2014 November 8 Minerals

November 8, 2014

PLEASE NOTE: BIDDING IS NOT AVAILABLE IN THIS CATALOG. This digital catalog is only for viewing the items included in this auction.

To bid on any items you see in this catalog, visit www.MorphyAuctions.com and click on bidding.

SOLD $32,400

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SOLD $168,000 SOLD $5,700

SOLD $32,400

SOLD $210,000

14,0 SOLD $1

Specializing in Fresh to the Market Collections www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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Dan Morphy, President & Founder Morphy Auctions

about us M

orphy Auctions in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has become one of the great success stories of the antiques trade.

Founded by Dan Morphy in 1997, Morphy’s has realized meteoric growth and set numerous world auction records in many categories, while attracting a global following of buyers that grows exponentially with each successive sale.

Our goal is to provide the best overall buying and selling experience for our customers. With one of the largest under-roof auction houses in the country, spanning over 45,000 sq. ft., the building is customized to meet the growing and changing needs of the antiques industry. Upon entering our facility you will notice an inviting customer service area conveniently staffed with full-time, knowledgeable employees and antiques experts who are happy to assist you. Morphy Auctions takes pride in providing you with quality antiques, professional service, and an enjoyable consignment experience.

Morphy Auctions has a team of experts to assess your collection and assist you in every step of the consignment process. Our expert team is highlighted in this brochure and includes specialists from all collecting categories, including: advertising, coin-op, toys, cast iron, dolls, fine and decorative art, firearms, automobiles, plus many more.

Located in Denver, Pennsylvania, our proximity to Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., makes us easily accessible to potential auction bidders and consignors.

Morphy Auctions is grounded in the values of honesty and integrity. We continue to be the discriminating collector’s #1 choice when it comes to buying or selling antiques.

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

SOLD $276,000

SOLD $96,000 Colt 1909 #11 SOLD $105,000

SOLD $44,500

SOLD $15,600

consigning with us M orphy Auctions offers a wide range of

categories from Tiffany to mechanical

“We have known and dealt with the Morphy family for the past 25 years.

We have always found the whole family helpful and welcoming. Dan is a driving force and energetic personality who will professionally represent your collection in the marketplace.With the close support of his whole family, you can be confident that you and your collection will receive direct personal attention. You will always enjoy a friendly welcome and be assured that you will be treated fairly. The result will be a great auction experience.”

banks, specializing in “fresh to the market”

collections. We work hard to create a welcoming

atmosphere that encourages optimal financial results for our consignors. We are committed to taking the utmost care in handling the items, giving our consignors the personalized attention and dedicated staff support they deserve, and making every auction a high-profile event in every sense of the word. From the extended preview to the prime auction location and professional advertising and marketing campaign, it’s easy to see why your collection should be entrusted to the experts at Morphy’s.

We never cut corners, and to ensure proper attention is given to each collection, a minimum of four months’ lead time is required for all consignments. All consignments

- John & Adrienne Haley, United Kingdom

are entered into a custom-designed inventory system and auction database in order to ensure proper documentation and inventory tracking. Throughout the entire process, all auction items are fully insured, from the moment we take possession of goods until ownership has transferred on the date of sale.

SOLD $143,750

SOLD $46,000

SOLD $7,800

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

SOLD $198,000 3

Our Facility

At Morphy’s it’s not just about the business; it’s about the experience…

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

SOLD $31,200

M

SOLD $38,400

SOLD $10,200

SOLD $25,200

SOLD $8,400

orphy Auctions is one of the largest under-roof auction houses, spanning over 45,000 sq. ft. The facility is customized to meet the growing and

•

Dedicated Display Rooms

overall buying and selling experience for our customers.

•

Display Cases & Professionally Lit Floor Display

The clean, well-lit, fully carpeted and climate-controlled gallery is customized to

•

Theater-Style Seats, each with a Lap Desk and Cup Holder

large or small, all of the antiques are properly secured and professionally displayed to

•

Customized Customer Service Area

maximize their eye appeal.

•

Climate Controlled

Attributes of the facility include executive and staff offices, a conference room, holding

• 3 Fully Equipped Photography Studios

changing needs of the antiques industry. Our goal is to provide the best

ensure the ideal atmosphere for the antiques and collectibles housed within. Whether

area for loading/unloading goods, custom-built storage space with a museum-quality rack system, three self-contained photography studios, a black-light room for close-up

•

Black-Light Room

inspection of auction items and a dedicated shipping and packing area.

•

Loading/Unloading Holding Area

•

Custom-Built Storage Area

technology continually evolving, Morphy’s strives to offer state-of-the-art options

•

Museum-Quality Rack & Drawer System

for bidding and auction participation. The auction room’s design features the latest

•

In-House Shipping Department

•

Fully Stocked Packing Room

•

State-of-the-Art Security System

an audio-feed function and windows to enable bidders to monitor the auction activity

•

Over 200 Parking Spaces

while dining. The facility also has an outdoor patio area.

•

Open 7 Days a Week 9:00am-4:00pm

The pride of the facility is the stylish auction room, featuring comfortable theaterstyle seats, a marble floor and decorative tin ceiling with ambient lighting. With

telecommunications, wireless technology and custom acoustics for the best auction experience possible.

Adjacent to the auction room is a sleek and comfortable dining facility equipped with

Ample parking and all-weather canopy over the front door allow for easy customer deliveries and pickups. Morphy’s utilizes a fully enclosed loading/unloading dock with

at a glance

hydraulic lift for larger-scale antiques and tractor-trailer deliveries and pickups. No collection is too large or too small for Morphy Auctions to consider.

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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Bidder Terms and Conditions We advise all bidders to read the Terms and Conditions of the Sale before bidding with Dan Morphy Auctions LLC (DMA). Those who bid are bound by those Terms and Conditions of the Sale, as amended by any oral announcement or posted notices, which together form the contract of the sale between the successful bidder (purchaser), DMA and the seller (consignor) of the lot.

TERMS OF SALE When bidding on any lot offered by DMA, the bidder indicates acceptance of the following Terms of Sale. Any participation in the auction binds you to agreement of these terms whether or not you read or understand said terms.

CONDITION OF ITEMS DMA makes every effort to accurately describe all items offered in its sales, however all items for sale are “as is,” and it is the bidder’s responsibility (present or absentee bidders) to determine the exact condition of each item. DMA will not be held responsible for typographical errors. Neither we nor the consignor make any guarantees, warranties, or representation expressed, or implied, in regard to the property or the correctness of the catalog or other description of the authenticity of authorship, physical condition, size, quality, rarity, importance, provenance, exhibition, literature or historic relevance of the property or otherwise. No statement anywhere whether oral or written, shall be deemed such a guarantee, warranty or representation. Prospective bidders should inspect the property before bidding to determine its condition, size and whether or not it has been restored. The consigner and we make no representation or warranty as to whether the purchaser acquires any reproduction rights in the property.

Returns will not be accepted under any circumstances. All items will be available for preview one (1) months prior to the auction.

All items are sold for display purpose. If electrical, mechanical, or other working parts are inoperable even if working at the time of sale we are not liable due to the inherent nature of the age of these antiques and items.

FIREARMS – All firearms transfers will be in strict accordance with all Federal, State and local laws. If you are unable to purchase or own a firearm, please do not bid on these items.

•The same person to whom the bidder number is registered must be the person to pick up the firearm(s) at the conclusion of the sale – Federal Law disallows anyone else from accepting the transfer.

• Excepting pre 1898 antique or muzzle loading firearms, all firearms sales to non-licensed bidders will require the completion of a form 4473 background check. If you are “Denied” by FBI/ NICS background check, you will not be able to take possession of the firearm and the firearm will be consigned to the next available firearm auction. Bidder will be blocked from participating in future firearm auctions.

• Licensed bidders, i.e. Federal Firearms Licensees or Curios & Relics License holders must present a current signed copy of their license. (C&R licensee purchases must conform to the BATF C&R requirements).

• If you are the winning bidder on a handgun requiring licensed transfer and you are not a resident of Pennsylvania, the firearm must be shipped to a licensed dealer within your state of residence for transfer and pickup. You will be responsible for all shipping and transfer costs incurred.

• Federal Law requires purchasers to be minimum 18 years old for long guns and 21 years old for handguns.

• All firearms should be examined by a licensed gunsmith prior to use.

GAMING DEVICES - These items may be held for up to 5 business days so the state agencies can verify the purchaser’s information. All auction participants are urged to check the legality of possession and/or shipment of gaming devices to their state of residence. Any gaming device purchased at the auction shall be used for the purposes of display or social entertainment within the private home or residence of the buyer and such devices shall not in any event or manner be exposed to the public for the purpose of gambling.

Grading Scale: Near Mint Plus 97% - 100% Very Good 70% - 79%

Near Mint 90% - 96% Good Below 70%

Excellent 80% - 89%

BIDDING RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES The auctioneer will determine the highest bidder. The auctioneer alone has the right to reopen the bidding of an item if deemed necessary due to a dispute. If there is a tie bid between the floor and Internet or absentee bid, the floor bid takes precedence. DMA and its representatives reserve the right to remove those attendees who impede preview and/or the auction. Title to all merchandise shall pass to the highest bidder at the fall of the auctioneer’s hammer. The buyer will then assume all risk and full responsibility of the lot purchased once ownership has changed.

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• ABSENTEE BIDDING - DMA will accept absentee bids if pre-authorized by mail, fax or through www.morphyauctions.com online. Absentee bidders must use the absentee bid form and clearly mark the lot number, title and maximum bid amount. Absentee bidding forms may be accessed online at www.morphyauctions.com. If there are two (2) identical bids placed on the same item, priority will be given to the first bid received. All bids must be left in increments as explained on our bid form. If a bid is “out of increment,” the auctioneer has the right to round the bid up to the next correct increment.

Bidders may preview, register and place bids online through our website, www.morphyauctions.com. Online absentee bidding through DMA is available until 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the sale. Absentee bids placed through www.morphyauctions.com will be auto charged to the credit card entered 48 hours after the end of the sale. If you wish to pay by another method please contact us within 48 hours after the sale. Seller(s) agree to allow the Auctioneer to accept and execute absentee bids in a competitive manner for potential buyers and under the Morphy Auctions absentee bidding terms and conditions. During the live sale, the auctioneer will execute your absentee bid competitively up to the maximum amount you have indicated.

• ONLINE BIDDING - Online bidding through Morphy LIVE, Live Auctioneers, ArtFact/Invaluable, and Proxibid is also available; all Terms and Conditions still apply. If there is a tie bid between the internet bidding venues and the floor, the floor bid takes precedence. If a credit card has been provided to one of the online bidding platforms, DMA reserves the right to use and charge the credit card if the winning bidder has not paid via another method by the 10 day term in Payment Terms below.

• TELEPHONE BIDDING - Requests for phone lines must be received at least three (3) days prior to the auction date. DMA cannot guarantee phone lines but will make every attempt to accommodate those who wish to participate through that method. Phone lines are provided on a first come first served basis. Please visit www.morphyauctions.com or call 717-335-3435 to request a call from our representatives during the live auction.

BID INCREMENTS Bid increments listed are a general guideline. Actual increments are at the auctioneer’s discretion. If a lot does not receive a bid of 25% of the low estimate, the lot will be passed by the auctioneer. $0 - $500.................................…$25 $500 - $1,000…..........................$50 $1,000 - $2,000.....................…$100 $2,000 - $5,000….....................$250 $5,000 - $10,000…...................$500 $10,000 +…. Auctioneer’s discretion RESERVES The majority of our items are unreserved, but occasionally items may carry a moderate reserve. Please note that when a lot carries a reserve, the reserve is usually somewhere below our low estimate. In the case of a reserved item, the seller has authorized the auctioneer to bid on their behalf until the reserve price is reached.

BUYER’S PREMIUM A 20% buyer’s premium will be added to all successful bids and is payable by the purchaser as part of the total purchase cost. A 2% discount is applied to payments made with: cash, check or money order. Split payments are subject to a 20% buyer’s premium if a credit card is used as any form of total payment.

SALES TAX All buyers will pay applicable state sales tax. Sales Tax will be charged unless the item is being shipped out of state or the buyer provides a current state exemption form.

