LV01 Ludlamite

Estaño Orcko mine, Machacamarca District, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

8.3x 4.9x 4.7 cm             

$450

A cabinet specimen of ludlamite on a matrix consisting mostly of pyrite.  This is the richest piece I was able to get, and while there is a bit of damage, there is an exceptional amount of ludlamite on this piece.

Good ludlamite has not been found anywhere in the world for some time.  The last decent find of the material was nearly 10 years ago at the Huanuni Mine.  The specimens from Santa Eualia, Mexico date to the 70-80's, those from Wheal Jane, UK date to the 1980's and much older, those from Lemhi Co., Idaho are from the 1960's, as are the Brazilian pieces.  I'm not sure when exactly the Yukon or Kosovo specimens were found, but it certainly wasn't within the last 10 years.

LV02 Ludlamite

Estaño Orcko mine, Machacamarca District, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

7.8x 7.8x 4.1 cm             

$390

  A large cabinet specimwith numerous ludlamite crystals sprinkled around a matrix consisting primarily of siderite, pyrite and sphalerite.

Like the other pieces from this find, this specimen is unusually rich  in terms of the amount of ludlamite present.  Also notable is the distinctness of the crystals, which occur separately, rather than in sprays or sheaves.  

Good ludlamite has not been found anywhere in the world for some time.  The last decent find of the material was nearly 10 years ago at the Huanuni Mine.  The specimens from Santa Eualia, Mexico date to the 70-80's, those from Wheal Jane, UK date to the 1980's and much older, those from Lemhi Co., Idaho are from the 1960's, as are the Brazilian pieces.  I'm not sure when exactly the Yukon or Kosovo specimens were found, but it certainly wasn't within the last 10 years.

LV03 Ludlamite

Estaño Orcko mine, Machacamarca District, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

3.3x 1.7x 1.5 cm             

$300

Although it is far from the largest, this would probably be my favorite specimen from the group.  The main crystal is doubly terminated and perched on what appears to be a siderite matrix.

At Huanuni and Santa Eualia, the Ludlamite virtually always occurred as sprays. From places like the Black Bird Mine, Lanajeiras, Big Fish, or Wheal Jane where sprays were less common, it was unusual to find distinct crystals, and almost unheard of to see double terminated examples like this one.

The main crystal is also quite large for the species.

Good ludlamite has not been found anywhere in the world for some time.  The last decent find of the material was nearly 10 years ago at the Huanuni Mine.  The specimens from Santa Eualia, Mexico date to the 70-80's, those from Wheal Jane, UK date to the 1980's and much older, those from Lemhi Co., Idaho are from the 1960's, as are the Brazilian pieces.  I'm not sure when exactly the Yukon or Kosovo specimens were found, but it certainly wasn't within the last 10 years.

LV04 Ludlamite

Estaño Orcko mine, Machacamarca District, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

10.5x 4.3x 3.5 cm             

$465

A cabinet specimen with numerous DISTINCT ludlamite crystals scattered on a matrix that appears to be siderite.  Because of the way the crystals are scattered around the matrix, I would have to call this one my favorite of the larger pieces.

This is exceptionally rich for a Bolivian ludlamite, and a great specimen by the standards of the species for ANY locality. 

Good ludlamite has not been found anywhere in the world for some time.  The last decent find of the material was nearly 10 years ago at the Huanuni Mine.  The specimens from Santa Eualia, Mexico date to the 70-80's, those from Wheal Jane, UK date to the 1980's and much older, those from Lemhi Co., Idaho are from the 1960's, as are the Brazilian pieces.  I'm not sure when exactly the Yukon or Kosovo specimens were found, but it certainly wasn't within the last 10 years.

LV05 Ludlamite

Estaño Orcko mine, Machacamarca District, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

11.3x 7.0x 5.2 cm             

$390

A large cabinet specimen with numerous ludlamite crystals sprinkled around a matrix consisting primarily of siderite, pyrite and sphalerite.

Like the other pieces from this find, this specimen is unusually rich  in terms of the amount of ludlamite present.  Also notable is the distinctness of the crystals, which occur separately, rather than in sprays or sheaves.  There is some damage, particularly on the bottom right and far left.

