Sotheby’s curated selection of minerals represents some of the finest specimens available to the private collector. Our minerals come in a vast array of sizes, shapes, and colors, and originate from every corner of the globe.

Minerals

Barite &amp; DolomiteCavnic Mine, Cavnic, Maramures County, Romania&nbsp;The town of Cavnic is a historic mining locality that was first documented in 1336. The Cavnic mine, specifically, began production in 1958 and is known for having large quantities of lead, zinc, manganese, as well as small quantities of gold, silver, antimony, and barium. Mineral specimens from Cavnic are considered “classics” in the collecting community and are sought after for their distinctive forms and associations. In 2008, the mine closed, adding to the value and collectability of specimens from this locality.&nbsp;This is one such specimen, now considered a Romanian “classic.” It was first brought to the mineral market in the mid-1980s. It features an atypical combination of minerals, barite and dolomite, and was extracted from a very small pocket containing approximately twelve specimens. Since its discovery, no other mine has produced material of the same unusual combination.&nbsp;The piece has a matrix of shimmering, powder-pink dolomite mounds. In soft contrast to the dolomite are dense rosettes of translucent, sky-blue barite blades. They spray outwards and add dimension and texture to the specimen. Visually, this specimen has the benefits of translucence, color, a variety of textures, luster, and a combination of differing crystal habits. From the standpoint of mineralogical interest, it is an anomaly from a now closed, classic locality. The combination of its visual and geological traits makes it an irreplaceable mineral treasure of great beauty and importance. Please note: This item is excluded from complimentary shipping. Shipping quote will be calculated at time of purchase.

Barite and Dolomite

PyriteHuanzala Mine, Huallanca District, Dos de Mayo Province, Huánuco Department, Peru&nbsp;Pyrite, often referred to as “fool’s gold,” is an iron sulfide mineral known for its bright metallic luster and naturally geometric crystal forms. This sizeable specimen from the Huanzala Mine is a dense cluster of intergrown crystals with well-defined cubic shapes and finely striated faces. The surfaces exhibit a strong, reflective luster that outlines each edge, giving the piece a distinct architectural quality. The warm, golden tone of the pyrite is offset by a base of finely crystallized dark sphalerite, introducing contrast in both color and texture.&nbsp;While pyrite is widely recognized, examples with this level of crystal definition and scale are far less common. Material from Huanzala is especially regarded for its sharp forms and high luster, both of which are well represented here. The interlocking crystals create a cohesive, sculptural composition, with variation in size and orientation adding visual interest while maintaining balance. Substantial and visually appealing, this is a well-formed example that highlights the natural geometry and character of the species. Please note: This item is excluded from complimentary shipping. Shipping quote will be calculated at time of purchase.

Pyrite

Rhodochrosite SliceCapillitas Mine, Andalgalá Department, Catamarca, Argentina&nbsp;Rhodochrosite stalactites are found exclusively in the Mina Capillitas (“little chapels”) mineral deposit of Argentina. Within each nondescript, tan-colored stalactite is a core with bands of blush pink, dark pink, and fine, intermittent milky bands, all caused by rhythmic precipitation.&nbsp;This is a cross-section of a beautifully developed stalactite. Stalactites tend to taper as they extend from the cave or pocket ceiling and form towards the floor. This causes each successive cross-section (downwards) to become smaller and less detailed. This large example was from the top of the stalactite and typifies the classic aesthetics of its locality with its rosy pink color and attractive banding. While most examples comprise just one or a few intergrown stalactites, this piece is made up of several intergrown stalactites. Like a tree, each ring and ray is an expression of growth and time expressed in the pink rhodochrosite and feathers of manganocalcite. Between its size, shape, and color banding, this rhodochrosite slice would make for a rare and colorful conversation starter. Please note: This item is excluded from complimentary shipping. Shipping quote will be calculated at time of purchase.

