielded sporadic pockets of choice fluorite specimens that amaze collectors with their aesthetics. Fluorites from the area tend to be octahedral (or modified dodecahedrons) and typically exhibit pastel hues of pink or green, with occasional colorless examples. More recent finds, like this example with very deep green color, have redefined expectations from the region. This is an incredibly saturated example with a depth of tone rarely seen from the locality. Its color is so rich that the green approaches an emerald-green hue that is instantly alluring. The crystal also has an attractive, gemlike look with its modified octahedral shape, smooth, broad faces, and sharp edges, all highlighted by glossy luster. Anchored by a shiny, gunmetal-toned matrix (host rock) of sphalerite, the piece captivates both mineral collectors and jewelry lovers alike.

H: 4 cm W: 5.5 cm D: 5 cm Wt: 178 g

{NFS] - SOLD​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ID #: 21730, Stilbite
Pune District, Maharashtra, India

"Stilbite" is a name used to describe minerals within the tectosilicate series of the zeolite group. The word originates from the Greek word "stilbein," meaning "to shine," a reference to its pearly luster. Found globally, notable locations include Iceland, Italy, and the USA, with India being its most abundant source. The Tertiary Deccan Basalt traps in India are renowned for producing some of the finest examples of zeolites worldwide.

This exquisite specimen showcases Indian stilbite, featuring a primary crystal with a classic "wheat-sheaf" form. It is doubly terminated and creates a distinctive "bow tie" shape that is characteristic of the locality. The crystal boasts excellent morphology, dimensionality, and definition, resting atop a matrix of smaller, intergrown bowtie-shaped stilbite crystals. The intersecting bowties create a dynamic effect reminiscent of a star or metal jack. All the crystals exhibit an almost-white blush tone and a pearly luster resembling mother of pearl.

H: 6 cm W: 4 cm D: 2.3 cm Wt: 24 g

ID #: 00356, Quartz​​​​​​​​​McEarl Mine, Blue Springs, Garland Co., Arkansas, USA​​​​​​​​​
Despite quartz’s seeming abundance, only a few localities worldwide are recognized for producing exceptional quartz specimens worthy of fine collections. Among them, Arkansas has distinguished itself as a top producer, celebrated for its remarkably fine crystals which boast unparalleled optical clarity, exquisite balance, and captivating luster. The most desirable specimens embody all the aforementioned qualities and resemble awe-inspiring glass sculptures straight from the earth. This sculpturesque specimen showcases three intergrown crystals, characterized by their astonishing clarity, gleaming vitreous luster, and distinct, well-defined structure. Joined at their prism faces, they evoke visions of towering skyscrapers made of ice.

H: 21.7 cm W: 12 cm D: 8 cm Wt: 2.103 kg

The “Objects of Desire” issue of Art and Antiques magazine is a highly anticipated annual curation of some of the most sought-after pieces in the art collecting world.

We're honored to have one of our signature pieces, Bi-Color Steel from the Pederneira mine featured in this beautiful spread.

Pick up a copy of the May/June Art & Antiques to see the full selection.

ID #: 09149, Wulfenite​​​​​​​​​Los Lamentos Mts., Mun. de Ahumada, Chihuahua, Mexico​​​​​​​​​
Los Lamentos is a classic mining locality known worldwide for its robust, brown-orange wulfenite. The best examples exhibit a deep orange hue and have a sleek reflective luster that makes some crystals resemble caramel candy. This is an excellent example with dozens of glossy, sharp, tabular crystals. The saturated, orange-hued tabs are nicely distributed and isolated against their contrasting matrix of white calcite, giving them an added “pop.” Sharp, colorful, and lustrous, the wulfenite reminds us of an offering of pâte de fruits (concentrated jelly candies), each tab meant to be savored (only visually, of course). An aesthetic example from the historic locality, it would make a great addition to any lead mineral suite.