PAYMENT All merchandise must be paid in full within ten (10) days of the date of the sale. Purchases totaling $100,000 or more must be paid within three (3) days of the date of the sale. Call 717-335-3435 to pay your invoice by phone or mail payment to: Dan Morphy Auctions LLC 2000 N Reading Rd Denver, PA 17517 Absentee bids placed through www.morphyauctions.com and Proxibid.com will be auto charged to the credit card entered 48 hours after the end of the sale. If you wish to pay by another method please contact us within 48 hours after the sale.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, personal checks/ certified checks, wire transfers, money orders, and cash.

• CREDIT CARD - For first time buyers and credit card charges greater than $2,500.00 buyers must complete the bottom portion of the invoice and must specifically sign the acknowledgement of our terms of sale before we will accept payment via credit card. We do offer the convenience of paying automatically by credit card. If you wish have your card automatically charged for all purchases please complete our “Authorization for Automatic Credit Card Use.” We have this form available online or upon request. Split payments are subject to a 20% buyer’s premium if a credit card is used as any form of total payment.

• CHECK - There will be a $30.00 service charge for returned checks. Make checks payable to: Dan Morphy Auctions LLC. DMA reserves the right to hold items paid for by personal or company check until said check clears (14 days). DMA has the right to hold all checks over $2,000.00. Customers who have an established successful buying history with DMA may be exempt from this. We will accept a personal or company check >$2,000 and/or from a first time buyer if you provide a Bank Letter of Credit, available on our website, www.morphyauctions.com.

In the few situations where a successful bidder does not remit payment when due, DMA will proceed with the legal steps necessary to protect its interests and will block the bidder from future auction participation. www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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PACKING/SHIPPING • It is the bidder’s responsibility to take shipping and handlings costs into consideration when bidding on items.

• Packaging, shipping, and insurance on items will be available to successful bidders. Applicable charges will be applied.

• BIDDERS PRESENT AND TAKING ITEMS AFTER AUCTION – Items paid for must be packed, transported and/or removed by the purchaser at his/her own risk after the close of the sale. If any employee or agent of DMA shall pack or transport the merchandise, it is fully at the risk and responsibility and expense of the purchaser. DMA shall not be held liable for any loss or damage that may be caused by the said agent or employee. All items not removed after the close of the sale may be shipped to the buyer at their expense or may be moved or stored by DMA. Fees, rates, and insurance will be charged accordingly to the buyer.

• BIDDERS NOT PRESENT OR NEEDING SHIPPING - Shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice and are NON-REFUNDABLE. Shipping will be based on actual costs via FedEx, FedEx Freight or USPS (best way). Handling and insurance will vary in cost depending on each invoice. All packages will be shipped with insurance. Items will ship seven to fourteen (7-14) business days after payment is received.

• INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS – DMA has the availability to ship to international bidders. By law, DMA cannot and will not declare lesser values for any international purchases and all shipments will include the invoice with purchase totals including the buyer’s premium and shipping cost. All international bidders are responsible for paying all customs and duties on the items.

• LARGE SIZE ITEMS - Please inquire about shipping costs due to the size restrictions of freight shipments. A third party shipment may be necessary for larger items. Call for more information, 717-335-3435

APPROXIMATE AUCTION TIMES

Auctioneer sells approximately 80 lots per hour.

SATURDAY LOTS 1 - 100 9:00 AM 101 - 117 10:00 AM

POSTSALE RETURN POLICY DMA hires knowledgeable experts to provide catalog descriptions on the merchandise we sell. Every effort is made to ensure those descriptions are accurate and that they fully disclose any exceptions to condition. Buyers who wish to report a problem with a purchase they have made must notify DMA within three (3) days of receipt of their purchased item. A Return Authorization Number (RA#) must be issued by DMA before you ship anything back to our address. Any items arriving without a return authorization will not be given a refund. The item in question must be shipped with the RA# on the outside and inside of the package, with full insurance, so it arrives at DMA within one week of the aforementioned authorization.

Lodging Comfort Inn Denver (800) 437-5711 • (717) 336-7541 1 Denver Rd. Denver, PA 17517 The Historic Smithton Inn (717) 733-6094 900 W. Main St., Ephrata, PA 17522 www.SmithtonInn.com Red Roof Inn Denver (717) 336-4649 2017 N. Reading Rd. Denver, PA 17517 Hampton Inn & Suites (717) 733-0661 380 East Main Street Ephrata, PA 17522

Gallery is open for viewing 7 days a week from 9:00am - 4:00pm ALL SALES ARE FINAL. Invoices will be processed the Monday after the auction date.

Dan Morphy Auctions will not be held responsible for typographical errors and all lots are sold by description, not by illustration.

All rights reserved. Entire contents copyright 2011, Dan Morphy Auctions LLC. Copyright includes, but is not limited to, print media, microform and electronic media, such as CD-ROMS and online computer services.

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

saturday SESSION November 8, 2014 Auction Starts At 9:00am Lots: 1 - 117

Items Now On Preview Daily: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Auction Day Preview: 8:00am - 9:00am ∙ 20% Buyer’s Premium ∙ (2% Discount for Cash & Check)

Auctioneers: Dan Morphy

Division Consultants: Sam Johnson

Mineral Consultant

Gallery is open 7 days a week: 9:00am - 4:00pm www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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1 - Rhodochrosite.

7.1 x 4.5 x 4.4 cm Locality: American Tunnel Mine, Howardsville, San Juan County, Colorado.

Size Class: Small Cabinet.

Collection: Lawrence Conklin Collection.

One of the biggest changes in modern mineral collecting as opposed to past eras, is the purposeful reworking of and investment in old mines for mineral specimens. This was done for the Sweet Home Mine in Colorado, but has never been done for the old silver mine from which this particular piece comes, also in Colorado. We therefore see few specimens from this location, with their beautiful and characteristic contrast of pink-red on white. The best such combinations from here have sparkling, sugary-white quartz, as this piece does. It is undamaged and complete all around. The main crystal is large, at 2.6 centimeters. This old historic specimen is from the collection of Lawrence Conklin, a dealer/colelctor known for his old American classics. This specimen comes with a custom display base.

4,000.00 - 8,000.00

2 - Diamond.

1.2 x 1.1 x 1.0 cm.

Locality: South Africa.

Size Class: Thumbnail.

Collection: Anonymous Institutional Collection.

14.87 carats: A spectacular, lustrous, diamond crystal that shows the rare cubic habit of diamonds, only seldom seen on the collector market. These are a rarity compared to the more common octahedral crystal shape.

The piece is complete all around, and translucent with an even color throughout. It came out of an old collection and has long been held in a private institutional collection (provenance details will be given in full upon sale), for whom we are selling it.

6,000.00 - 8,000.00

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

3 - Tourmaline.

8.7 x 3.9 x 3.4 cm.

Locality: Himalaya Mine, Mesa Grande, San Diego Co., California.

Size Class: Small Cabinet.

Collection: Bill Larson Collection, Farnham Collection.

This old mine, which dates back to the 1890’s, experienced a heyday of specimen production under the mining program of Pala Intl (dealer/ collector Bill Larson’s company) in the 1980’s and 1990’s. It was the foremost gemstone locality in the USA in 1900, and an argument could be made that it retained that status for the whole century, of on and off mining here. The mine has slowed production considerably and changed management. During the glory years at the mine, a large collection was assembled at the company store, which sold; and at the home of the owner. This piece is from that personal collection (sold to the present owner in the early 2000’s), and represents the finest caliber of a Himalaya tourmaline: sharp termination with unusual quality of glassiness to it, association with white cleavelandite blades, luster, multiple colors with alternating pink and green. Moreover, it is pristine and doubly-terminated, complete all around. The specimen comes with a custom display base. It is 106 grams. Consigned from a private collection in Louisiana: The Farnhams were noted for their large collection consisting entirely of classic USA localities in large sizes.

6,000.00 - 9,000.00

4 - Malachite with Concentric Patterns.

19.5 x 16.7 x 9.5 cm.

Locality: Shilu Mine, Yangchun Co., Yangjiang Prefecture, Guangdong Province, China.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Private.

Malachite is one of those minerals that is commonly available both in “specimen quality” and in “décor quality,” and often the two camps of appreciation would have different tastes in what they like. Malachite from the Congo is available in quantity, but few pieces contain such intricate patterns as we see here, and those are polished to show it off.

This remarkable piece from a mine in China, however, is natural in the surface - no polishing, no carving. This piece can appeal to both sides of the divide. It is a connoisseur-level specimen for its unique style and patterning, but also a decor specimen because of its size, color, and aesthetic composition. This is a large specimen, at 8.2 pounds in weight.

The swirls of malachite reach seven centimeters across. From a private consignor collection.

8,000.00 - 12,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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5 - Azurite & Malachite.

21.5 x 12.5 x 8.0 cm.

Locality: Liufengshan Mine, Chizhou Prefecture, Anhui Province, China.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

Around 2004-2005, a large find of beautiful combination pieces was made at this old Chinese mine. The find shocked the collector field, because it looked so much like the old classic US material from Arizona, that was (and remains) extremely highly valued in the market. This large specimen is from that find, and is so startlingly similar to turn-of-the1900’s material from Bisbee, Arizona, that most collectors (and experts) could not tell the difference. If it were from Bisbee, you could add a zero to the price. As a Chinese specimen, it is still majestic, beautiful, and very fine. You get all the aesthetic “bang” without having to pay for the historical component, here. The piece features a large drapery of velvety malachite over sparkling azurite, which shines brilliantly in light (and is much better in person than in the photo!). It is undamaged, large, and fine. This piece is 1640 grams. It comes with a custom Lucite display base.

12,000.00 - 15,000.00

6 - Smoky Quartz.

30.5 x 25.5 x 25.0 cm.

Locality: Park County, Colorado.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Miner’s Collection.

This huge specimen is certainly among the finest smoky quartz clusters mined in North America, for the size and overall aesthetics. Most American smoky quartz is smaller, or bigger but with paler color (and generally repaired). Colorado pieces also have a general premium on them, because they tend to be from historic, important localities or mines.

This is no exception, being from the classic quartz and amazonite region there. It was mined in 2007 and is presented here publicly for sale for the first time. It has some minor tip damage, mostly to the rightmost crystal, but this is negligible in context of the size and importance of this specimen. It is a museum-level, museum-sized, contemporary classic which would look particularly impressive in any home in Colorado, where it is close to its source. Because of the size, and weight (21 pounds), this piece doubles as a decor object, as well as a collectible specimen. The large crystals reach 18 centimeters! Comes with custom base for display.

15,000.00 - 20,000.00

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7 - Tourmaline.

9.7 x 7.0 x 5.6 cm.

Locality: Pech, Nuristan, Afghanistan.

Size Class: Small Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

This is a majestic tourmaline specimen, with 360-degree perfection to the crystals which are arranged like towers on a sparing amount of matrix.

They have a complex color pattern with a purple cap over blue-green cores. The luster and translucency is very much higher in person! With excellent aesthetics as the towers flare off the matrix of sparkling lepidolite, good color saturation, interesting color pattern, and pristine condition all around, it is hard to imagine a better tourmaline specimen in this size range. 300 grams in mass, this comes on a custom lucite base for display.

18,000.00 - 25,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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8 - Kunzite.

20.3 x 9.1 x 2.1 cm.

Locality: Pala Chief Mine, San Diego Co., California.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Circa 1900, owned by G.G. Kunz of Tiffany’s, EX Irenee DuPont Collection, University of Delaware Museum, George Elling Collection.

It is hard to overstate the importance of this large gem crystal, which has both historic and specimen value. This is a completely formed, floater crystal of pink kunzite, from the world’s first locality for this variety. At 557 grams, it is a hefty specimen that displays imposingly in a showcase. The piece dates back to the turn of the 1900’s, when Tiffany & Co. gemologist George Kunz brought back samples of this “new gemstone” to New York City for analysis. He brought out major crystals at that time, some of which later ended up in the collection of wealthy industrialist and heir Irenee DuPont. His collection was later bequeathed to the University of Delaware Museum, including this specimen. The piece was exchanged out to gem crystal collector George Elling of New Jersey several years ago, in whose collection it has remained. The style and coloration of this crystal make it immediately recognizable to anybody who has seen them, that this is a historic San Diego specimen. Only a few such large crystals remain known, mostly in museums and large private collections. The chance to acquire such an important US classic gemstone crystal is, simply, rare. This specimen comes on a custom lucite base.

20,000.00 - 30,000.00 14

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

9 - Emerald.

6.8 x 6.1 x 4.3 cm Locality: Muzo Mine, Boyaca Dept., Colombia.

