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Tucson 2008 Show Blog

Jan. 30-31  |  Feb. 1-3  |  Feb. 4-7   |  Feb. 8  |  Feb. 9-12   |  Feb. 13-14  |  Feb. 15-17

***Tucson 2008 Specimens - On Sale Now - Click Here!!!***


~ January 30-31, 2008 ~



Silver with Cerussite - Idaho

Well, we are just waking up after our first full day in Tucson. Yesterday was a great day and we've already made some great finds. We acquired a large portion of minerals from the collection of noted Southern California collector, John R. Ydren. Some of the more exciting specimens included a silver with cerussite specimen from Idaho (sold), a native gold from Bouse, Arizona, a terrific herderite from California, and over 50 other fantastic old time classics and locality specimens from North America.


The Inn Suites The Inn Suites

After that great find, we ran into some Chinese dealers we have been dealing with for more than 5 years now, and while I don't typically handle much material from China, they always have some great finds that I cannot resist. We found a tremendous plate of mushistonite covered kesterite crystals with quartz points and at least two other rare species that we need to ID. While we were out, we got the call from our hotel that our minerals had arrived. We are selling Mandy's Tsumeb collection in its entirity, and we had a few flats of other material that we brought out here as well. So we went back to the hotel to unpack the collection, and get it ready for viewing.


No sooner did we have the specimens unpacked, when Marshall Sussuman arrived. Marshall is a long time friend and mentor of ours, who lives here in Tucson. We had become very close friends while we lived here in Tucson, and it was great to see him again. Of course Marshall was excited to see the Tsumeb collection, and we wanted to get his expert opinion on some of the pieces that needed to be further identified. Well, he had some fantastic news for us! The three specimens we had thought to be arsentsumebite were actually the much rarer tsumebite! In addition, the large cerussite sixling "snow flake" was found to be associated with the very rare species, kegelite! Needless to say, we are pretty happy with these finds indeed!

Marshall, carefully studying the Tsumebite from Mandy's collection


~ February 1-3, 2008 ~



Jasun pointing to Calcite in large Amethyst Geode in front of the Inn Suites

As luck would have it, the very first person to look at Mandy's Tsumeb collection - a suite of 110 specimens, bought it on the spot. So, without the need to meet with anyone else regarding its sale, we were free to go out and only work on new acquisitions. On our way into the Inn Suites we saw this humungous amethyst geode. There were also numerous incredible calcite crystals inside it that I am pointing to. Every year these geodes seem to get bigger and bigger. I would'nt be surprised to see a "walk through" geode next year!


Rhodochrosite - Japan Rhodochrosite - Japan

Mandy was pleased to find this stunning rhodochrosite specimen from the Taguchi Mine in Japan. SOLD



PURPLE Topaz! - Brazil

A handsome Purple Topaz from Capon, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Purple topaz is quite rare indeed and this was the one and only specimen Luiz Menezes had. Luiz always has some incredible material from Brazil and we always make a point of visiting him and digging through his Brazillian gem crystals and rarities. Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.


Native Gold & Diamond in Conglomerate - Brazil


Native Gold & Diamond in Conglomerate - Brazil Native Gold & Diamond in Conglomerate - Brazil

A native Gold & Diamond in Conglomerate from near Diamantina, Brazil. When I first saw these specimens several years ago, my first reaction was that they MUST be faked. However, after consulting with numerous sources it is quite clear that they are indeed the real deal. We were lucky enough to find just two of these unique specimens - both with diamond AND gold in the same specimen. Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.



Kammererite - Turkey

We found this Kammererite specimen from Turkey with Gunnar Farber from Germany. Gunnar always has a meticulously ordered stock that represents one of the broadest range of species and localities of just about any dealer at the Tucson Show. Gunnar has a fantastic sense of humor and is a wealth of information. He recently acquired some hausmannite pseudomorphs after manganite from ILFELD! Apparently a large tree that had been growing on an old 15th Century tailings pile had been knocked over in a storm and a lucky collector found a number of fantastic specimens in the roots. Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.



Pseudomalachite - NSW, Australia

This was a gorgeous pseudomalachite specimen from NSW, Australia that we found in our travels. It was from an old Aussie field collector's collection and was actually from his very first field collecting trip ever when he was just a kid. Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.