H: 9.7 cm W: 12.3 cm D: 6.5 cm Wt: 347 g

For our French speaking friends out there, check out our feature in , written by Myriam Chauvot. We are honored to have been highlighted in the first-ever article about mineralogy for Les Echos, and we look forward to their continued mineral coverage in anticipation of the SMAM show

ID #: 21064, Fluorite​​​​​​​​​Mandrosonoro, Ambatofinandrahana, Amoron'i Mania, Madagascar​​​​​​​​​
Thanks to their diversity of color and form, fluorites are a seemingly endless source of inspiration for mineral collectors. Here is a striking example from the lesser-known, less common locality of Madagascar. Fine fluorites from Madagascar are a relative rarity but are well known for their deep, green tone and opacity, the latter of which distinguishes them from examples from Rogerley, England. This specimen boasts a sizeable crystal with ultra sharp, cubic form, and good luster (for its locality). It is balanced upon a contrasting, white, druzy matrix that punctuates its fine isolation. Its less common locality and distinct look makes this an interesting addition to any suite of fluorites.

H: 5.5 cm W: 8 cm D: 7.5 cm Wt: 321 g

ID #: 15283, Scolecite & Stilbite​​​​​​​​​Water Well at Rankhamb Village near Sangamner Town, Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra, India​​​​​​​​​
Scolecites are zeolite minerals that tend to form acicular (needlelike) crystals. Some scolecite specimens naturally form in tuft-like clusters, but the most desirable examples are dense with crystals and have a semi-spherical, domed form. Scolecite crystals and their overall structures are notorious for their fragility. Furthermore, they also tend to detach from their matrices (host rock). This makes the process of extracting intact specimens quite difficult. Although it requires great care and patience, the resulting specimens are a marvel of nature, resembling bursting stars or dandelion heads.
This specimen boasts a beautifully formed and complete scolecite cluster replete with delicate, glass-like needles. Lustrous and translucent, the needles have a lovely shimmer that gives them an ethereal presence. The scolecite burst is anchored by a peach-colored stilbite matrix. It provides a natural pedestal for the arrangement and was also an effective handle that allowed miners to retrieve the piece more easily. It adds an attractive contrast of color and texture. With its delicate crystals and dynamic form, the piece is a wonderful example of its kind.

Dimensions: H: 13 cm W: 11 cm D: 9 cm

ID #: 21762, Fluorite​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Keng Zi Kou Mine, Xiayang Town, Yongchun County, Qionzhou City, Fujian Provence, China

Fujian, China, has become a modern favorite for its distinctive specimens, which include smoky quartz prisms speckled with dodecahedral orange garnets; vibrant semi-translucent, lime-green, di-pyramidal stepped fluorites; and modified cubic "tanzanite fluorites."

“Tanzanite fluorite” were first found in 2017 and tended to have a purple to indigo color in warm/ambient light that shifted to a bluer tone in cool light, much resembling the pleochroic properties of the gemstone tanzanite (hence their nickname). In addition to their likeness in color and their tonal shift, the best examples are known for their phenomenal morphology and luster, giving them a naturally gemlike look, furthering their likeness to tanzanite.

This is a characteristic example with a rich purple tone that appears indigo in cool light. It is endowed with broad faces, sharp form, and sleek luster that give it a cut and polished look, despite being naturally formed. The crystal is accented with contrasting white quartz and calcite crystals that add texture and color to the piece. With its signature traits and overall aesthetics, it is an instantly recognizable example of the famed and loved variety.

H: 5 cm W: 6 cm D: 6.5 cm Wt: 208 g

ID #: 16226, Proustite​​​​​​​​​
Bouismas Mine, Bou Azzer District, Tazenakht, Ouarzazate Province, Morocco​​​​​​​​​

Proustite is a silver sulfarsenide mineral. Known for its deep red to red-grey tone, it is sometimes referred to as “ruby silver ore” for its distinctive coloration. Even very grey, steely examples can exhibit an alluring undertone of deep red, making them resemble smoldering embers. Sizeable, finely crystallized examples are rare as most elongated, euhedral crystals tend to be quite small (in the single-digit mm range). Here is an attractive example with an intense,
deep cherry-red color. The crystals are sizeable and well composed with the largest crystal anchoring the overall presentation. Lustrous and vivid, the piece wonderfully embodies the intense beauty of this lesser known mineral species.