Size Class: Small Cabinet.

Collection: Marvin Rausch Collection.

Emeralds (chrome-green beryl) of this size are very rarely found in the famous emerald mines of Colombia, and even more rarely do they survive to market as specimens rather than as cutting material. These crystals, with radiant , intense color, are not gemmy. They are , however, translucent, and brilliantly sparkling. They would make great cabochon material for the jewelry trade. Most such pieces like this, would have been cut. This one was saved as part of the large collection of Dr. Marvin Rausch, of Amherst, Massachusetts. It features a dominant large crystal measuring 3 x 2.7 x 2 centimeters in size. Overall, the specimen is 174 grams. It can be displayed from a number of angles.

30,000.00 - 40,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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10 - Tanzanite Large Crystal (257 grams).

10.9 x 4.7 x 3.5 cm.

Locality: Merelani Hills, near Arusha, Umba Valley, Tanzania.

Size Class: Cabinet.

Collection: Private.

Major tanzanite crystals (gem blue-pruple zoisite) are few and far between. Most crystals with any cutting value, are simply cut on site by the big corporation, TanzaniteOne, which controls most of the deposit now.

Of the ones that survive, few in this size, 4 inches tall, remain unscathed and even fewer still have aesthetic balance that we would want as collectors. This 257-gram crystal has perfect proportions culminating in a sharp, chiseled termination. It shows intense purple and blue colors when viewed from different angles, as a natural tanzanite should. Additionally, it shows the red-violet hue at its base (so intense that it bleeds through even in the frontal photo, whereas normally you would have to specifically shine a light up the bottom of the crystal to bring out the red tones), indicative of a natural and unheated crystal (most are treated with heat to enhance the blue saturation for the jewelry trade). Tanzanite crystals only come from one place in the world, a mine complex that is already past the 1.5 kilometer depth mark and still going. But there is a limit.

They will not be around forever. This crystal is from a private collection assembled by one of the gem brokers in Arusha town, which was sold a few years ago to an investor. It is offered at a price for the size and quality, that simply cannot be repeated in the modern era of rising specimen prices, even at the mine sites.

100,000.00 - 125,000.00

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lot 10 - tanzanite large crystal (side view)

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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11 - Dravite Tourmaline Crystal.

10” x 3 - 3/4”.

Large crystal with associated mica and quartz, hexagonal structure.

Crystal faces with pitting where it was included with phlogopite mica.

Locality: Yinnietharra Station, Pilbara, Western Australia, Australia.

Excellent.

1,000.00 - 1,500.00

12 - Mexican Cherry Opal.

2” x 3 -1/4” x 2 -1/2” Mexican cherry opal nodule in rhylite matrix. Excellent 100.00 - 300.00

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13 - Diamond (Huge Cubic Crystal).

2.4 x 1.8 x 1.8 cm.

Locality: South Africa.

Size Class: Thumbnail.

Collection: Anonymous Institutional Collection.

The traditional birthstone for April! This remarkable diamond crystal is a complete , natural, perfect diamond crystal weighing in at a massive 74 carats (nearly 15 grams). This puts it near the top recorded size for finely crystallized diamonds that would be suitable for a collector of crystals, and that would ever be on the market. Notably, cubic diamonds are extremely rare in nature and this crystal is certainly among the largest known examples in this crystal habit, which is rarely seen on the market by collectors. Lastly, the crystal has that unique “adamantine� luster that is hard to describe, but which is an attribute of diamonds since ancient Greek times when the word was coined. It came out of an old collection and has long been held in a private institutional collection (provenance details will be given in full upon sale), for whom we are selling it. Although it is not facet-cutting grade (as few natural crystals are), it is nevertheless translucent throughout, and has a pleasing color to it. Certainly it could be made into a carving or unique jewelry object, but it would be tragedy to destroy such an important large diamond crystal when it can be exhibited, as is. It is perfect and complete all around, and on all sides. As a note on pricing, many collector diamonds typically sell at $1000 per carat, for diamonds of no real importance but just reference. It is hard to place a value on such a unique natural treasure as this.

75,000.00 - 100,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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14 - Smithsonite with Calcite.

24.6 x 22.5 x 6.5 cm.

Locality: Kelly Mine, Magdalena District, Socorro Co., New Mexico.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Lyda Hill Collection.

Kelly Mine smithsonite of this robin’s-egg blue color are among the most sought after and iconic of USA classics, but large cabinet specimens are few and far between. This specimen is unique in that it has a layer of crystallized calcite covering part of its surface, creating a stark contrast of snowy white calcite to the blue smithsonite that is almsot unheard of from the mine. We are told that some people suspect that early specimens may have been found in the upper levels of the mine, associated with calcite, but that the calcite was probably dissolved off with acid to expose more of the blue underneath. In this case, the undulating calcite band of contrast is appealing, and should definitely be left on the specimen. However, if the owner wants a HUGE plate of pure blue, that is a preparation that is easy to accomplish. This huge plate is truly of museum size and importance, and generally they only come to market as old museums deaccess specimens from the early 1900’s. Although it cannot be dated precisely, this style and association were found in that time, rather than in modern finds up through the 1980’s at this now-defunct locality. We are told by our source that this piece was sold nearly a decade ago through their mineral gallery in NYC, to Dallas collector and philanthropist Lyda Hill; it has long remained in her collection until recently when it was exchanged out. It is a unique, noteworthy, and simply huge smithsonite specimen for this important locality. Weight is 10 pounds.

25,000.00 - 35,000.00

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

15 - Scheelite Set (Cut & Rough).

6.9 x 6.1 x 4.0 cm & 2.0 x 1.2 x 0.9 cm Locality: Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Sichuan Province, China.

Size Class: Small Cabinet.

Collection: Dr. Steve Smale Collection.

The mineral scheelite was once an important ore for tungsten, and nearly all that was found was smelted. The most important locality for crystals was in Korea. Recently, China began producing by far the world’s most beautiful specimens - rather, they had been mined for awhile and outsiders only recently learned of them, as they were being smelted and destroyed! The first specimens of quality came out by the mid 1990’s, and this would have come out between 1995-2000. It was then long in the collection of collector and world-reknowned mathematician, Dr. Steve Smale of Berkeley, CA. This location is next to the famous Panda Preserve in Sichuan, and so active mining and the use of dynamite is extremely forbidden. Mining here is mostly done using old, slow techniques, and only a limited amount of specimens can be found and brought to market along a laborious supply route down the mountain (whose only road has heavily damaged in the 2010 quake). All together, the remote location, importance for the species, and the unique intense colors and shape make these the world’s most desirable scheelites to collectors. It has been paired with a remarkable, large cut gemstone carved out of a scheelite crystal from this same deposit, measuring 2.0 x 1.2 x 0.9 cm in size and 29.7 carats in weight (rather large for the species, in such quality). Such gems are valued among the rare gem market at between $750-1000 per carat, although stones of this size are uncommon. They complement one another nicely and , together, make for a fine “Rough and Cut” set. This set comes with a custom display base of lucite.

16,000.00 - 25,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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16 - Tourmaline.

15.7 x 3.7 x 1.7 cm.

Locality: Pederneira Mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

The Pederneira Mine produced some amazing pockets of tourmalines, each with its own style and name, in the early 2000’s period of work there. This is from the famed “Rocket Pocket,� so named for the characteristic steep terminations and flaring look to the crystal clusters, circa 2003. Most crystals of this size had repairs, as does this one (two repairs, and one very minor restoration at one of those sites); which is considered acceptable for tourmalines of this size from the mine (when fully disclosed). The piece is 70 grams, and is complete all around, 360 degrees. Older mine specimens like this are seldom on the market any more, a decade later. Comes with a custom lucite base.

12,000.00 - 15,000.00

17 - Manganoan Calcite.

25.0 x 19.0 x 17.5 cm.

Locality: Huanggang Mines, Keshikteng, Inner Mongolia, China.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Private.

This is a modern-day classic, from finds three years ago in the iron mines of Inner Mongolia. The find is done and gone, and no more are available on the market today. While many came out, reportedly few were of this size and stature. It is 17 pounds, and complete around the front and three sides (contacted on the back). We are aware of others, much smaller, which have sold at premiums. The piece is a rich pink color, and glows when back lit. As a bonus, it fluoresces a hot red-orange color due to manganese inclusions, when under ultraviolet light. It weighs in at a whopping 17 pounds - no lightweight! This specimen comes with a custom display base. Consigned from a private collection.

10,000.00 - 12,000.00

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

18 - Blue Fluorite 20.0 x 17.2 x 8.7 cm Locality: Minerva Mine No. 1, Hardin County, Illinois.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

Illinois produced, by general consensus, the best blue fluorites in the USA. This is a very pretty and large plate of intergrown crystals to 5.5 centimeters, with a consistent medium-blue color to them. This plate is all about size and color - a huge “bang for the buck,” in terms of the current prices of good Illinois material. The crystals are remarkably translucent to transparent, which is unusual in a piece of this size. The main display crystals are in good shape, though there is some minor damage around the periphery and some internal crazing in one of the lower crystals near the base. At 7.1 lbs, this comes on a custom lucite display base. This is an older specimen, probably from the 1980’s or early 1990’s. From the collection of Richard Kosnar of Colorado and the Schertz collection.

8,000.00 - 10,000.00

19 - Aquamarine.

10.8 x 4.0 x 3.1 cm.

Locality: Teofilo Otoni, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Size Class: Cabinet.

Collection: Shertz Collection.

Oldtime Brazilian aquamarines (blue beryl) were described in the gemstone trade as “seafoam blue” and you can see why, from this specimen. The unique blue/green coloration is characteristic of many of the great aquamarine pockets of Brazil in the 1930’s-1950’s. This cabinet sized crystal is complete all around, and masses 220 grams. It is transparent throughout, and is of excellent quality for carving. In fact, most of this old material wound up in Idar Oberstein, for just that reason.

The specimen comes with a custom display base.

7,000.00 - 9,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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20 - Arsenopyrite.

24.0 x 17.0 x 5.8 cm.

Locality: Panasquiera, Portugal 1970’s.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

Panasquiera is a famous, large tin-tungsten mine that started production in 1898. For mineral collectors, the best specimens (including this, most likely) came out in the 1970’s-1980’s. Most specimens of collector quality are small, 1” - 4”. Only very rarely, did large pieces come out and get preserved. This is a huge piece, then, by relative scale. It is completely undamaged, and is a dramatic mass of intergrown crystals of very lustrous arsenopyrite. The crystals have an unusual, elegant curvature to them. The piece weighs about 10 pounds.

4,000.00 - 6,000.00

21 - Quartz.

34.5 x 30.5 x 20.0 cm.

Locality: Coleman Mine, near Jessieville, Hot Springs Natl Park, Arkansas.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

With dramatic large crystals to 18 centimeters, and in as close to pristine condition as one can ask on a huge quartz specimen, this is a significant piece from Arkansas. Most crystals in such large clusters have extensive damage or polishing, and this usually renders them second rate, compared to quartz from Brazil. However, this piece is an important, old Arkansas specimen that has quality as well as locality value going for it. It was originally mined by Jim Coleman of Coleman Mines. 19.6 pounds.

4,500.00 - 6,000.00

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

22 - Gold Nugget.

5.1 x 3.1 x 2.6 cm.

Locality: Murchison, Western Australia.

Size Class: Large Miniature.

Collection: Private.

This is an aesthetic, natural gold nugget with biomorphic features, weighing in at 35 grams. It is from the famous goldfields near this town in Western Australia. Whereas most nuggets are “lumpy,” this one certainly has character, and thus makes a great display specimen.

3,500.00 - 5,000.00

23 - Calcite (Dancing Stalactites).

19.2 x 9.2 x 8.5 cm.

Locality: Wenshan, Yunan Province, China.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

A more-or-less contemporary specimen that is also a calcite stalactite, in contrast to the previous one which was mined 100 years ago. This calcite is gemmy and sparkling in luster. It is complete all around, and consists of several “stalks” dancing around one another. It is, remarkably, without any repairs.

3,000.00 - 4,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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24 - Smoky Quartz.

12.6 x 7.7 x 5.7 cm.

Locality: Canton Uri, Switzerland.

Size Class: Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

Most collectors would agree that the world’s best smoky quartzes, for a combination of color, luster, and clarity, come from the Swiss Alps.