Raspite - Broken Hill, Australia Raspite - Broken Hill, Australia

We obtained this specimen from the same collector, a fantastic old time Stolzite and Raspite from Broken Hill, Australia. Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics. SOLD



Fluorite & Rhodochrosite - China

This fluorite and rhodochrosite specimen (sold) was acquired from the same Chinese dealers we got our large kesterite specimen from. We also acquired some great native silver specimens and pink tourmaline and quartz combos from them as well.


Caledonite & Dioptase - California Caledonite & Dioptase - California

This was an old collection piece that we thought was rather curious - caledonite ON dioptase from California. Yes, California. The color is really quite unique indeed. Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.


Johachidolite on Sodalite var. Hackmanite - Myanmar (Burma)

This was one of the best examples of the rare species Johachidolite we found with KARP minerals. The bright yellow crystals occur in some incredibly tenebrescent, purple Sodalite var. Hackmanite. These were recovered only in very small numbers from Bryant Gyi, Burma. Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.


Chrome Cerussite - Australia Chrome Cerussite - Australia

We ran into an Australian dealer that had just two superb thumbnails of "Chrome" Cerussite from Australia. However, as it turns out, we learned that this color is actually not caused by chromium at all, but more likely some kind of organic component. They have done work with other cerussites that had varying amounts of chromium but no color expression at all! Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.



Torbernite - France

Another great find, old material from France - torbernite with phosphuranylite. SOLD


Danburite - New York

Danburite from Russell, New York. Wow, old stuff! SOLD



Wulfenite - Los Lamentos, Mexico

We found this wulfenite crystal from Los Lamentos, Mexico with John and Linda Stimpson of Rocks of Ages. Over the years John and Linda have provided us with some really amazing material. They are well known for getting their hands on great old collections. They are also one of the best sources for old mineral books out there. SOLD


Here is a picture of John Cornish with one of the most impressive collections of Buker Hill Pyromorphites we've ever seen. He is always smiling. Anytime we hear his name come up, everyone always says the same thing - "He is one of the nicest guys I've ever met..."

John Cornish



Rick Kennedy

The "Benitoite Bear" aka Rick Kennedy (of Earth's Treasures) will be on the television show "Cash and Treasures" in their upcoming Benitoite episode. His recent article is also featured in the Mineralogic Record as well. Rick is an excellent source of material from San Benito County, as well as unusual cut stones like cuprite and cerussite. He has a razor-sharp wit and always reduces me to a laughing idiot in a matter of seconds every time we see him.


What happens in Tucson, stays in Tucson...

Mandy and I always get a kick out of the finer accomodations that Tucson has to offer!


~ February 4-7, 2008 ~



snowy mountain behind our hotel

It actually rained most of the day on Monday, and I can say after three years of living in Tucson, this was a very rare event. The rain did produce some snow on the mountain tops, which made for a pretty landscape around our hotel (above). Given the weather, we spent the day bouncing around to various indoor shows.



Mandy holding Ajoite included Quartz Cluster from Messina, South Africa

One of our scores of the day included this large cluster of ajoite included quartz points (that Mandy is holding here), which is sure to be a stunner, once it's cleaned up. It is literally covered on all sides with quartz points just loaded with ajoite! Wait until you see this one once it is fully prepared - here it is in the same condition as it was when it came out of the ground.


Speaking of cleaning, on Tuesday, we decided to stay in and organize our finds and begin cleaning them. We have just been piling up flats, boxes, perkies, etc. in every corner of our room. In addition to just cleaning up our room, there are many specimens that need various kinds of cleaning - removing old glues and degraded mineral tack, years of dust and grime, minor trimming, etc. Not all of the pretty specimens we offer start out that way - in fact, a large number of our finds need some degree of TLC.

messy room!



Trapiche Sapphire - Burma

On Wednesday, after breakfast with a pair of collectors, whom we were happy to meet, we continued our hunt for specimens at the shows along I-10. These shows are quite different in scope from the ones at the various other hotels around Tucson. Outside the hotels on I-10, there is a dense arrangement of tents and tables that stretches for what seems like miles. Aside from the few mineral dealers dotted throughout the area, there are fossils, beads, jewelery, carvings, rugs, and numerous other items to be found. That being said, the show has a very different feel, and we typically don't visit it until the end of the show. Our early visit did not prove to be incredibly fruitful, which was expected. We go to look just for fun, and occasionally find some hidden treasures. We did come across a woman from Burma that had a small selection of gem crystals however, and we bought a few of her offerings. Here is a particularly aesthetic "trapiche" sapphire from Burma. SOLD


~ February 8, 2008 ~



Westward Look Westward Look

Today was the first day of the Westward Look Show. We always look forward to the Westward Look show as it represents the best of the best minerals Tucson has to offer.