H: 4 cm W: 2.5 cm D: 3.3 cm Wt: 24 g

ID #: 19506, Tanzanite​​​​​​​​​
Merelani Hills, Lelatema Mountains, Arusha Region, Tanzania​​​​​​​​​

Tanzanite, a variety of zoisite, was first unearthed in Tanzania in 1967. Despite its recent discovery, it swiftly gained acclaim for its beauty and pleochroism, a trait that allows it to display different colors based on the axis at which it’s viewed.

At its best, a crystal will appear evenly blue at one axis (which we can refer to as “x”) and evenly purple at another (“y”). However, most tanzanite crystals exhibit a muddled tone that is a mix of dull yellow and brown, interspersed with blues and purple.

In fine trichroic examples, the X and Y axes reveal a royal purple or blue, and the C axis shows red or deep magenta when lit from below. (Some examples may have an inclusion, like this one, that makes the red-tone visible from the front, a prime example of when inclusions (often perceived as negative) can have a very positive effect.) Tanzanite connoisseurs cherish unaltered, naturally derived specimens for their unique beauty and trichroic characteristics.

This exquisite specimen perfectly illustrates the allure of natural tanzanite, boasting sleek, gem-like luster, good form, and sumptuous color. It has the allure of a cut and polished gem with all the benefits of being a natural crystal. Each axis presents a vivid and distinct tone, creating a captivating interplay of colors. The effect is breathtaking and mesmerizing.

H: 5.8 cm W: 3 cm D: 2.8 cm Wt: 114.2 g

ID #: 15314, Meteorite
Slice​​​​​​​​​Magadan District, Russia​​​​​​​​​

Pallasites are a relatively rare subclass of meteorite. They are primarily composed of a matrix of iron-nickel and have olivine crystals with the same level of crystallization as the mineral peridot. Only 61 pallasite falls are known to date (with 10 in Antarctica). Each pallasite fall has yielded specimens of varying quality, from void, skeletal masses to rarer, olivine-filled pieces such as this example. The vast majority of pallasite specimens are cut into slices to reveal the olivine within. Often, they are then cut again a few times to create smaller, more saleable pieces. This example was found from the Magadan District of Russia in 1967. It is unique in that it is sizeable, replete with radiant crystals, and retains many of its natural edges, giving it a beautiful dichotomy between the coarse, burnt-looking edges against the sheen and brilliance of the polished metal face with its shimmering olivine crystals.

H: 21 cm W: 19.5 cm D: .3 cm Wt: 800 g

ID #: 04163, Tourmaline​​​​​​​​​
Manoel Mutuca Mine, Virgem da Lapa, Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil​​​​​​​​​

The Manoel Mutuca Mine is acclaimed for gem-caliber tourmaline in sumptuous hues of blue and dark green. Although much of what was produced became gem-rough, the fine specimens that remain are treasured for their stunning luster and incredible color. Among the preserved specimens is an even smaller subset of tourmaline that is of particular fascination to collectors. They are lustrous, deep-green tourmaline specimens that reveal central cores of cerulean blue which can be seen at the bottom of each crystal like a stem. This is one such example with a slender exposed cerulean-blue center. It is topped by a more robust, viridian green body that is then capped by a beautiful deep-blue color zone. The specimen’s shape suggests that at one point, the green layer covered the lighter blue core entirely. Lustrous, defined, and colorful, this specimen exemplifies why Mutuca specimens have retained their worldwide acclaim.