This stunning gem crystal cluster exemplifies all of those qualities, with the added bonus of sculptural aesthetics. It is complete all around, and has a perfect termination. These smoky quartz crystals have an internal brightness to them that is seldom matched by quartz from anywhere else.

2,000.00 - 2,500.00

25 - Stilbite.

20.7 x 18.5 x 13.0 cm Locality: Jalgaon District, Maharashtra, India.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

Stilbite with a soft, pleasing pastel-pink hue, forms this lovely and sculptural specimen from India’s famous Deccan trap zeolite deposits.

The crystals are to four centimeters in size. Many large pieces of this size have too much damage, or poor aesthetics, to be considered a connoisseur level piece. Indian minerals provide, by common agreement, the most beautiful mineral specimens for the price point in the mineral world, due to both large deposits there and overproduction for the market. This, however, presents very nicely! It comes with a custom lucite display base.

1,000.00 - 2,000.00

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

26 - Silver on Acanthite.

4.5 x 4.3 x 2.2 cm.

Locality: Imiter Mine, Ouarzate Province, Morocco.

Size Class: Miniature.

Collection: Private.

This smaller but very elegant example comes from modern production about 5 years ago, at this important silver mine. The piece consists of wire silvers (actually, they are elongated spinel-twinned crystals) that have grown out from acanthite. The acanthite provided the reservoir of elemental silver for the growth, and such naturally occuring wires then form over time in a number of silver mines around the world (Germany, Kongsberg, Ucchuchaccua, etc.). These are particularly elegant specimens, and are a value purchase when compared with the wire silvers from the older, classic locales in central Europe.

2,000.00 - 2,500.00

27 - Calcite.

20.2 x 12.6 x 10.8 cm Locality: Chenzhou, Hunan Province, China.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

Calcite from China can assume a number of forms and varietals, each to their own glory. This style is one you do not often see from China, though. It is a large, translucent , amber-colored cluster of intergrown scalenohedrons, with mesmerizing surface detail in the form of chevron patterns that flash the eyes as the light moves over the piece, or even if you just change your viewing angle while looking at it. This is a very large specimen, 1860 grams, and is nearly complete all around. This is a significant Chinese calcite specimen from the 1990’s heyday here.

3,000.00 - 4,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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28 - Scolecite.

15.9 x 10.8 x 7.0 cm.

Locality: Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

Scolecite is a zeolite group species found in large quantity in India. This group of species is important for a variety of industrial uses. Between those needs, and gravel for roads, most specimens were destroyed until the last few decades, when collector-quality pieces were saved from the crusher for export to the West, even today, India still only has a single museum of Natural History, and that one is private. While these minerals from India are in general very common, the occasional pocket of minerals comes out that stands above the rest. This is the case of this remarkable, dramatic cluster of scolecite crystals. The crystals are unusually threedimensional, robust, and complete. The luster, in person, is phenomenal.

It is leaps and bounds better than the average reference example of this species which one might see from India, commonly available. So, this is one of the few times a common and readily available species like this transcends to top-tier status, even though the current market pricing on Indian minerals may not seem to reflect this high level of appreciation.

They are some of the most beautiful minerals in the world, for the prices they sell for. Yet, because they are “common,” too many collectors ignore the treasures amongst them. This superb piece is complete all around, and comes on a custom lucite base for display.

4,000.00 - 5,000.00

29 - Rose Quartz on Quartz (Historic).

17.5 x 13.5 x 12.5 cm.

Locality: Lavra da Ilha, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

The Lavra da Ilha Mine in the middle of a river, produced some of the world’s greatest rose quartz specimens. Rose Quartz as a rule, is fairly rare. These specimens are known for the interesting association of wreaths or veil-shaped clusters of rose quartz, draping around larger clear quartz crystals - such as this typical specimen, here. The piece is large and hefty at 1,900 grams. It is complete all around. In person, the quartz is more lustrous and the pastel pink rose quartz wreathing the large quartz clusters in the middle has a pleasing three-dimensionality hard to capture in a flat photo.

5,000.00 - 6,000.00

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

30 - Wavellite.

12.6 x 6.0 x 5.7 cm.

Locality: Avant Mine, Garland County, Arkansas.

Size Class: Cabinet.

Collection: Jack and Judy Farnham Collection.

Wavellite from this single small quarry in Arkansas has long been considered the world’s best of species material, for the deep green color and sheer size of the botryoidal crystal clusters. This is a very large, important specimen of beautiful crystal clusters, joined together in a “sculpture.” It is, remarkably, without repair or restoration. This is thought to be a very old specimen from the heyday here of the 1940’s-1950’s.

Certainly nothing like it, has shown up on the market in modern times.

This specimen comes with a custom lucite display base. Consigned from a private collection in Louisiana: The Farnhams were noted for their large collection consisting entirely of classic USA localities in large sizes.

6,000.00 - 8,000.00

31 - Copper (Historic Arizona Piece).

17.8 x 12.7 x 6.1 cm Locality: Bisbee, Cochise County, Arizona.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

Bisbee is the classic USA locality for azurite, and all things copper and oxidized (malachite, cuprite, etc), but although it was once the largest copper mine in the world it has produced surprisingly few actual copper specimens in its lifetime. Native copper, for some reason, is relatively rare there. This is a huge, 5.3 pound specimen of solid copper, composed entirely of complexly intergrown crystals! The mine operated from the 1890’s on and there is no telling when it came out, although it is undoubtedly an old specimen as little was found here in modern times.

This rare piece is complete all around, and has a wonderful horizon row of sharp, upright-pointing crystals. It comes with a custom display base.

7,000.00 - 9,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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32 - Apophyllite on Stilbite.

30.5 x 21.0 x 20.5 cm.

Locality: Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: New Find.

While Apophyllite is very common from the large mines in India, this piece is from a new pocket of a very different style, unlike most specimens mined in the past 30 years of heavy specimen prospecting there. It is one of the top large specimens in the pocket, which has mostly now been sold off to collectors already. These sharp “cubic� (technically, pseudocubic) crystals are starkly contrasted on wheatsheaves of pastel pink stilbite matrix, for a unique aesthetic look. This very large specimen is in incredible condition and has no damage to any of the main crystals, which reach 7.2 cm across. Consigned from the Indian dealer who brought this pocket to market, at the Tucson 2014 show, at a very reduced price compared to show asking prices.

9,000.00 - 12,000.00

33 - Fluorite.

18.5 x 11.7 x 9.6 cm.

Locality: Annabel Lee Mine, Hardin Co., Illinois.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

A very large, deep purple, display specimen with huge crystals adjoining one another. When backlit even minimally, this piece absolutely glows with a pure purple color. The Illinois fluorite mines shut down over a decade ago now, and specimens have shot up in value on the market as time goes by. The last remaining major collections of Illinois fluorites have been sold or broken up recently, and there are no more sources at the mines. These pieces are American classics, that also happen to be bold and beautiful. It is pristine on the display face. This dramatic specimen was hidden away in a private collection and missed the recent price increases which pried so many away from their owners already. 2200 grams. It comes with a custom lucite display base.

12,000.00 - 15,000.00

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

34 - Calcite on Fluorite.

21.1 x 7.3 x 6.5 cm.

Locality: Annabel Lee Mine, Hardin County, Illinois.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

Illinois is famous for the fluorite specimens which came from there over many years while the mines were active. But, the best calcites from these mines are also worthy of serious consideration in any major collection, and truly fine ones are uncommon. Recently, several collections have come to market, redefining the prices which were asked on old Illinois material. At the same time, the reserves “in the district� are simply gone now. There are no more big collections left to be broken up, and the locality only becomes more classic with age , now that the mines are shut and flooded. This remarkable calcite specimen really looks like a torch of fire, flaring up from a small matrix of purple fluorite. In person, with some backlighting, it will glow. As shown, with frontal lighting, it highlights the luster and pleasing amber color. This is a major display specimen, worthy of inclusion in collections with much more expensive fluorites from this famous mine, because it will hold its own when placed side by side with them. It comes with a custom lucite display base, as shown. A large museum-sized specimen, at 730 grams.

15,000.00 - 20,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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35 - Amethyst “Pipes�.

39.5 x 28.5 x 14.0 cm Locality: Artigas, Uraguay.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Private.

Without repair, this piece stands dramatically on a custom display base. It is extremely rare to find large amethyst (purple quartz) stalactites even rarer to find them on matrix, and almost unheard of to have such stalactites without multiple repairs to that matrix. This is a unique specimen, which is in incredible condition. It is complete 360 degrees around, and displays well from either side. It weighs approximately 15 pounds. On consignment from a private museum.

20,000.00 - 25,000.00

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

36 - Large Gold Nugget.

48 Troy ounces, 877 dwt. Beautiful form with nice groupings of quartz.

40,000.00 - 60,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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37 - Variscite Nodule.

5” x 4 -5/8” x 3 -1/4”.

Rough Variscite nodule. Fine green color with some matrix. Rare find for local. Approximately 52 oz. Excellent.

350.00 - 750.00

38 - Fluorite on Galena.

2” x 1 - 3/4”.

Good sharp formed crystals with fine color and contrast. Ruby jack spalerite crystals formed on the matrix. A fine example. Excellent.

400.00 - 600.00

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

39 - Oviraptor Dinosaur Eggs.

The Oviraptor, Latin for “egg thief,” was a genus of small Mongolian theropod dinosaurs.

1,000.00 - 2,000.00

40 - Lot of 7: Gold on Quartz.

Largest: 1 - 3/8” x 1 - 1/8”. Good assortment of specimens with fine gold crystals on the white quartz matrix. This contrast makes a nice aesthetic combination. Excellent.

2,000.00 - 3,000.00

41 - Rhodochrosite on Matrix.

4 - 7/8” x 1 - 7/8” Locality: American Tunnel, Sunnyside Mine, Eureka District, San Juan County, Colorado.

Nice colored crystals with sharp edges. Excellent 700.00 - 1,300.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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42 - Tanzanite (Illustrated).

6.2 x 6.2 x 3.5 Locality: Merelani Hills, near Arusha, Umba Valley, Tanzania.

Size Class: Small Cabine.

Collection: F. Jogn Barlow Collection and Irv Brown Collection.

In 1998, noted collector F. John Barlow of Wisconsin published the first great private mineral collection book of the modern era, on his 50-year collection of 6000 pieces. This large format hardcover book ran to 400 pages and involved numerous guest editors with specialties in the field. For Africa, the author/editor was Charlie Key, widely known as one of the most experienced dealers of African material in the past (and who signed his initials to the text on this piece). Although most chapters have themes of species or locality , Chapter 3 was simply dedicated to Barlow’s favorite worldwide specimens out of his 6000 pieces, and features this matrix tanzanite prominently. As Charlie relates about the specimen: “ The usual litany of superlatives fails to convey the jolt that even jaded collectors of superb minerals receive when they first lay eyes on this specimen. Clearly this matrix specimen grew unimpeded in a vug (pocket), which is most unusual as the vast majority of tanzanites are imbedded completely in matrix.”

The two major crystals are brilliantly lustrous, like glass, with the smoothest surfaces and no pitting. They are arranged in a geometric arrangement to complement each other and show off their terminations. The matrix is graphite, in sparkling small crystals, which is unusual and almost unique. A few other small carbonates are present, showing that the specimen could not have been etched out of calcite as are so many other tanzanites. Charlie, who is also an expert in the gem trade (and in fact started the “London Blue Topaz” treatments), goes on to add that there is intrinsic gemstone cutting value in the crystals, and provide full details of the source including the miner and middleman. In person, this crystal cluster is somewhat dark. With a little backlighting, it glows. Because the crystals are oriented differently, the backlighting shows all colors of the tanzanite at one time, in some parts of the crystals: purple, blue, and the elusive natural red/violet color. This is a completely natural crystal, without the typical heat treatment. This has been in the private mineral collection of Irv Brown since the Barlow collection was broken up in around 2000, and then in another private collection from whom we have it on consignment to offer publicly for the first time in the 30 years since it was mined.

50,000.00 - 60,000.00

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

lot 42 - Tanzanite

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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43 - Quartz - Huge Single Crystal.

50.0 x 30.5 x 30.5 cm.

Locality: Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Size Class: Very Large Cabinet.

Collection: Private.