Dylan & Nick Stolowitz of Green Mountain Minerals

Dylan and Nick Stolowitz of Green Mountain Minerals are friends of ours and they have done an excellent job of acquiring some truly incredible specimens and are continually impressing us with their finds. Dylan made a recent trip to Tanzania and brought back a number of superb spessartine garnets from the new find in Loliondo. These spessartine crystals are THE find of thie year's Tucson Show. One can find a small number of these specimens with a few other dealers here in Tucson, however they are of vastly inferior quality. Dylan and Nick, as well as Rob Lavinsky, seem to be THE source for the scant handful of superb crystals currently available. The prices these specimens are commanding are substantial and have only continued to skyrocket here in Tucson.


Brazilianite - Brazil Topaz - Brazil Fluorite - Switzerland

Aside from Dylan and Nick's incredible spessartine garnets, they had an impressive display of other offerings like this giant plate of brazilianite crystals, a very large blue topaz from Brazil, and a huge Swiss Alpine pink fluorite.


For those of you only able to "virtually" attend the Tucson Show, I have acquired two fantastic spessartine specimens for sale - one large crystal measuring 3.47cm (1.36") and another smaller but incredibly gemmy crystal measuring 1.1cm (.43"). I have reserved them exclusively for my internet customers who would otherwise miss out on this exciting Tucson find.


Spessartine Garnet - Tanzania

These spessartine crystals are absolutely incredible! This large and impressive crystal, while contacted on the bottom, is sharp, lustrous, and complete all around! SOLD


Spessartine Garnet - Tanzania

Look at that intense orange color! Unbelievable! This specimen is a complete and pristine floater!
Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.



Jasun & prehistoric bear skeleton

In addition to all of the fine mineral offerings at the Westward Look, there are several noted fossil and meteorite dealers as well. Here I am next to a prehistoric bear skeleton that was on display.



Calcite Bird's Nest

We thought this was a particularly interesting specimen in one of the dealer's rooms. It is a "Bird's Nest" of calcite with celadonite crystals from Uruguay.


Fluorite & Smoky Quartz - Switzerland

Dealer Wayne Thompson had three gorgeous Alpine pink fluorite and smoky quartz combos in his room.


Well, that's it for now, but be sure to check back in soon. In addition to numerous other pictures and info about our travels, we have begun taking pictures of specimens for a special offering of Tucson finds coming soon.


~ February 9-12, 2008 ~



Azurite - Bisbee, Arizona Azurite - Bisbee, Arizona Azurite - Bisbee, Arizona

A killer old time Bisbee azurite. This beauty has stunning luster, sculptural aesthetics, and intense royal blue color. Ex. Jirgl Collection - 7.25cm
Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.


Cuprite & Cerussite - Bisbee, Arizona

A very old cuprite specimen from the Copper Queen Mine in Bisbee. This specimen has numerous sharp octahedral cuprite crystals and a rare association with cerussite - a combination rarely seen from Bisbee and only in very old specimens. This specimen is from the Freiberg Museum. 7cm.
Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.

Cuprite & Cerussite - Bisbee, Arizona



Beudantite - Congo

A rich and colorful example of rare beudantite from Boko Songo, Congo. This specimen is from the collection of Jean Chervet for whom Chervetite is named. A magnificent specimen for the species and a significant locality piece as well. 6cm.
Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.


Sodalite - Badakhshan, Afghanistan

While there is a profound abundance of minerals from Pakistan and Afghanistan on the market, we usually don't handle many specimens from there unless they are truly exceptional in some way. While it is a daunting task, Mandy and I enjoy carefully going through the mountains of material in the hopes of spotting rarities and sleepers. We found this incredible specimen with AMAZING royal blue color and sharp, near gemmy, crystals in a pinkish matrix. The dealer had it mixed up in a lot of lazurite from Badekshan, Afghanistan - but it is most clearly not lazurite. There was another single crystal of the same material in the same lot of material and we snatched both of them up right away. After this exciting find we made certain to look through every parcel of lazurite IN TUCSON - to no avail. The consensus among those we have showed it to is that it is likely sodalite. However it is so unique in appearance that it makes you wonder if it could be a significant and important new find! 7.6cm.
Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.