H: 12.6 cm W: 1.4 cm D: 1.4 cm Wt: 47 g

ID #: 14089, Silver
​​​​​​​​​Kongsberg Silver Mines, Kongsberg, Buskerud, Norway​​​​​​​​​

Wire silver is a staple in the collecting world and is loved by many for its dramatic aesthetics and historical significance. Well-formed examples resemble metallic threads, and the best specimens have dramatic compositions that are interpretive and dynamic. Native silver, among the minerals deemed inherently valuable since antiquity, played a pivotal role in the popularization of mineral collecting, with the earliest known specimens recorded in the late 1400s from Saxony, Germany. The discovery of magnificent silver wires from Kongsberg, Norway further solidified silver's revered status among collectors. Today, silver specimens, including the iconic wire formations, are considered classics in the mineral collecting community, boasting a devoted following. While crystallized silver is rare and highly prized, wire silver specimens, especially those from Freiberg and Kongsberg, stand out for their dramatic and artistic formations, making them timeless and coveted collectibles in the world of mineralogy.

Here's an attractive example with wires that curve in a rounded loop. Resembling a knot about to be tightened, an ornate calligrapher's script, or a curly ringlet of hair, the piece has an interpretive and almost whimsical sense of movement. With its winding form and dark patina, this is a wonderful representative from the classic locality.

H: 5 cm W: 4.4 cm D: 1.4 cm Wt: 3 g

ID #: 06290, Gold​​​​​​​​​
Ganzhizhou Mine, Meigu Co., Liangshan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China​​​​​​​​​

Universally loved, gold has ignited the desire of mankind for millennia. In its natural state, it is typically found in shapeless nuggets or tiny flakes. In gold-bearing deposits with a significant amount of carbonate (which is uncommon), gold is able to crystallize, taking on geometry and dimension. As a beautiful and rare occurrence, crystallized gold is highly collectible.

This striking specimen features an impressive amalgamation of crystals displaying skeletal, dendritic, and octahedral structures. They have distinct faces, sharp terminations, and overall excellent dimensionality. They’ve clustered together in an arborous formation that is sculptural and interpretive. Upon closer view, one can see skeletal formations, flattened octahedrons, and dendrites. The crystals boast excellent luster and a bright, deep yellow coloring that is indicative of a higher gold content. With its complex crystallization and natural presence, this specimen would make a timeless addition to any fine mineral collection.

H: 10 cm W: 7.5 cm D: 4.5 cm Wt: 143 g

ID #: 15470, Quartz & Graphite Inclusions
​​​​​​​​​Jinkouhe District, Leshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China​​​​​​​​​

"Phantoms" are internal growth patterns within a quartz crystal that can be seen from the outside. They can serve as a visual narrative of the crystal’s formation and may also result in an attractive specimen with depth and complexity. Collectors are often drawn to the patterns within phantom quartz specimens and can find the geological processes fascinating, making phantoms prized additions to any mineral collection. This is a striking example, with a large, spear-like quartz containing distinct graphite phantoms within. It is complemented by a secondary (or "sidecar") quartz that mirrors its form. The piece has been lightly polished to reveal its unusual inclusions and clarity. With its optical transparency, sharp phantom zone, and impressive size, it would make a striking conversation piece in any room.

H: 31 cm W: 9.5 cm D: 8.5 cm Wt: 1.843 kg

[NFS- Sold]

ID #: 13374, Fluorite​​​​​​​​​Aiguille Verte, Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France​​​​​​​​​

Pink fluorites are among the most coveted examples of their species and a staple of every great, world-class mineral collection. The best specimens have been recovered from just a few places on Earth, and the pieces from Chamonix, France have set the benchmark for all other localities. The fluorites from this region are unique in their propensity for richly saturated color, sharp morphology, and luster. This is a lovely example made up of multiple intergrown octahedral crystals. Its many peaks resemble the majestic alpine landscape from which the piece was recovered. The specimen has fine form, luster, translucency, and an unmistakable pink tone- the hallmark of its locale. With its rich color and definition, it is a wonderful example of why Chamonix fluorites are a beloved classic for the mineral collecting community.