This huge quartz crystal is virtually pristine and complete all around, and weighs in at 60 pounds. It is half a meter tall, and it possesses a remarkable poise and quality of aesthetics for such a large quartz specimen. It is balanced on a proportional amount of matrix at the bottom which supports and accents this major crystal. Most crystals of this size are simply broken off the matrix in collecting or transport and are not preserved. Note the exceptional gemminess at the top of the crystal. In person, this is much more translucent to transparent than it appears, but of course the camera sees through the surface and into the crystal, magnifying every internal flaw by light refractions, and creating a more cloudy image compared to what the human eye discerns. This is an important display specimen, worthy of any museum or collection of large showpieces. It comes with a large custom lucite base, into which the crystal can slide removably. On consignment from a private museum.

25,000.00 - 35,000.00

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44 - Amethyst.

17.0 x 15.7 x 14.5 cm.

Locality: Las Vigas, Veracruz, Mexico.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

This is one of the finest pieces in the auction, in terms of what is on the modern market. Amethyst (purple quartz) from Las Vigas occurs in small pockets scattered throughout the nearby mountainous terrain. Few large plates are ever recovered in perfect condition, such as with this piece. It has no damage, no repairs, and with intensely colored and glassy crystals to 4.5 cm in length, it is a major specimen for the locality. 1890 grams. Similar pieces have sold recently for record prices, and one has to see this in person to understand why by viewing how fully beautiful and three-dimensional it is. No other locality produces amethysts quite like this. While it is impossible to tell when this came out of the ground, it is undoubtedly an older specimen and the private collection it was from, was assembled in the 1980’s-1990’s. This example is similar to a piece that sold for 70k at auction!

20,000.00 - 25,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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45 - Diamond (Octahedron).

1.4 x 1.3 x1.2 cm.

Locality: Argyll Mine, Australia.

Size Class: Thumbnail.

Collection: Anonymous Institutional Collection.

13.85 carats: A spectacular, lustrous diamond crystal that shows the perfect octahedral habit which even children learn to associate with diamonds, but of a quality only seldom seen on the collector market.

Importantly, the crystal has that unique “adamantine” luster that is hard to describe, but shimmers in the light. The piece is complete all around, and translucent with an even gray-brown color throughout. It came out of an old collection and has long been held in a private institutional collection (provenance details will be given in full upon sale), for whom we are selling it. This is the size and brightness which lends itself well to the modern trend to make a stunning piece of unique art-jewelry, when set in a platinum or white gold pendant cage for a unique “natural jewelry item.” Once easily obtainable on the collectors market, until about the mid-2000’s, most production from this relatively recently discovered deposit is now cut for gems and jewelry. Crystals are now harder to obtain.

12,000.00 - 15,000.00

46 - Gold Specimen.

3” x 2 - 1/2”.

Beautiful piece of naturally formed gold. Contains gold, quartz, and iron pyrite. Total weight of piece is 6.20 t oz containing metal weight of 4.7 t oz., 94.0 dwt, 86.26% estimated gold content. A very fine piece.

Excellent 10,000.00 - 12,000.00

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47 - Diamond (Octahedron).

1.3 x 1.0 x 1.0 cm.

Locality: South Africa.

Size Class: Thumbnail.

Collection: Anonymous Institutional Collection.

At 11.84 carats, this is a large, collector-quality diamond showing intense adamantine luster, sharp form, and translucency to transparency, with a slight color. This octahedron is mesmerizing in the complex detail of each face, where complex growth lines are present. This is the size and brightness which lends itself well to the modern trend to make a stunning piece of unique art-jewelry, when set in a platinum or white gold pendant cage for a unique “natural jewelry item.� It came out of an old collection and has long been held in a private institutional collection (provenance details will be given in full upon sale).

8,000.00 - 12,000.00

48 - Calcite with Pyrite (Discs).

22.5 x 11.5 x 11.0 cm.

Locality: Near Chenzhou, Hunan Province, China.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

This calcite piece is made unique by the bizarre, oriented association with sparkling, iridescent pyrite on some edges of the crystals. In the light, in person, the piece has a sparkle and glittery feeling to it that is difficult to convey in a photo. The microcrystalline pyrite simply does not show in a photo the way it does to the human eye in a collection or decor setting.

Large, dramatic, and hefty at 5.5 pounds.

7,000.00 - 9,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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49 - Azurite (Historic).

9.0 x 7.3 x 6.0 cm.

Locality: Czar Shaft (early 1900’s), Bisbee, Cochise Co., Arizona.

Size Class: Small Cabinet.

Collection: Earl Calvert.

This historic specimen is from the time when Bisbee was at its heyday, in the early 1900’s, and produced the world’s finest azurites. The piece has huge crystals with a saturated blue color and good luster. It shows a slight curvature of form which gives it the aesthetics to not be termed “blocky,” but still has the robust and large crystals which give it significance. Few crystallized azurites of this stature came out and were preserved at the time. Despite its age and size, it has only a minor rub on the top-facing edge of the termination (not visible from display face as shown), but is otherwise nearly pristine. Earl L. Calvert (1904-1964) collection. This historic azurite comes with a custom display base of Lucite.

7,000.00 - 9,000.00

50 - Meteorite - Campo Del Cielo.

23.5 x 17.5 x 11.2 cm.

Locality: Gran Chaco Gualamba, Argentina.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

A chance to own your own falling star! This is an unusually fine, aesthetic, display quality “Campos” specimen of the famous Campo del Cielo meteorite find. It weighs 24.5 pounds and is displayed nicely (and removably) upright on a custom lucite base made for the purpose.

According to Wikipedia: “The Campo del Cielo refers to a group of iron meteorites or to the area where they were found situated on the border between the provinces of Chaco and Santiago del Estero, 1,000 kilometers (620 mi) northwest of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The crater field covers an area of 3 x 20 kilometers and contains at least 26 craters, the largest being 115 x 91 meters. The craters’ age is estimated as 4,000–5,000 years. The craters, containing iron masses, were reported in 1576, but were already well known to the aboriginal inhabitants of the area. The craters and the area around contain numerous fragments of an iron meteorite.” The ultimate conversation piece that’s literally out of this world!

5,000.00 - 6,000.00

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51 - Blue Topaz.

1 - 5/8” x 1”. V ery nicely cut oval gemstone totaling 263.5 carats. Nice color and clarity.

A large and very collectible gem. Excellent 7,000.00 - 8,000.00

53 - Indonesian Agate Set. 16.2 x 14.0 x 3.3 cm.

Locality: Eastern Java Island, Indonesia.

Size Class: Cabinet.

Collection: Private.

For collection or a unique piece of jewelry! Each “letter” is approximately 1.5 centimeters tall, in this amazing calibrated set of cabochons. This is an unusually well-matched set of agate carvings, where the gem artist carefully cut the cabochon from larger nodules with complex internal cracking patterns, following his eye to reveal and emphasize the natural patterns within (the letter shapes, in other words, were natural within the stones, buried in layers of patterning). These letters are clear and sharp, and against mostly pure white background. The quality depends on both the natural source rock, and the skill of the artist. Although initially of being fabricated in the past, a bulletin was published in the official GIA (Gem Institute of America) newsletter about the legitimacy of these agates. Additionally, more information documenting how they are formed and found, carved and sold, is here at: http://www.indoagate. com/alphabet.html, where a large Indonesian wholesaler documents the carving process with photos. As he says, “A well formed alphabet set may take months to assemble. The 26 selected letters may be cut and re-cut several times from an assortment of many hundreds of letters, to create a collector quality set. The trick is not to polish through the thin layer of color and render your stone worthless.” Previous sales of less fine sets of letters from Java have reached $5000-6000 at several auctions in the past. An incredible conversation piece! On consignment from a private museum.

4,000.00 - 4,500.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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54 - Smoky Quartz.

18.3 x 12.0 x 10.2 cm.

Locality: Macaco Mine, Conselheiro Pena, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

Incredible, glassy luster makes this perfectly preserved smoky quartz specimen unique and collector-worthy at a high level. Note the large size of the crystals, and their complex surfaces which contrast with the sharp terminations. All over, it is glassy and lustrous. The piece is complete 360 degrees around, and comes in a custom , removable display base. While we have seen many fine smoky quartz crystals, we have seen only a few with such natural high luster, offered to us.

3,000.00 - 4,000.00

55 - Calcite (Historic).

25.5 x 13.3 x 10.2 cm.

Locality: Copper Queen Mine, Bisbee, Cochise County, Arizona.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Jack and Judy Farnham Collection.

This aesthetic calcite stalactite is without damage, quite a feat for a 100-year-plus specimen! It is another classic old Bisbee mineral. This piece also dates to around the turn of the 1900’s - a remarkable survivor of times past. It was in the collection of Ben Williams, one of the managing partners of the Bisbee Mining company, in the 1890’s or early 1900’s. By 1910, it is thought that his whole collection was in storage boxes, where it remained until about ten years ago when it resurfaced through an estate sale. This collection sold in its entirety, still packed in old newspapers, to dealer Bill Larson of Fallbrook, CA. He then sold it into the Farnham collection in the early 2000’s. Consigned from a private collection in Louisiana: The Farnhams were noted for their large collection consisting entirely of classic USA localities in large sizes.

1,000.00 - 1,500.00

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56 - Amethyst.

19.3 x 12.3 x 8.2 cm.

Locality: San Eugenio, Artigas Dept., Uruguay.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

Intense purple crystals of the deepest color saturation, make this nice little pocket a very pretty specimen. It also features a small stalactite knob, within the pocket. Nothing fancy, just a beautiful example of a common mineral species. An excellent specimen for the beginning collector. 3.3 pounds weight.

1,000.00 - 1,250.00

57 - Quartz variety Chalcedony.

16.1 x 10.7 x 8.8 cm.

Locality: High Atlas Mountains, Morocco.

Size Class: Cabinet.

Collection: Private.

Quartz from Morocco can take on a wide range of colors and forms, but this unusual specimen appears unique. It consists of a rich pink-red, translucent layer of quartz (in the smooth, rounded varietal referred to often as chalcedony), completely covering the inside lining of a geode.

The color is rich and inviting, and very different from the usual hues and styles seen from Morocco. This is apparently an older specimen, and comes with a Harvard Museum label. It also comes with a custom removable lucite display base.

2,500.00 - 3,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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58 - Fluorite on Sphalerite.

12.3 x 9.6 x 6.5 cm.

Locality: Elmwood Mine, Smith County, Tennessee.

Size Class: Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

A superb, aesthetic specimen from the famous Elmwood Mine, featuring gemmy, unusually translucent crystals for this location to 4 x 3.5 x 3.25 cm in size. They are perched on a sparkling mound of sphalerite crystals, creating a wonderful and desirable contrast in both form and color.

This piece probably was mined in the 1980’s heyday there. The piece is complete all around, and displays beautifully. This specimen comes with a custom lucite display base.

3,000.00 - 4,000.00

59 - Calcite (Manganese Rich Fluorescence).

21.7 x 13.5 x 12.8 cm.

Locality: Idarado Mine, Ouray County, Colorado.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

This is an old classic, from an old mining locale, in a huge size for the collector! It is remarkably in excellent condition with only a few minor bits of damage to some crystals, that do not detract much visually. It is very large, for a surviving specimen of this material, of a size seldom seen in even the best Colorado collections. As a bonus, it fluoresces a hot red-orange color due to manganese inclusions, when under ultraviolet light. This specimen comes with a custom display base. It weighs 7.1 pounds.

4,000.00 - 5,000.00

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60 - Smithsonite.

9.5 x 8.0 x 4.4 cm.

Locality: Kelly Mine, Magdalena District, Socorro County, New Mexico.

Size Class: Small Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

Kelly Mine smithsonites are one of the iconic American classics, for mineral collectors. Most of the good ones with juicy luster and color in this habit came out in the mid-1900’s or earlier. This is a large, sparkling piece with very good rolling, curving surfaces. This specimen comes with a custom display base. 484 grams.

4,500.00 - 6,000.00

61 - Amethyst.

23.5 x 16.6 x 7.2 cm.

Locality: Reel Mine, Lincoln County, North Carolina.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Jack and Judy Farnham Collection.

This is an impressive specimen of amethyst (purple quartz) for any USA locality with crystals to 6 cm long; and it happens to be from a rare, old, classic location that is seldom worked. This particular specimen was one of the finest found in an early 2000’s dig here by noted field collector Terry Ledford, who recently passed away in a tragic mining accident at one of his other projects. It was then long in the collection of cabinet sized USA classics belonging to Jack and Judy Farnham of Louisiana. The piece is in incredible condition, with no damage and excellent aesthetics all around.

It comes mounted on a custom, removable, display base.