Cryolite - Greenland

A magnificent example of cryolite from Greenland. Rarely does one see terminated cryolite, let alone a specimen with such fine terminations. The crystallization is further highlighted by a contrasting brownish coating. This classic and rare Greenland beauty is from the Freiberg Museum. 7.5cm.
Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.


Lazulite - Georgia

A classic lazulite crystal from Graves Mountain, Georgia. This large and impressive specimen hosts numerous blue crystals, the largest of which measures 3.8cm! This specimen is from the Ydren Collection. 9.6cm.
Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.


Mimetite - Iran Mimetite - Iran


An incredible mimetite specimen from Gowla, Iran in the Anarak District. This specimen is quite impressive and rather aesthetic in person. The crystals are lustrous and complex. This significant old time locality piece is from the Sorbonne Museum in Paris. 9cm. Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.

Mimetite - Iran Mimetite - Iran



Demantoid Garnet - Las Vigas, Mexico Demantoid Garnet - Las Vigas, Mexico


A superb grouping of demantoid garnets in a large, "catcher's mit"-shaped matrix. The crystals are pristine and way better in person. A magnificent specimen indeed, from Las Vigas, Mexico. 9.3cm. Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.

Demantoid Garnet - Las Vigas, Mexico Demantoid Garnet - Las Vigas, Mexico



Crocoite - Germany Crocoite - Germany


A classic, old time crocoite from Callenberg, Germany. This specimen is associated with a significant amount of vauquelinite. These pictures hardly do it justice. 8cm. Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.


Euchroite - Slovakia Euchroite - Slovakia


A large and impressive group of parallel euchroite crystals from the Slovak Republic. 1.75cm. Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.


Diamond - China Diamond - China

A fantastic diamond crystal in lamproite from Wafangdian, China. The crystal is a sharp and brilliant macle twin measuring approximately 2.5mm. The entire specimen measures 2.1cm and is way better than the pics.
Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.


Sapphire - Afghanistan Sapphire - Afghanistan


A unique sapphire crystal from a new find in Afghanistan. The crystal is sharp and has a very curious colorless outer layer. Measures 3.8cm. Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.


Tourmaline & Quartz - China Tourmaline & Quartz - China

Rubellite Tourmaline and Quartz - a pristine and gemmy thumbnail - 2.2cm.
Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.


Cerussite with Malachite - Tsumeb Cerussite with Malachite - Tsumeb


A gorgeous malachite and cerussite combo from Tsumeb. Absolutely superb in person. Ex. Freiberg Museum - 4.9cm. Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.


Wulfenite - Mass. Wulfenite - Mass.


A rare wulfenite from Northampton, Massachusetts. This old classic is quite impressive in person. 3.3cm. Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.


Coloradoite - Colorado Coloradoite - Colorado


A very rich and rather attractive example of coloradoite from the Little Johnny Mine in Colorado. Ex. G. Grundman Collection - analysis by Dr. Frank Keutsch. 4.8cm. Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.


Sphalerite, New York Sphalerite - New York


A killer gem yello sphalerite and calcite from ZCA Hyatt Mine in New York. Absolutely dazzling in person. 9.5cm. Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.


Smithsonite - Choix, Mexico Smithsonite - Choix, Mexico


A gorgeous and intensely colored smithsonite from La Choix. 6.25cm. Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.


Rose Quartz - Brazil Rose Quartz - Brazil


A magnificent, large, and impressive rose quartz cluster from Brazil. This large beauty is in superb condition and measures 9.2cm with large, sharp crystal faces and intense pink color. Please e-mail us at mineralman999@yahoo.com for prices and/or additional pics.