Good ludlamite has not been found anywhere in the world for some time.  The last decent find of the material was nearly 10 years ago at the Huanuni Mine.  The specimens from Santa Eualia, Mexico date to the 70-80's, those from Wheal Jane, UK date to the 1980's and much older, those from Lemhi Co., Idaho are from the 1960's, as are the Brazilian pieces.  I'm not sure when exactly the Yukon or Kosovo specimens were found, but it certainly wasn't within the last 10 years.

LV06 Ludlamite

Estaño Orcko mine, Machacamarca District, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

7.5x 5.3x 3.6 cm             

$375

Numerous green ludlamite crystals on a matrix consisting of what appears to be siderite.  

The surface of the siderite is weathered, but the overall crystal forms are retained, giving the piece a very sculptural appearance.

Good ludlamite has not been found anywhere in the world for some time.  The last decent find of the material was nearly 10 years ago at the Huanuni Mine.  The specimens from Santa Eualia, Mexico date to the 70-80's, those from Wheal Jane, UK date to the 1980's and much older, those from Lemhi Co., Idaho are from the 1960's, as are the Brazilian pieces.  I'm not sure when exactly the Yukon or Kosovo specimens were found, but it certainly wasn't within the last 10 years.

LV07 Ludlamite

Estaño Orcko mine, Machacamarca District, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

9.5x 5.2x 4.3 cm             

$335

A large cabinet specimen with numerous ludlamite crystals sprinkled around a matrix consisting primarily of siderite, pyrite and sphalerite.

Like the other pieces from this find, this specimen is unusually rich  in terms of the amount of ludlamite present.  Also notable is the distinctness of the crystals, which occur separately, rather than in sprays or sheaves.  On this specimen, the crystal tend to lie flatter against the matrix.

Good ludlamite has not been found anywhere in the world for some time.  The last decent find of the material was nearly 10 years ago at the Huanuni Mine.  The specimens from Santa Eualia, Mexico date to the 70-80's, those from Wheal Jane, UK date to the 1980's and much older, those from Lemhi Co., Idaho are from the 1960's, as are the Brazilian pieces.  I'm not sure when exactly the Yukon or Kosovo specimens were found, but it certainly wasn't within the last 10 years.

LV08 Ludlamite

Estaño Orcko mine, Machacamarca District, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

5.3x 3.6x 2.1 cm             

$350

A pair of rather large and fairly deep green ludlamite crystals on top of a pyrite matrix.  There is some damage to the secondary crystal, but it can't really be seen from the front.  That aside, the positioning, size, and color make this a very good ludlmaite from anywhere.

Good ludlamite has not been found anywhere in the world for some time.  The last decent find of the material was nearly 10 years ago at the Huanuni Mine.  The specimens from Santa Eualia, Mexico date to the 70-80's, those from Wheal Jane, UK date to the 1980's and much older, those from Lemhi Co., Idaho are from the 1960's, as are the Brazilian pieces.  I'm not sure when exactly the Yukon or Kosovo specimens were found, but it certainly wasn't within the last 10 years.

LV09 Ludlamite

Estaño Orcko mine, Machacamarca District, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

5.9x 3.1x 3.0 cm             

$190

A specimen with a lot of ludlamite on it.  The crystals are not as distinct as on some of the other pieces, but to find this much ludlamite on a single piece of rock is very unusual.  There is some edge wear, as this appears to have been removed from a larger patch of ludlamite.

LV10 Ludlamite

Estaño Orcko mine, Machacamarca District, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

3.6x 2.5x 2.3 cm             

$185

A miniature specimen of ludlmaite on a matrix of siderite.  The crystals on this piece are VERY large for the species, and unusually distinct for a Bolivian ludlmaite.

Good ludlamite has not been found anywhere in the world for some time.  The last decent find of the material was nearly 10 years ago at the Huanuni Mine.  The specimens from Santa Eualia, Mexico date to the 70-80's, those from Wheal Jane, UK date to the 1980's and much older, those from Lemhi Co., Idaho are from the 1960's, as are the Brazilian pieces.  I'm not sure when exactly the Yukon or Kosovo specimens were found, but it certainly wasn't within the last 10 years.

LV11 Ludlamite

Estaño Orcko mine, Machacamarca District, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

6.3x 3.8x 4.2 cm             

$190

A specimen with a lot of ludlamite on it.  The crystals are not as distinct as on some of the other pieces, but to find this much ludlamite on a single piece of rock is very unusual.  This appears to have been part of a seam, and this can be seen in the image to the right and the image on the bottom right, where one side appears shared.  But again, there is a LOT of ludlamite here....