6,000.00 - 7,500.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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62 - Amethyst, Quartz, Calcite.

27.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 cm.

Locality: Artigas, Uraguay.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Private.

Uruguay produces some of the most beautiful specimens of amethyst (purple quartz), combined with calcite. In abundance. Nevertheless, this is a piece that stands out among a crowd of others and seems completely unique. It has wonderful amethyst, as a base layer. Atop the amethyst are sprinkled a mix of sugary-white, small quartz crystals that overlay some amethyst tips; and also small, pointy yellow calcite crystals. The overall combination is something we have not seen in other pieces and appears rare and unusual. It also happens, luckily for the owner, to be beautiful!

This specimen comes with a custom display base. Consigned from a private collection. 5.5 pounds 7,000.00 - 9,000.00

63 - Amethyst Cut & Rough Set. 10.6 x 9.7 x 5.6 cm & 2.4 x 2.0 x 1.5 cm Locality: Jackson’s Crossroads, Wilkes County, Georgia.

Size Class: Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

Most people do not realize it, but Georgia has actually been the source of what are inarguably the finest amethyst (purple quartz) crystals in the USA. This 439 gram crystal is a rich purple color, and is complete all around. It is a style and quality that came out only in a small zone in the early 2000’s. It has been paired with a remarkable, large cut gemstone carved out of a gem crystal from this same deposit, measuring 2.4 x 2.0 x 1.5 cm size and 42.25 carats in weight (rather large for the location and an American amethyst, in such quality). Such gems are valued among the rare gem market at approximately $200 per carat, although stones of this quality and size are uncommon and are no longer available from the miners. They complement one another nicely and , together, make for a fine “Rough and Cut” set. This set comes with a custom display base of lucite.

8,000.00 - 12,000.00

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

64 - Hematite with Quartz.

30.5 x 21.0 x 14.5 cm.

Locality: Lechang Mine, Lechang Co., Shaoguan Prefecture, Guangdong Province, China.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

An antique specimen from the early days of this now-famous deposit, probably around 2000-2002, this is a huge rolling surface of matrix completely covered with roses of hematite crystals set amongst sharp, pointed quartz crystals. The quartz has a slight red tint in spots, due to inclusions of hematite (iron). Despite the formidable size (1/3 meter!), it is virtually pristine, and in amazing condition therefore. In the photo, this looks like a flat piece, but it is actually very three-dimensional and underpresented in a photograph. It is much better in person. 14.6 pounds. We feel that this is a major Chinese mineral specimen, but one should also note that this combination is rare on a worldwide basis as well.

10,000.00 - 12,500.00

65 - Silver on Acanthite.

12.9 x 10.2 x 6.1 cm.

Locality: Imiter Mine, Ouarzate Province, Morocco.

Size Class: Cabinet.

Collection: Kevin Ward.

This large silver is incredibly dense and heavy, and is made entirely of thick, curving wires of beautiful silver, perched on matrix of silver ore (acanthite). It is one of the larger specimens to have come out in the early 2000’s mining here, and is a robust and dramatic specimen. It was formerly in the private collection of silver-specialist, dealer/collector Kevin Ward of Mobile, Alabama. For this mine, where most specimens are small and unprepossessing, this is a formidable piece. It masses over 2 pounds in weight! If it were from a more traditional classic locality like Michigan or Norway or Germany, the price would be literally an order of magnitude higher, than for a contemporary specimen from Morocco, no matter how fine and impressive. This specimen comes with a custom lucite base.

12,000.00 - 16,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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66 - Pyrite.

33.0 x 24.5 x 10.0 cm.

Locality: Navajun, La Rioja, Spain.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Private.

While pyrite from Spain is common on the collector market, it nevertheless still has a deep visceral appeal to most collectors, and to laymen who see a mineral collection, for the stark geometry of the crystals. For many people new to minerals, it is hard to believe that these are real and made by nature! This is a particularly dramatic specimen with huge , razor-sharp crystals of high quality to a remarkable nine centimeters on edge, grading up from simple cubes to elongated rectangles on a well-trimmed matrix. In our research, we have seen many Spanish pyrites with cubes, and the occasional lone rectangular crystal in matrix. We are not aware of another such specimen which shows this progression from cubes to rectangle, in connected crystals of the same piece. It is a stellar example of a common material on the market, and rises above the crowd of others. Reportedly this was purchased directly from the mine owner, who stated that it has no repairs to the major crystals atop, which were very carefully excavated. As most of these matrix pyrites have repairs, this would not be unusual, but is a nice bonus (we assume the smaller crystals at the base, more exposed, came out and were repaired back on after preparation and cleaning). The combination of geometric forms here adds a rarified element to this large specimen, which is also of a size and style suitable for home decor in addition to its value as a fine specimen. It comes with a custom base, and is consigned from a private collection.

15,000.00 - 20,000.00

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67 - Large Gold Nugget.

20 Troy ounces, 373 dwt.

Nugget appears to be 90-95% gold. Nice form.

20,000.00 - 25,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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68 - Aquamarine with Muscovite.

10.8 x 4.0 x 3.1 cm.

Locality: Nagar, Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Herb Obodda Collection.

Aquamarine (blue beryl) from Nagar in Pakistan has set a new standard for the size and sharpness of matrix specimens which could be obtained by collectors. This particular specimen hails from the personal collection of noted dealer/collector Herb Obodda, who opened up Afghanistan 30 years ago to the mineral specimen trade. The color has a high degree of saturation, well beyond the normal “pastel blue” typical of this locality and amongst the top colored pieces from here that we are aware of. Bluntly, many are more gray than blue, but this is a definite blue color! It is perfect and complete not only all around, 360 degrees, but also on the bottom. It is minutely crystallized on the bottom like a miniature cityscape, contrasting with the broad, flat terminations atop. This makes it a “floater” showing no point of attachment to its original growth matrix. There are, remarkably, no repairs or restorations on this large gem crystal. A small bit of muscovite mica matrix provides an accent to the side. It comes with a custom lucite display base, as shown.

25,000.00 - 35,000.00

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

69 - Silver (Large Wire Crystal).

15.5 x 7.5 x 6.0 cm.

Locality: Kongsberg, Norway.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Dr. Ed David Collection and Lawrence Conklin Collection.

Silvers from THE classic locality of Kongsberg are desired the world over by collectors, but truly great ones of any of size are exceedingly hard to obtain. This is a gorgeous and LARGE (6-1/2” tall!) silver specimen from this must have locality that looks like a cluster of striking snakes, coiled together. For size and visual impact, it is shocking. Moreover, it is very beautiful not just for the overall form, but because it has a unique patina of minute bornite and chalcopyrite crystals that gives it a “sparkle” in person. This ancient patina only comes with exposure to mine conditions over long periods of time, and just like with fine art is a mark of distinction on old classic silver specimens. The piece has never been cleaned to make it bright and shiny. It is very different in aspect, thus, from what you normally see. This is a MAJOR Kongsberg of a size we almost never see for sale on the modern market, like what exists only in the major museums in Europe, by and large. It was formerly owned by Dr. Edward E. David, White House science advisor to President Richard Nixon, and a well-known, prominent mineral collector. From Dr. David, it then was exchanged into the private collection of NYC-area dealer/collector Lawrence Conklin, who kept it for nearly two decades. It comes on what seems to be an antique museum-style pedestal base (removable).

80,000.00 - 100,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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70 - Native Mercury on Matrix.

1 - 1/2” x 1 - 3/8”.

Bright globules of native mercury on matrix. Mounted in acrylic Perky display box for protection. From the Socrates Mine, Castle Rock Springs area, Mayacmas Mts, Sonoma County, California Extremely rare type and an unusual specimen.

200.00 - 400.00

71 - Native Silver Specimen.

1 - 3/4” x 1”.

Specimen showing fine crystalline feather formation on matrix. Excellent.

1,000.00 - 1,500.00

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72 - Lot of 7: Nice Pieces of Gold Specimens.

Largest: 1 - 5/8” x 3/4”.

Seven specimens of Native Gold in Quartz from Red Ledge Mine, Washington in Nevada County, California. Original identification tag from Stack’s Mineral Department. Excellent.

2,000.00 - 3,000.00

73 - Blue Apatite Crystal Specimen.

4 - 3/4” x 4 - 1/2”.

Blue apatite crystal specimen in host rock matrix. Likely from Bear Lake diggings, Tory Hill, Ontario, Canada. Numerous cyrstals present; one large crystal showing termination.

50.00 - 200.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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74 - Native Gold Crystal Specimen.

2” x 1 - 1/2”.

Native gold crystal specimen, very nicely shaped with exceptional form.

Excellent.

2,000.00 - 3,000.00

75 - Fishtail Selenite Specimen.

7” x 3 -1/2” x 1 -5/8” Minerals Species: Gypsum var. Selenite Fish-tail Twins. Location of mineral deposit: Chihuahua, Mexico. Description: Lustrous transparent colorless selenite crystals, the colorless transparent variety of the mineral species gypsum, that are twinned down the center resulting in repeated V-shaped twin formations that resemble a fish tail. The crystal faces are clean and in good condition, the outer edges show minor wear. Very Good 800.00 - 1,200.00

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76 - Tourmaline.

9.9 x 6.8 x 6.7 cm Locality: Afghanistan.

Size Class: Cabinet.

Collection: Herb Obodda Collection.

Tourmaline is of course not only one of the most popular gemstones, but also popular as a mineral for collectors, due to its supreme beauty. It occurs naturally in nearly every shade of the rainbow. However, this saturated, intense purple hue is among the most uncommon, particularly in a large crystal from Afghanistan where they tend to run in the pink or green colors. This dramatic single crystal is complete all around and masses 935 grams (just over 2 pounds in weight). It has a fine, lustrous termination. It is the only purple-capped crystal of such magnitude that the former owner is aware of, and came out in the 1990’s. It has since then remained in the personal collection of the man who brought it out, collector/dealer Herb Obodda of NJ. This specimen comes with a custom lucite base.

30,000.00 - 40,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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77 - Malachite (Historic).

25.3 x 22.5 x 13.0 cm.

Locality: Copper Queen Mine, Bisbee, Cochise County, Arizona.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Dr. Peter Bancroft Collection, Jack and Judy Farnham Collection.

Found around the turn of the 1900’s, this gem-grade, solid, 7.5 pound specimen of malachite is a remarkable survivor of times past. Most such specimens were long ago cut for lapidary use in jewelry and carving material. Bisbee, at the time, was the largest copper mine on earth and the source of most malachite and azurite for major museum collections as pieces were traded far and wide. This particular piece ended up in the collection of Dr. Peter Bancroft of Fallbrook , CA, the author of the 1984 book “Gem & Crystal Treasures”. It remained in his collection until it passed to the Farnham collection in the early 2000’s. This specimen comes with a custom lucite display base. Consigned from a private collection in Louisiana: The Farnhams were noted for their large collection consisting entirely of classic USA localities in large sizes.

20,000.00 - 25,000.00

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78 - Copper (Elegant crystals).

17.3 x 15.0 x 3.3 cm.

Locality: Kearsarge, Houghton County, Michigan.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Richard Hauck Collection (Museum), Jack and Judy Farnham.

This dramatic specimen that looks like a prancing animal, is composed of huge crystals of native copper from the world’s greatest historic locality for crystallized coppers, in Upper Michigan. It is complete all around, 360 degrees, without damage. The specimen is from the noted collection of Richard Hauck, founder of the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in New Jersey and a longtime copper collector of note. The size and aesthetics of the piece are difficult to match on the market today. Generally, these specimens would have come out in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, although that is hard to trace to any detail now, and few precise histories were saved with these specimens at the time. The Hauck copper collection was purchased in its entirety and then this specimen went into the private collection of Jack and Judy Farnham of Louisiana, for the last decade.

This specimen comes with a custom display base. 825 grams (just over two pounds).

15,000.00 - 20,000.00

79 - Garnet (Almandine).