~ February 13-14, 2008 ~



tents across the street from the Executive Inn

There were a few tents set up across the street from the Executive Inn, and as usual, there were some treasures to be found there. Some of the dealers that set up in this area are from Tucson and self collect, and as a result they usually have a good selection of southwestern U.S. material. For several years now we have made it a point to check this area for good classic Arizona material and this year we found several nice pieces, including a nice azurite from Bisbee. We also found a great Mexican creedite as well. As we were talking to one of the dealers here, an oldtime miner showed up with a gym bag literally filled with native copper specimens from the Ray Mine. It is those kind of serendipitous moments that I love about the Tucson show.


Tucson Convention Center Jasun buying our tickets to the show

The Main Show started Thursday, February 14th. This year's theme was Minerals of the United States. As an "homage" to this year's theme, we will be posting a special gallery of some of the great U.S. minerals that we found here at the show... so stay tuned!!!


Manganite - Ilfeld, Germany Silver - Germany Azurite & Arsentsumebite after Mimetite - Tsumeb, Namibia

Here are some specimens from Gail and Jim Spann's display at the main show. Their display went on to win this year's Desautels Award - congratulations guys! Pictured above on the left, there is a superb classic manganite from Ilfeld, Germany - widely considered the premier locality for the species. The center pic shows a stunning German silver. On the right there is an absolutely gorgeous azurite and arsentsumebite after mimetite combo from Tsumeb.


Aquamarine Pink Fluorite - Peru

On the left is a killer plate of gemmy aquamarine crystals. The isolation of the crystals, their size, gemminess, and rich color stand in stark contrast to the matrix - simply a stunning specimen indeed. On the right is a large pink octahedral crystal of fluorite with galena from Peru. It was no wonder that this beauty once graced the cover of The Mineralogical Record.


Topaz - Brazil Tourmaline - Brazil Erythrite - Morocco

From left to right: A large and impressive imperial topaz from Brazil, a superb sceptered tourmaline from the Pederneira Mine in Brazil, and a wonderfully aesthetic erythrite specimen from Morocco.

~ February 15-17, 2008 ~



snowy mountain - Tucson, AZ

Much to our surprise, Friday was another rainy, foggy day here in Tucson and we were delighted to wake up to yet another view of snow-capped mountains behind our hotel. We headed out to the main show once again, as there are always things that deserve a second or even third look. This year's displays were beyond incredible. Jolyon Ralph of www.mindat.org has done a magnificent job of both photographing and filming a large portion of what the show had to offer in his series of articles on the Tucson Show. You can find his articles under the "Mindat News" section of the Mindat Homepage.


Tourmaline - Dunton Mine, Maine

We have always had a fondness for classic New England minerals. Above is an impressive display of Maine tourmalines from the Dunton Mine.



Tourmaline - California

This is the famous “Candelabra” Tourmaline recovered from the Tourmaline Queen Mine in 1972. An aesthetic marvel of blue-capped tourmaline and quartz crystals - truly an extraordinary U.S. specimen in every possible regard.


Emerald - Hiddenite, NC

A jaw-dropping display of emeralds from Hiddenite, North Carolina. It is difficult to appreciate the size and absolute choice quality of these specimens just by these pictures. The main specimen was an awe-inspiring gem of almost surreal proportions. It was a large cabinet size specimen, the likes of which I thought could only exist in my imagination.... until now!



Rhodochrosite - Sweet Home Mine, Colorado

Just after I saw that huge emerald specimen, I saw something that stopped me in my tracks - one of the most incredible specimens I have ever seen! The "Alma Rose" Rhodochrosite! This thing is humungous - it was probably 3 feet tall! Although the perspective is difficult to appreciate in these photos, this specimen is actually ON THE FLOOR! I was trying to capture people behind the display to show perspective, but it winds up just looking like the specimen must be in a display several feet off the ground. The crystals were the size of my out-streched hand!


Azurite - Tsumeb, Namibia Aquamarine - Erongo, Namibia

These were two random specimens we snapped pictures of in our travels. The Tsumeb azurite on the left was absolutely pristine and simply electric in person. While there are an appreciable number of Namibian aquamarine specimens on the market, I have seen few of such aesthetic liveliness and pizzazz as this beauty on the right.



Mandy with the packed up car

Here is Mandy giving the thumbs-up next to our pile of treasures from this year's Tucson Show. This year was a real success for us and we were able to obtain several hundred specimens that will soon be available on this site, up for auction, and available for private sale through our special newsletters (if you are not on our list, just email the word "NEWSLETTER" to mineralman999@yahoo.com).


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