Good ludlamite has not been found anywhere in the world for some time.  The last decent find of the material was nearly 10 years ago at the Huanuni Mine.  The specimens from Santa Eualia, Mexico date to the 70-80's, those from Wheal Jane, UK date to the 1980's and much older, those from Lemhi Co., Idaho are from the 1960's, as are the Brazilian pieces.  I'm not sure when exactly the Yukon or Kosovo specimens were found, but it certainly wasn't within the last 10 years.

LV12 Ludlamite

Estaño Orcko mine, Machacamarca District, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

4.1x 2.3x 2.7 cm             

$200

A miniature specimen of ludlmaite on a matrix of siderite.  The crystals on this piece are VERY large for the species, and unusually distinct for a Bolivian ludlmaite.

Good ludlamite has not been found anywhere in the world for some time.  The last decent find of the material was nearly 10 years ago at the Huanuni Mine.  The specimens from Santa Eualia, Mexico date to the 70-80's, those from Wheal Jane, UK date to the 1980's and much older, those from Lemhi Co., Idaho are from the 1960's, as are the Brazilian pieces.  I'm not sure when exactly the Yukon or Kosovo specimens were found, but it certainly wasn't within the last 10 years.

LV13 Ludlamite

Estaño Orcko mine, Machacamarca District, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

3.5x 3.2x 1.4 cm             

$175

A small miniature specimen, with a very large, flattened ludlamite crystal on a matrix that appears to be siderite with a weathered surface. 

The crystal on this piece is  huge for the species, and unusually distinct for a Bolivian ludlmaite.

Good ludlamite has not been found anywhere in the world for some time.  The last decent find of the material was nearly 10 years ago at the Huanuni Mine.  The specimens from Santa Eualia, Mexico date to the 70-80's, those from Wheal Jane, UK date to the 1980's and much older, those from Lemhi Co., Idaho are from the 1960's, as are the Brazilian pieces.  I'm not sure when exactly the Yukon or Kosovo specimens were found, but it certainly wasn't within the last 10 years.

LV14 Ludlamite

Estaño Orcko mine, Machacamarca District, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

4.0x 2.8x 1.9 cm             

$60

A smaller (and cheaper) specimen from the find; and good reference material of ludlamite from an unusual locality.

Good ludlamite has not been found anywhere in the world for some time.  The last decent find of the material was nearly 10 years ago at the Huanuni Mine.  The specimens from Santa Eualia, Mexico date to the 70-80's, those from Wheal Jane, UK date to the 1980's and much older, those from Lemhi Co., Idaho are from the 1960's, as are the Brazilian pieces.  I'm not sure when exactly the Yukon or Kosovo specimens were found, but it certainly wasn't within the last 10 years.

LV15 Valentinite

Colavi Mine, Machacamarca District (Colavi District), Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

2.8x 2.0x 1.5 cm             

The best specimen I was able to get, this has to be a world class thumbnail of this rare species.  

Not only are the crystals exceptionally large and lustrous, but they are also terminated and rather aesthetically arranged.

A truly exceptional example of this species that could actually be called beautiful.

LV16 Valentinite

Colavi Mine, Machacamarca District (Colavi District), Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

5.8x 4.7x 3.1 cm

$390             

A matrix specimen, contaning a few terminated valentinite crystals to 1.1 cm

LV17 Valentinite

Colavi Mine, Machacamarca District (Colavi District), Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

5.6x 2.8x 3.4 cm

$145             

A miniature specimen containing a single valentinite crystal on sulfide-rich matrix.

LV18 Valentinite

Colavi Mine, Machacamarca District (Colavi District), Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

1.75x 1.3x 0.5 cm

$200

A double terminated and very large crystal of valentinite, with good luster and crystal form.

LV19 Valentinite

Colavi Mine, Machacamarca District (Colavi District), Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

1.6x 1.5x 0.7 cm

$185

A singly terminated and very large crystal of valentinite, with good luster and crystal form.

LV20 Valentinite

Colavi Mine, Machacamarca District (Colavi District), Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

1.35x 1.0x 0.7 cm

$140

LV21 Valentinite

Colavi Mine, Machacamarca District (Colavi District), Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

2.5x 2.1x 1.4 cm

$250

 A cluster of VERY large valentinite crystals to just over 2 cm.