20.0 x 11.7 x 9.1 cm Locality: North Tyrol Alps, Austria.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

The traditional birthstone for January! Garnet from the Tyrolean Alps is one of the old European classics that mineralogists first discussed, in the oldest books we have of the development of crystallography and mineralogy from Europe. The reason is obvious. When you look at these garnets, you can see the symmetry of the micro scale structure of crystals from atoms in geometric arrangement, written large in the macro scale we can see. These garnets, which have a deep wine-red color, are formed in a soft, schist matrix. When found, they are all buried inside, and have to be laboriously excavated by hand. In the Austrian Alps, it is something of a tradition for strahlers (mountain climbers) to spend the summer collecting and the winter excavating their specimens. Locals pride themselves on the skill at extracting and then lightly polishing these specimens. This is one of the finest we are aware of, for the overall size, quality, and quantity of the crystals. The sharp geometry is mesmerizing. The crystals reach six centimeters, and this hefty piece masses 1,900 grams. It is complete all around, and offered on a custom lucite display base.

12,000.00 - 15,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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80 - Celestite Geode.

39.5 x 27.5 x 24.0 cm.

Locality: Majunga, Madagascar.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

Gem celestite crystals to a significant nine centimeters in length decorate the inside of this natural “pocket,� or geode cavity. These are mined in a single large deposit in Madagascar and exported as decor items.

Although common on the market, per se, most of this material is of very low quality and a mineral dealer or collector might examine a 1000 pieces at one of the wholesale trade shows to find a single undamaged specimen of higher quality. This is a HUGE and exceptional specimen with great aesthetic display and crystals of a quality that would satisfy even the most discriminating collector (they are about double the normal size of such crystals, and very gemmy). In person, the crystals have a sparkle and brilliance to them that simply dies in the photo, but you can be assured will look like glass in lighting of even moderate amount, in your showcase. A very old piece, from this famous deposit.

10,000.00 - 12,500.00

81 - Tourmaline (Blue).

9.7 x 9.6 x 8.6 cm Locality: Pech, Nuristan, Afghanistan.

Size Class: Small Cabinet.

Collection: Herb Obodda Collection.

Blue tourmaline (indicolite) is one of the more uncommonly seen colors of tourmaline from Afghanistan and Pakistan. This specimen, which is complete all around, has a pleasing pastel blue color, grading to a richer and darker shade at the base. It is perfectly accented and displayed by a matrix of albite feldspar to the bottom. This particular specimen is from the personal collection of dealer/collector Herb Obodda, who opened up Afghanistan 30 years ago to the mineral specimen trade. It comes with a custom lucite display base, as shown. A hefty specimen, at 590 grams.

8,000.00 - 10,000.00

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82 - Scheelite on Muscovite Matrix.

13.5 x 12.5 x 4.1 cm.

Locality: Mt. Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Sichuan Province, China.

Size Class: Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

With large, deep orange crystals to 3.6 cm, this is a very fine scheelite with display presence, from the most famous locality for the species. The contrast to the silvery mica books is a contrast of both color and texture, and makes the lustrous scheelites stand out visibly. In person, the piece is somewhat more impressive than a flat photo can indicate. Hefty, at over 580 grams.

7,000.00 - 9,000.00

83 - Calcite with Pyrite (Rhombohedron).

20.4 x 14.5 x 14.2 cm.

Locality: Chanzhong, near Chenzhou, Hunan Province, China.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Private.

Calcite from China is so common as to boggle the mind. Pyrite, also is fairly common. The unique combination shown in this piece, from a small find many years ago near the mining town of Chenzhou, makes this find special beyond either of its component species. The sharp form of the calcite is accented at every angle and edge by a lovely dusting of sugary, sparkling pyrite of the most glittery colors. It is iridescent. In light, the piece sparkles from across the room and really looks much more beautiful than a flat photo can convey, because the crystals of pyrite are so reflective and this is hard to convey here. A large specimen, at 6 pounds in weight. From a private consignor collection. It comes with a custom lucite display base.

5,000.00 - 6,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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84 - Pyrite with Quartz.

12.5 x 9.2 x 7.3 cm.

Locality: Racracancha Mine, Tinyahuarco District, Pasco Province, Pasco Dept., Peru.

Size Class: Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

A razor-sharp specimen with pyrites so well-formed and sharply edged, that you could actually cut yourself on them. They have a high luster, impossible to capture in the photo. Although Peruvian pyrite is common enough, this is a special piece of noteworthy quality, and when seen in person you will understand why. It just leaps out at the viewer, and is exceptionally three-dimensional and mesmerizing in the subtle details of form and symmetry. Mostly, though, we were considerably impressed at the impeccable condition of this specimen, from a place where most such pieces have damage and aesthetics issues to some degree or another.

This specimen comes with a custom display base of lucite. 881 grams.

4,000.00 - 5,000.00

85 - Gold.

4.9 x 2.4 x 1.8 cm.

Locality: Eagles Nest Mine, Placer County, California.

Size Class: Miniature.

Collection: Private.

Gold from this famous location in California is among the brightest, most reflective, and therefore most pure of natural crystallized gold occurrences. It has a rich, buttery hue, and this color and sparkly brightness set specimens from this mine above most other collectible gold crystals from the world’s other locations. Mining here has slowed down immensely compared to several decades ago due both to over-mining a small and difficult vein deposit and to some recent legal issues on the property access; and few enough specimens are found and released to market each year now. This is a glittering, perfect specimen with top luster and excellent display character. It is 38 grams, all crystallized, all around.

3,500.00 - 4,500.00

86 - Fluorite.

15.1 x 8.5 x 7.3 cm.

Locality: Elmwood Mine, Smith County, Tennessee.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

The Elmwood mine is one of the most famous USA localities and has produced large and beautiful fluorites in big numbers in the past, up through the early 1990’s. However, it has been a long time since we have seen large, deep purple fluorite from this mine on the market in any quantity. This is a large dramatic specimen with rich color. The deeper purple specks within the crystals are highly unusual, and not often seen.

They add a bit of visual complexity and aesthetics. It comes with a custom base. 776 grams.

2,500.00 - 4,500.00

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87 - Rhodonite Carving of Flowers.

18.0 x 17.3 x 13.4 cm.

Locality: Peru.

Size Class: Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

This fine, elegant carving came in an old mineral collection. It is a very well fashioned mixture of rhodonite (from Peru) with a green host rock probably containing diopside. It was simply an interesting, one-off work of artisanship, that the previous collector had picked up in their mineral acquisitions. Complete all around, and very attractive.

1,500.00 - 2,500.00

88 - Amethyst on Matrix.

6.0 x 4.9 x 4.3 cm.

Locality: Brandberg , Namibia.

Size Class: Small Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

The traditional birthstone for February! This beautiful amethyst (purple quartz) specimen features a sharp crystal of approximately 2”, sitting starkly on contrasting matrix. The matrix is the shell of a natural cavity, in which it grew, and is covered with a layer of colorless quartz. The sharp crystal is complete all around, glassy, and has great luster. It is a wonderful jewel-like specimen from a place where most such crystals are simply whacked off of their matrix to sell by weight, as single crystals. In high demand by interior decorators who know these stunning specimens make incredible conversation pieces.

1,000.00 - 1,500.00

89 - Pyrite “Sun” in Shale.

30.4 x 25.2 x 5.0 cm.

Locality: Sparta, Randolph County, Illinois.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

Pyrite in the form of these natural sun-like “discs” is a natural occurrence at an old mine in southern Illinois, and apparently nowhere else in the world! This is a particularly nice display piece featuring a sharp, lustrous, perfect disc of 8.5 centimeters across, perched on black shale matrix. It is not well understood what causes such a formation, and some scientists think there might be a biological origin to the pyrites, that sparked a crystallization in the shale before it was metamorphosed from slate, and preserving the pyrite within a sealed, hermetic shell of rock. These are old classics in the Midwest, and such fine pieces as this were not commonly seen outside of a few trade shows and local production. It should be noted that all “suns” were removed from their matrix for cleaning, and then placed back on, so this piece is technically repaired in that sense.

These make truly unique, interesting, gift items, and pieces of this quality are simply not seen very often anymore. This piece weighs 6.5 pounds.

2,500.00 - 3,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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90 - Tanzanite.

3.5 x 2.1 x 2.1 cm.

Locality: Merelani Hills, near Arusha, Umba Valley, Tanzania.

Size Class: Miniature.

Collection: Private.

Tanzanite (gem zoisite) gem crystals should show very good blue and purple (and sometimes red/violet color when looked at through the bottom) in their natural form. This is an unheated (untreated) and natural tanzanite crystal showing superb purple and blue hues, 23 grams in mass.

It has excellent blue color and displays its gemminess without the need for backlighting. A custom lucite display base is included.

3,000.00 - 4,000.00

91 - Red Quartz.

24.0 x 16.0 x 13.7 cm.

Locality: Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

Quartz is usually colorless, or purple (amethyst), yellow-orange (citrine), or dark (smoky). This unique specimen falls somewhere outside those normal definitions and is colored a faint red/orange by minute inclusions of hematite in the surface layers. In person, this is very beautiful, as the eye sees that layer as a stronger color than in the photo, and then sees through into the gemmy depths of the crystals inside. They reach 15 cm in length. 6.6 pounds.

3,000.00 - 4,000.00

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

92 - Topaz on Quartz.

12.4 x 8.8 x 4.8 cm.

Locality: Dassu, Gilgit, Pakistan.

Size Class: Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

This striking, sculptural specimen features a topaz crystal perched upon an unlikely cluster of quartz crystals. The topaz, of course, is much more gemmy and brilliant and sparkling in person than the photo can convey, and shines when put into good lighting. The topaz is attached to the quartz cluster by a natural glue of snowy-white cleavelandite crystals, resulting in something that looks very much different than any other topaz specimen we have seen from here. A few minor associations of mica crystals add more accent. What we really like about this piece, which by the way has no repairs or restoration, is that it is unique in a crowded field of “representative” specimens.

4,000.00 - 5,000.00

93 - Fluorite Huge Plate.

45.5 x 41.5 x 13.0 cm.

Locality: Xianghuapu Mine, near Chenzhou, Hunan Province, China.

Size Class: Very Large Cabinet.

Collection: Private.

In the early to mid-1990’s, huge specimens of fluorite came out of this rich deposit in Hunan Province. In fact, these finds are a big part of the reason that the older American fluorite mines in Illinois were driven out of business. They could not compete with the production from China. This brief flood of specimens from China provided collectors and museums with amazing, large decorator pieces at fractions of the cost that large fluorites had previously commanded. This made them very desirable for decor use, at the time, in particular for pieces like this which can be set out for people to touch and look at closely. This piece lived just that way, in a corporation office building where people could see how natural minerals form, for many years. It comes with a (large) custom lucite display base, and is presented at no reserve on consignment from a private collector. Amazingly, this huge specimen, at half a meter or so in size, has no damage of note. It is in nearly perfect condition. The color is a pale green, although it can change in hue depending on the lighting used. This is a very heavy specimen.

4,500.00 - 5,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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94 - Malachite Huge Plate (Polished).

52.0 x 25.5 x 9.0 cm Locality: Mashamba West Mine, Kolwezi, Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

Malachite from the Congo Copper Belt is simply gorgeous and has found wide use in dĂŠcor, in carving material, and among mineral collectors as well. This is a particularly high quality large plate, from old finds here, with beautiful swirls and curved growths of malachite, layer within layer. The piece has a high, even polish throughout, and is half a meter across! It weighs about 40 pounds.

6,000.00 - 7,500.00

95 - Morganite.

10.8 x 8.1 x 6.4 cm.

Locality: Oceanview Mine, San Diego Co., California.

Size Class: Cabinet.

Collection: Mine Owner Collection - Jeff Swanger.

The San Diego gemstone mines have been mostly played out for some years, with only a trickle of minerals flowing out compared to the production in the past. This relative newcomer mine has produced, now that they are at depth along a pegmatite vein, a string of surprises including large gem kunzite crystals and some few tourmalines. Rarely, it has also offered up a hot pink morganite, with color reminiscent of past finds in San Diego from the heyday of the 1960’s. This piece, found and then kept by mine owner Jeff Swanger, is the largest complete morganite crystal found to date! It has a sharp geometric termination, though with some minor solution effects that have, in the pocket, given it a slightly etched surface, with edges that now have very finely detailed surface features as a result. The piece is over 600 grams, and comes mounted on a removable custom lucite base.

7,000.00 - 9,000.00

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

96 - Calcite on Amethyst.

35.0 x 25.0 x 17.0 cm.

Locality: Irai, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

A large and impressive specimen of fine calcite, that is also big enough and showy enough to be a décor piece outside of the specimen case! This is a rare specimen with stark contrast between the sharp calcite crystals and intense, high quality, purple amethyst (purple quartz). While literally thousands of tons of amethyst geodes are mined at this rich locality, from vast volcanic deposits, fewer than 1 in 1000 might have such a special calcite arrangement inside. Of those, many are broken in trying to trim them out. The pieces that survive in this quality, and this size, are simply few in number despite the vast deposit they come from. This is a particularly good piece with a 17 centimeter tall calcite cluster of high quality, and weighs 19 pounds. It comes with a custom lucite base.