H: 6 cm W: 5.7 cm D: 5.2 cm Wt: 195 g

[NFS, SOLD]​​​​​​​​​ID #: 18177, Fluorite​​​​​​​​​
China

There's a lot to love about this attractive fluorite on quartz. It consists of two indigo-hued fluorite crystals that have intergrown together in a wonderfully balanced composition. Each crystal is oriented at a 45-degree angle in the opposite direction, showcasing sleek geometry and sharp, beveled edges. The glossy blue-purple crystals are nicely contrasted in both texture and color by the tiny white quartz crystals. Notably, the translucency of the fluorite allows us to peer inside each rectangular crystal (which feels like looking into an aquarium) revealing perhaps our favorite detail of the piece – a perfectly formed quartz cluster shaped like a star. With its symmetry, form, contrast, and intricate details, it delights at every angle.

7.6 cm W: 5 cm D: 3.5 cm Wt: 83 g

# 18177

ID #: 08733, Smoky Quartz​​​​​​​​​Cavardiras Valley, Russein Valley, Vorderrhein Valley, Grischun, Switzerland​​​​​​​​​
Here’s a lovely smoky quartz specimen with a sumptuous espresso-brown color. Although the color is deep and rich, the crystal’s excellent transparency can be perceived immediately through its broad faces. (It’s even more noticeable when the crystals are illuminated and give off a lovely golden-brown hue.) The crystals are well-formed with sleek faces and sharp edges, all of which is highlighted by shining luster. Centered against its contrasting tan matrix, the piece has nice symmetry and balance that further enhances the gemmy quality of the smoky quartz.

H: 10.8 cm W: 5 cm D: 9 cm Wt: 432 g

D #: 07593, Fluorite​​​​​​​​​Huanggang Mine, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China​​​​​​​​​
This specimen consists of two intergrown fluorite crystals that showcase impeccable geometry and definition from every angle. Unlike most octahedral fluorites, which often lack fine luster, this example stands out for its exceptional, superlative luster, coupled with remarkable translucency and vivid color. Its vibrant purple hue has even led some experienced collectors to mistake it for an uncommon form of amethyst. While other fluorites may exhibit excellent shape or similar color, few combine these traits with exceptional luster and translucency. Interestingly, the piece has some minor (naturally occurring) modifications and small areas of recrystallization, adding to the visual interest of the piece. Despite subsequent discoveries from the mine, this example easily ranks as one of the finest purple octahedral fluorites known to date, particularly for its locality. Colorful, attractive, dimensional, and superbly formed it is a phenomenal example of its kind.

H: 5 cm W: 5.3 cm D: 4 cm Wt: 115 g

ID #: 19573, Quartz Scepter​​​​​​​​​Hallelujah Junction, Washoe County, Nevada, USA​​​​​​​​​
Scepters are multigenerational quartz formations that resemble king’s scepters or tulip stems. At their base is an elongated quartz prism that is then topped and partially enveloped by a second overgrowth of quartz that covers the first crystal’s top termination. Here’s a fantastic, sizeable example from a classic US locality known for its sceptered specimens. It features a particularly elongated, dark smoky stem that leads up to a colorless quartz crystal. Atop the colorless quartz is an overgrowth of a third quartz with a twinge of purple coloring. The crowning quartz is sharp and distinct and further defined by an outline of smoky coloring that punctuates its form. Were that all not enough, the piece is complemented by a small sidecar scepter that mirrors its aesthetics. With its intriguing, multi-layered growth, size, and aesthetics, this piece is fit for royalty.

