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#70546, Quartz var. Ametrine Crystal (rare
combination of amethyst and citrine), Anahi Mine, Bolivia (c) $425
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News and Comments
Many minerals occur in environments where they are distorted or fractured after the crystals originaly formed. Sometimes the post-crystallization deformation is caused by metamorphic pressures. In the case of pegmatites, it is generally accepted the crystal-lined cavities rupture causing the crystals to come loose from the cavity walls, then the crystals continue to grow, healing fractured surfaces. And skarn deposits also exhibit deformed crystals. There are many causes and the phenomenon is entirely natural.
A good example of this phenomenon are the new pyrite crystals being found at the Milpillas Mine, Mexico. The pyrite formed complete crystals often with complex morphology. But after the pyrite crystals formed, they were fractured by an unknown force. The fractured sections of the pyrite crystals were then frozen in the white clay-rich matrix -- frequently in linear groups laid out in near-normal position with thin layers of clay filling the spaces between the joints. The red beryl from Utah shows the same phenomenon, as do the tourmaline crystals found in the Inwood Marble in New York City.
The interesting thing about the Milpillas pyrite crystals is they normally have a gray overgrowth of bornite on the surfaces and the bornite coats the rough surfaces of the fractured crystals. (See this example.) That means:
- Whole pyrite crystals formed
- They were fractured into segments
- Then all surfaces were coated with bornite
- Finally the crystal segments were frozen in matrix.
It is possible that the last two steps are reversed (i.e. the bornite formed after the matrix.)
Learning the processes that formed minerals and altered them tell us about the formation environments. As collectors the more you know, the more you will appreciate the story being told by the minerals. Collecting minerals purely for aesthetics is where we all start. But continue to learn about them and the story that they are telling you.
John H. Betts 9/27/2016
Customer Comments:
"I purchased a fine Illinois Fluorite with Calcite specimen. Absolutely amazing specimen. The photos provided on the site did not do it justice! All labels were included which added something special to this particular piece as it was part of Joe Dorris' collection. It made a fine addition to my own collection." L. Osborne
"Thanks very much; it arrived today. The wavellite specimen is great, and your packaging is outstanding! Cheers, Don"
"I recently purchased a piece of Tanzanite from you. I'm not a jeweler, I'm a mineral and element collector. I purchased the cheapest piece you had as my funds are limited but I am so far beyond satisfied. My collection, concerning gems is still missing rough diamond, topaz, and ruby but, when my funds are sufficient I will purchase from you again. Your honesty in describing and providing images is/was more than impressive. I can and will recommend you to any and all collectors! " Joshua Covin.
"The mineral arrived Saturday. The pictures on your webpage accurately and fully described the mineral specimen. This was the first time I purchased a mineral on line and I am not disappointed. Thank you." Rich G.
"Recently I made a purchase from this site. I am very impressed with the customer service. The process of purchasing a mineral and having it posted to Australia was quick and easy. It was packaged well and I am completely satisfied. I will be purchasing from John again soon." Jeremy Williams
"Minerals got here this morning. The real stones are so much more beautiful than the pictures and the pictures were fantastic." Rick & Bonnie R.
About the Owner
Background Information
Why I Collect Minerals
Contact Information
Mineral Show Schedule
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See me next at:
November 12-13, 2016, Autumn New York Gem & Mineral Show
Pledge to My Customers:
Customer satisfaction is my primary goal. I pledge:
- New minerals will be added to this site every week.
- All minerals offered will be naturally crystallized specimens - no fakes, no dyes, no irradiation, no crystals glued on matrix.
- Only the exact item pictured on the site will be shipped - no substitutes.
- Photographs will accurately represent each item - no exaggeration, enhancement or retouching flaws.
- Mineral species and localities will be accurately listed on labels with each specimen.
- All items will be shipped via US Postal Service, usually the next business day after the order is finalized.
- Each mineral will be individually wrapped and carefully packaged to prevent damage during shipping.
- All historic labeling, if available, will be included with each mineral.
- Returns are gladly accepted. No questions asked, no explanation necessary.
- All customer information will be kept confidential and never shared or sold.
- I will continue to freely share my knowledge with others and contribute to the study and appreciation of minerals.
- All mineral specimens have a lifetime guarantee: if the mineral specimen is ever tested, and I incorrectly identified the mineral species, I will refund the cost of the original purchase & shipping, the cost return shipping, and the cost of the test.
John H. Betts, owner
Mineral dealer since 1989, mineral collectors since 1967