7,000.00 - 9,000.00

97 - Fluorite.

32.0 x 18.5 x 10.0 cm.

Locality: Elmwood Mine, Smith County, Tennessee.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

No damage and huge, dramatic size make this a significant Elmwood fluorite specimen. It was probably mined in the 1980’s and has now been put away for some time. The aesthetics of the “ball” atop the “tower” take it to another level. This piece was evaluated at what we are told are “old prices” for Elmwood mine material, some of which has set world record prices at multiple larger online mineral auctions, recently. Elmwood specimens of quality and perfection tend to be in the 4” - 8” range. At the size, this one is a monster and an important collector specimen. It is presented on a custom removable lucite base for display.

8,000.00 - 10,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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98 - Quartz.

33.5 x 23.0 x 21.5 cm Locality: Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

This monstrous, perfect, 25-pound quartz cluster is dominated by a single major crystal. The quality on this specimen is simply unbelievable, given the size. The photo says it all about the beautiful form, but cannot convey the sheer “impact” of seeing this tremendous gemmy crystal in front of you, that is a third of a meter tall! Comes with custom display base made of lucite. Note the exceptional gemminess at the top of the crystal.

In person, this is much more translucent to transparent than it appears, but of course the camera sees through the surface and into the crystal, magnifying every internal flaw by light refractions, and creating a more cloudy image compared to what the human eye discerns.

12,000.00 - 15,000.00

99 - Amethyst Geode.

70.0 x 46.0 x 39.0 cm Locality: Artigas, Uraguay.

Size Class: Very Large Cabinet.

Collection: Private.

These large amethysts (purple quartz) form deep in the earth of a volcanic deposit of basalt, in southern Brazil and into Uruguay, over millions of years of time. The lava flows form bubbles as they flow and cool, and sometimes these bubbles are stable and do not collapse. They get preserved and buried beneath later layers. After a tens of millions of years, the components of these minerals drip down by precipitation from accumulated layers above and bring the elements needed to form amethyst (water, silicon, and trace iron for the purple color), they penetrate the porous basalt rock, and eventually form these beautiful specimens with crystals inside the former lava tubes and bubbles. Most people have seen the traditional, common, “amethyst cathedrals” which are elongated bubbles or tubes, cut inhalf and stood upright. Much more uncommonly, miners have found pieces like this - a connected series of bubbles and tubes, with more depth and three-dimensionality. In person, this piece is richly colorful, with more sparkle than the photo can convey. It is a large specimen which weighs somewhere over 150 pounds. In remarkably good condition and without repair! On consignment from a private museum.

15,000.00 - 18,000.00 68

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

100 - Large Gold Nugget.

20.1 Troy ounces, 366 dwt.

Beautiful form has an almost coral-like look to it. Some quartz.

20,000.00 - 25,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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101 - Aquamarine.

10.1 x 3.1 x 2.7 cm Locality: Shigar Valley, Gilgit, Pakistan.

Size Class: Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

The traditional birthstone for March! Aquamarine (blue beryl) from Pakistan is readily available on the market. However, specimens of top quality aquamarine, with stunning intensity of color combined with a clarity and transparency that are among the top percentile of what has ever been found here, are rare indeed. This specimen, which is so sharp and clean that it looks faceted rather than natural, on first glance, is such a piece. In person, it has a brilliance and glow to it that does not translate well into the photo. It is simply among the finest examples of an aquamarine, in this size range, from this classic locality. It has small crystals of jet black, lustrous schorl (black tourmaline) by way of accent. Production here has actually tapered off considerably since its peak in the 1990’s and early 2000’s, and China has purchased the mineral rights to large tracts of land in his region. Many of the finest crystals also now go to China first, for their growing market in collectible gems. This specimen is 98 grams, and comes with a custom display base.

25,000.00 - 30,000.00

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

102 - Gold.

10.8 x 7.7 x 6.7 cm.

Locality: Belshazzer Mine, Boise County, Idaho.

Size Class: Cabinet.

Collection: Jack and Judy Farnham Collection.

This important gold specimen is from a small, unexpected 2008 summer find by a geologist with a metal detector working the old dumps here. Only a half dozen specimens were found of any size, and this was reportedly one of the largest and most aesthetic of those pieces. It has been long kept in the private collection of the broker who sold all the specimens found. Unlike some others, this specimen has no repairs or restoration and is 100% natural, crystallized gold. Crystallized gold from this locality was barely known, until this find, which catapulted the locality to one of the top USA locales for gold in crystal form (crystals being much rarer in nature in general by a factor of 1000, and thus priced accordingly compared to rather more common nugget gold). The crystals here are elongated wires, twisted and grown one upon another to form a huge weighty mass. The gold is anchored into a small amount of host rock (matrix), as well - nice for display and stability purposes. This is a significant specimen worthy of any institutional collection or top private collection. It was assayed by specific gravity at 19.35 ounces of pure gold content, out of 24.56 ounces total weight including the matrix rock. Together with the beauty, the size and location make this an important, investment-grade specimen. No further golds have been found at this location since 2008, despite obvious searching. The specimen comes on a custom display base of lucite. (Full dealer provenance details will be given in full upon sale). Consigned from a private collection in Louisiana: The Farnhams were noted for their large collection consisting entirely of classic USA localities in large sizes.

80,000.00 - 110,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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103 - Lot of 2: Galena Pseudomorph after Pyrite.

Largest 4 -1/2” x 4” Two large pieces of Galena pseudomorphed after Pyrite. Excellent.

300.00 - 500.00

104 - Dinosaur Vertebra.

8 - 1/2” x 7 “ x 2 -1/4” Polished dinosaur bone showing nice red and black cell structure.

Location: Southern Utah. The piece has been sliced, revealing nearly gem quality color of the specimen. Would be a fine addition to any collection.

2,000.00 - 3,000.00

105 - Gold.

1 - 1/2” x 1 - 1/8”.

Crystal gold specimen of beautiful form. Delicate crystals form a wonderful example worthy of any gold collection. Excellent.

1,500.00 - 2,500.00

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

106 - Pink Tourmaline Specimen.

4 - 7/8” x 2 - 3/4”.

Pink tourmaline crystals showing terminations mounted on host matrix with associated feldspar and other other minerals. Notable tourmaline stone is 1 -3/4” tall. Excellent.

400.00 - 600.00

107 - Pink Flourite.

1 - 3/8” x 1 -1/2”.

200.00 - 400.00

108 - Apophyllite Specimen.

2 - 1/4” x 1 - 1/2” x 1” Mint green to clear Apophyllite crystal on pink stilbite.

200.00 - 400.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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109 - Large Gold Nugget.

17.4 Troy ounces, 317 dwt.

Beautiful form.

25,000.00 - 30,000.00

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

110 - Gold Nugget.

Location: Most likely Peru.

13.5 Troy ounces, 246 dwt. Assay test: 99% gold.

16,000.00 - 20,000.00

111 - Topaz.

6.3 x 6.0 x 4.1 cm.

Locality: Dassu, Gilgit, Pakistan.

Size Class: Small Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

From the heyday at this locality in the 1990’s, this is a huge and completely transparent gem crystal of topaz (traditional birthstone for November) massing 336 grams. It is complete 360 degrees all around, equally good from all sides. In person, due to the gemminess, it is more sparkly and bright than the photos can indicate. This is a major single gem crystal from an important locality. The crystal sits flat, on its own, for display.

12,000.00 - 15,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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112 - Stibnite.

25.7 x 13.3 x 13.2 cm.

Locality: Wuling, Jianxi Province, China.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

The Wuling Mine has produced, by all agreement within the field, the finest stibnites the world has ever seen. This large specimen has no repairs, and is nearly complete (only a few crystals are contacted or damaged slightly amidst all). The crystals here reach dagger-length, at 22 centimeters. It is very three-dimensional, and when seen in person you can decide that any view is a good front display angle to see the piece at. It comes with a custom lucite display base.

8,000.00 - 12,000.00

113 - Vanadinite.

24.5 x 19.5 x 13.5 cm.

Locality: Mibladen, Morocco.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

An old-timer! This impressive, substantial specimen of vanadinite hosts brick-red crystals to 1.7 centimeters, and weighs 10 pounds. In a time when small specimens of this quality of vanadinite sell for thousands of dollars, this was a surprise to see such a large specimen in pristine condition, in this old collection. Vanadinite from this mine sets the world standard, to which others are compared. The reasons are for the obvious color, mesmerizing shape of the hexagonal crystals, and the luster.

However, few pieces this size are able to be recovered without damage, and this probably dates to the 1970’s.

8,000.00 - 10,000.00

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www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

114 - Chrysanthemum Stone.

34.0 x 20.0 x 7.0 cm.

Locality: Hunan Province, China.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Private.

Chrysanthemum stone, as this is called popularly, is the name given to a unique and very interesting metamorphosed combination of celestine in shale, from Hunan Province, in China. The theory is that , somehow, the celestine crystallized rapidly outward through shale layers and then was frozen and preserved, and essentially cooked in the earth, along with the surrounding host rock. Now, when they find the rocks containing the celestine, people know they can carefully polish down the matrix by degrees to expose the harder celestine crystal sprays within. So, although these crystals are excavated out of the black rock host here, they are not carved. These”flowers” are completely natural. The largest here, measures 14 cm across. We should note that these are extremely heavy for their size. This one is 16 pounds. Comes on a custom wood pedestal, carved in China. All the quality specimens are sold there with pre-carved bases designed to make the owner think more of the connection of nature to life, earth to heaven, and so on. From a private consignor collection.

5,000.00 - 6,000.00

115 - Malachite “Volcano”.

15.3 x 11.7 x 7.0 cm.

Locality: Mashamba West Mine, Kolwezi, Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

This unusual malachite specimen is shaped like a volcano, with a series of hollow tipped “cones” sticking straight up from an attractive rolling matrix. While malachite from the huge deposits of the Central African Copper Belt is rather common on the market, this particular specimen has unusual aesthetics that obviously set it above most of the others. It is complete all around, 360 degrees, without damage to any of the major features. In person, this is a mesmerizing piece you can just stare at continually, finding detail in the seeming simplicity of the shapes. It comes with a custom base. 590 grams.

4,000.00 - 5,000.00

www.MorphyAuctions.com | November 8, 2014

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116 - Pyrite in Matrix.

16.0 x 10.2 x 7.0 cm.

Locality: Navajun, La Rioja, Spain.

Size Class: Large Cabinet.

Collection: Schertz Collection.

While pyrite from Spain is common on the collector market, nevertheless it still has a deep visceral appeal to most collectors, and to laymen who see a mineral collection, for the stark geometry of the crystals. For many people new to minerals, it is hard to believe that these are real and made by nature! This is a particularly fine specimen with dramatic crystals of high quality to 3.2 centimeters on edge, leaping from a minimal amount of matrix. It is a particularly nice example of a common material on the market, and stands out from the crowd even at higher price ranges. An old specimen from the private Schertz collection. It comes with a custom base. One should assume that all such specimens contain repairs, between the crystals. This is normal for the material.

3,500.00 - 4,500.00

117 - Apophyllite with Stilbite.

40.5 x 27.0 x 12.0 cm.

Locality: Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India.

Size Class: Very Large Cabinet.

Collection: Private.

Sparkling, glassy crystals of Apophyllite completely cover this huge display-quality specimen from India’s famous Deccan trap zeolite deposits. The crystals are to 3 centimeters in size, and interspersed with salmon-pink stilbite crystals for contrast. Many large pieces of this size have too much damage, or poor aesthetics, to be considered a connoisseur level piece. This one is both in relatively good condition (only some very small damage), and in person has the quality and pizzazz to qualify as both a fine specimen and as a unique home decor item. Indian minerals provide, by common agreement, the most beautiful mineral specimens for the price point in the mineral world, due to both large deposits there and overproduction for the market. This, however, makes them very desirable for decor use, or for collectors who want a few large showy specimens that can be set out for people to touch and look at closely. It comes with a custom lucite display base, and is presented at no reserve on consignment from a private collector. This piece weighs just over 20 pounds.

2,500.00 - 3,500.00

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SOLD $32,400

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