H: 14.2 cm W: 4.7 cm D: 4.7 cm Wt: 151 g

ID #: 07897, Wulfenite​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​M'fouati, M'fouati District, Bouenza Department, Republic of Congo

Wulfenite is among the group of lead-based minerals with a cult-like following among collectors. The species has long been prized for its particularly vibrant color tones, propensity for luster, and stunning crystal habits. This is a great example from the hills of the M’fouati region. Although this area was rich in ore, it was stingy regarding the fine specimens it produced. Due to inhospitable conditions in the area (both politically and environmentally), all mining has now ceased, making fine examples all the more rare. This attractive example has vivid orange color, which pops against its contrasting dark-brown matrix. The earthy texture of the matrix also provides textural contrast and draws attention to its distinctly octahedral form. Notably, the host rock of this locality is very soft, making in-matrix specimens extremely unusual. The lustrous and robust wulfenite crystal is translucent, and when lit from behind, the crystal glows like a hot orange coal at the bottom of a fire.

Dimensions: H: 5.5 cm W: 6 cm D: 5.7 cm Wt: 151 g

ID #: 13531, Clinochlore​​​​​​​​​Korshunovskoye Iron Deposit, Zheleznogorsk, Irkutsk Oblast, Russia​​​​​​​​​
Here is a mesmerizing clinochlore (aka seraphinite) slice from the Korshunovskovye Iron deposit of Russia. For those unfamiliar with it, clinochlore is an uncommon, magnesium (Mg) rich chlorite best known for its green color and distinctive patterning. As many might guess, its chlorite content is where it gets its name. Its trade name, seraphinite, references its attractive chatoyancy and patterning that reminded many of the imagined downy, feathered wings of biblical seraphs or angels. This is a large (15.5cm diameter!), evenly formed slice that is a complete and balanced circle, a trait that is rather atypical given most examples are either intergrown or segmented. As a complete cross-section, it shows off its incredible patterning which radiates from the center, an effect that many say reminds them of an iris. 👁

H: 15.5 cm W: 15 cm D: 1 cm Wt: 367 g

# 13531

ID #: 19883, Tourmaline​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Aricanga Mine, São José da Safira, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil

🌈When tourmaline was first discovered, no one could believe one mineral species could exhibit so many colors. Crystals like these would've been believed to be made up of multiple mineral species, such as rubies, emeralds, etc. Eventually, tourmaline was recognized as its own unique species, the most colorful in the mineral kingdom.

✨️This beauty is made up of a cluster of gemmy crystals, each with a rainbow of colors. From pink to colorless, then green, and chartreuse, the beauty and vibrance of tourmaline crystals are beautifully represented here. Lustrous and translucent, nicely composed, and bright, this petite specimen has plenty of impact thanks to its lovely aesthetics.

Dimensions: H: 6 cm W: 6 cm D: 3.5 cm Wt: 38 g

[NFS - SOLD] - ID #: 20853, Kunzite​​​​​​​​​
Mawi, Nilaw-Kolum pegmatite field, Nuristan, Afghanistan​​​​​​​​​

Spodumene occurs in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites and is typically used industrially as a lithium ore for ceramics, automotive and cellphone batteries, medicine, and in flux agents. Spodumene is typically colorless to pale yellow, but two varieties of the species, hiddenite and kunzite, are especially prized. Hiddenite ranges from a pale to an almost emerald-green coloration, attributed to trace amounts of chromium in its chemical composition and kunzite is a pink, to lavender version that is colored by the presence of manganese.

Kunzite was first discovered in 1902 and was named after famed mineralogist and then Tiffany & Co. Vice President, George Frederick Kunz. Of all the localities worldwide that produce kunzite, there are just a few that stand out for outstanding specimens of considerable note: Brazil, Madagascar, and Afghanistan. Although all are known for exceptional specimens, they produce considerably different examples due to their unique geological environments.

Here is a gemlike crystal with fantastic pink color. It has sharp form and an uncommon square-shaped termination face. It also has vitreous translucency and shining luster that further highlights its shape. Complementing the crystal are snow-white blades of albite and delicate mica tabs that have formed in delicate rosettes. Saturated in color and attractive in its aesthetics, it is a beautiful example of why kunzite is beloved in both the worlds of jewelry and specimen collecting.

H: 12.5 cm W: 8.7 cm D: 6.2 cm Wt: 461 g