LV22 Valentinite

Colavi Mine, Machacamarca District (Colavi District), Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

2.0x 1.6x 1.6 cm

$150

 A cluster of terminated valentinite crystals.  I would say that this one is better in person, it is a bit difficult to focus on the entire specimen at once, making it hard to fully appreciate.  

LV23 Valentinite

Colavi Mine, Machacamarca District (Colavi District), Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

3.1x 1.6x 1.6 cm

$175

A stacked cluster of terminated valentinite crystals.  The crystal on the top is souble terminated, and actually appears to be part of a hollow twin whose growth was interrupted by the matrix being in the way.  The twinning can be seen in the bottom image.

LV24 Valentinite

Colavi Mine, Machacamarca District (Colavi District), Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

1.2x 0.75x 0.3 cm

$95

LV25 Valentinite

Colavi Mine, Machacamarca District (Colavi District), Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

1.8x 1.0x 1.3 cm

$85

 A terminated crystal of valentinite with good luster, on a sliver of matrix.

LV26 Valentinite

Colavi Mine, Machacamarca District (Colavi District), Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

1.9x 1.0x 1.3 cm

$75

A spray of valentinite crystals on matrix.  A decent reference specimen from this find, and a rare example to obtain a macroscopic crystalline example.

LV27 Valentinite

Colavi Mine, Machacamarca District (Colavi District), Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

2.0x 1.8x 1.2 cm

$85

A terminated valentinite crystal on matrix.

LV28 Pyromorphite

Huari-Huari Mine, Serranía Huarihuari, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

8.1x 5.6x 5.5 cm

$95

 A cabinet specimen of pyromoprhite from Bolivia.  Comparatively speaking, pyromorphite from virtually any other locality would put these to shame, but what makes these interesting is that they are Bolivian.

Pyromorphite is known from numerous locations on every continent where there are mining operations, except, it would seem, from South America.  From the entire continent, I have seen only a few specimens from Ecuador, and then these.

Interesting material, from a find made about a year and a half ago.

LV29 Pyromorphite

Huari-Huari Mine, Serranía Huarihuari, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

6.3x 6.0x 5.0 cm

$65

A specimen of pyromoprhite from Bolivia.  Comparatively speaking, pyromorphite from virtually any other locality would put these to shame, but what makes these interesting is that they are Bolivian.

Pyromorphite is known from numerous locations on every continent where there are mining operations, except, it would seem, from South America.  From the entire continent, I have seen only a few specimens from Ecuador, and then these.

Interesting material, from a find made about a year and a half ago.

LV30 Pyromorphite

Huari-Huari Mine, Serranía Huarihuari, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

4.6x 4.2x 3.5 cm

$80

A specimen of pyromoprhite from Bolivia.  Comparatively speaking, pyromorphite from virtually any other locality would put these to shame, but what makes these interesting is that they are Bolivian.

Pyromorphite is known from numerous locations on every continent where there are mining operations, except, it would seem, from South America.  From the entire continent, I have seen only a few specimens from Ecuador, and then these.

Interesting material, from a find made about a year and a half ago.

LV31 Pyromorphite

Huari-Huari Mine, Serranía Huarihuari, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

3.5x 3.3x 2.2 cm

$45

A specimen of pyromoprhite from Bolivia.  Comparatively speaking, pyromorphite from virtually any other locality would put these to shame, but what makes these interesting is that they are Bolivian.

Pyromorphite is known from numerous locations on every continent where there are mining operations, except, it would seem, from South America.  From the entire continent, I have seen only a few specimens from Ecuador, and then these.

Interesting material, from a find made about a year and a half ago.

LV32 Pyromorphite

Huari-Huari Mine, Serranía Huarihuari, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia

9.9x 4.5x 3.5 cm

$135

A cabinet specimen of pyromoprhite from Bolivia.  Comparatively speaking, pyromorphite from virtually any other locality would put these to shame, but what makes these interesting is that they are Bolivian.

Pyromorphite is known from numerous locations on every continent where there are mining operations, except, it would seem, from South America.  From the entire continent, I have seen only a few specimens from Ecuador, and then these.

Interesting material, from a find made about a year and a half ago.