Rhodochrosite Slice

QuartzChia Mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil This sizeable quartz crystal from the Chia Mine is a naturally formed specimen, with no cutting or polishing. It features a sharply peaked termination, a well-defined prismatic form, and subtle surface texture across its faces (from natural crystal growth). Strong luster highlights the geometry, while its translucency reveals internal inclusions and a mist-like concentration of smoky color.&nbsp;Though its scale is immediately striking, it is the interplay between structure and internal character that gives the piece its presence. The warm, smoky tone, caused by trace aluminum within the crystal, is unevenly distributed, creating a soft ombré effect through the body. The color appears to diffuse gently within the crystal, adding depth without overwhelming its clarity. Substantial and visually engaging, this is an attractive example of Brazilian quartz with balanced form and natural character. Please note: This item is excluded from complimentary shipping. Shipping quote will be calculated at time of purchase.

Quartz

DolomiteTrepca complex, Trepca valley, Kosovska Mitrovica, District of Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo&nbsp;Dolomite is an anhydrous carbonate mineral that may be colorless, white, grey, pink, tan, or brown. Typically, the most favored examples are icelike, colorless specimens, bright pink manganese-bearing examples, or pink to brown-toned formations with a saddle-like shape. While fans of crystallography can appreciate good crystal morphology in any form, generally speaking, tan, opaque dolomite is not typically considered a cause for excitement.&nbsp;However, here is an exception. It is an attractive example with uncommonly large, prominent rhombohedral crystals with razor-sharp edges and a dynamic composition. Joined “just so,” as if to best showcase their geometry, the crystals resemble a modern art sculpture that is dimensional and balanced. Perched atop a matrix of smaller, intergrown crystals, they appear to defy gravity with their size and positioning. With its prominent size and aesthetic form, this piece puts an exciting twist on the often-overlooked subgroup.&nbsp;Please note: This item is excluded from complimentary shipping. Shipping quote will be calculated at time of purchase.

Dolomite

HematiteWest Cumberland Iron Field, Copeland, Cumbria, England, UK&nbsp;Mankind has loved hematite for its sleek, dark, gunmetal beauty and red undertones since its first discovery. It has been utilized as a reddening pigment by the ancient Egyptians, mined by the Etruscans, and made into seals in Babylonia. Hematite continued to be used to make intaglios well into the 20th century and is commonly seen in jewelry. It is, of course, also a favorite among mineral collectors in its crystallized forms and is considered a staple of any world-class collection.&nbsp;This sculpturesque example is an old classic from the Cumberland Mine of the UK. It has a botryoidal (grapelike) crystal habit, which gives its crystals a spherical shape. Crystals are smooth, lustrous, and have a dark, gunmetal-tone that is highlighted by hints of red. Collectively, they have formed in a curving, stacked formation that gives the piece excellent dimension and a sense of movement. For its kind, it is particularly large and well-articulated, as though purposely sculpted by an artist, despite being made by nature alone. This specimen’s modern aesthetic and historic locality make it a striking collector’s piece and a natural work of art. Please note: This item is excluded from complimentary shipping. Shipping quote will be calculated at time of purchase.

Hematite

Selenite and AmethystArtigas, Artigas Department, Uruguay Selenite, a transparent variety of the calcium sulfate dihydrate gypsum, takes its name from the Greek selēnē, meaning “moon,” a reference to its soft, luminous glow. This specimen from Artigas is a tall amethyst geode, its concave interior is lined with small, densely packed violet-purple crystals. Its egglike form and sparkling cavity draw the eye inward, like a window into another world. Set against the dark amethyst, a sharply defined selenite crystal introduces a striking contrast, its silky faces set against ashimmering backdrop.&nbsp;Notably, the selenite is unusually well-formed for this type of association, with clean edges and strong translucency. Its presence adds both structure and focus to the composition. The outer edges of the geode show a green mineralized rind, adding another layer of visual interest. Combinations of this kind are uncommon at this scale, and the balance between the two minerals gives the piece a sculptural quality. Please note: This item is excluded from complimentary shipping. Shipping quote will be calculated at time of purchase.

Selenite and Amethyst

Dragon Scale CalciteSweetwater Mine, Ellington, Reynolds Co., Missouri, USA Fantastical in appearance, Dragon Scale calcites have only been found in one locality in the world: the Sweetwater Mine in southeastern Missouri. This impressive specimen derives its deep grey color from the presence of chalcopyrite trapped within overlapping scalenohedral calcite crystals. Please note: This item is excluded from complimentary shipping. Shipping quote will be calculated at time of purchase.

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