The allanite-(Ce) specimens from Trimouns are a classic of French mineralogy. It should be said that if these crystals are analyzed compositionally, a zoning with dissakisite-(Ce) is observed. Both species belong to the epidote group and are compositionally differentiated by the presence of Fe(II) (allanite) and Mg (the second). In this specimen we can observe several well-defined crystals of this mineral, one of them larger, which contrasts with the dolomite matrix.

Size: 7 x 5.8 x 5.5 cm.
Main crystal: 9 mm.

Classic locality

Numerous groups of prismatic willemite crystals in the cavities of this matrix with galena, siderite, quartz and goethite. The crystals show hexagonal shapes truncated by pinacoidal faces, they appear isolated or forming aesthetic stars. Some of them are dotted with rhombohedral crystals, between honey-colored to greenish, of siderite. Fluorescent under short wave UV light. A good size specimen of this classic Occitan Pb-Zn mine.

Size: 8.7 x 5.1 x 3.8 cm.
Main crystal: 1.5 mm.

Fluorescent under short wave UV

A very rich group of sharp metatorbernite crystals showing tetragonal forms, an intense green color and good luster. It shows polysynthetic and echeloned growths. In some crystals we can observe a yellowish tones in the core which corresponds to metaautunite (fluorescent under UV light). A French mineralogy classic not seen since late 70's.

The walls of the fissures of this mine were covered by smoky quartz crystals. When samples are mined and pull out of the mine, a partially dehydratation occurs (from 12 to 8 H2O molecules) and torbernite become metatorbernite species. Margabal specimens can be classified as metatorbernite.

Size: 4 x 3.4 x 1.7 cm.

Col. J. Astor (Barcelona), ex. J. Viñals.
Presents radioactive activity.

Botryoidal aggregates formed by goethite microcrystals, with a delicate velvety appearance with deep brown to black color zoning. In section we can observe the radial arrangement of goethite crystals. The matrix is a mixture of goethite with some siderite rhombohedrons. These specimens are from a find in the Mont-Roc mine, that is known for the French mineralogy for its brilliant goethites and fluorite.

Size: 7.0 x 5.5 x 5.0 mcm.
Found in 2014.

Botryoidal aggregates formed by goethite microcrystals, with a delicate velvety appearance with color zoning that varies between brown garnet to dark gray. In section we can observe the radial arrangement of goethite crystals. The matrix is a mixture of goethite with some siderite rhombohedrons and quartz. These specimens are from a recent find in the Mont-Roc mine, that is known for the French mineralogy for its brilliant goethites and fluorite.

Size: 11.5 x 7.5 x 5.0 cm.
Found in 2014.

A very aesthetic stalactitic specimen formed by a rich group of metatorbernite crystals. They present polysynthetic and echeloned growth of well-defined tetragonal crystals, with the characteristic green color. Under LW-UV we can observe the presence of a greenish-yellow intense fluorescence that indicates the presence of other species. SEM-EDS analysis have characterized this species as meta-autunite. We can say that the metatorbernite species is replacing the meta-autunite, as we can observe as a color gradation in some tabular crystals or in fresh fracture. This specimen come from late 90's finds in this classic French mine. Ex-col. A. Pouget.

Both, meta-autunite and metatorbernite, are dehydrated phases of the autunite and torbernite. The loss of water molecules, those are present in the crystal structure of these species, is a common fact when the specimen is extracted from the mine.

Size: 6.2 x 3.5 x 2.5 cm.
Found in ca. 1997.

Especies analizadas/Analyzed species
Fluorescent under long wave UV

A stalactitic shape specimen formed by metatorbernite crystals. They present polysynthetic growth of tetragonal crystals, with the characteristic green color. Under LW-UV we can observe the presence of a greenish-yellow intense fluorescence that indicates the presence of other species. SEM-EDS analysis have characterized this species as meta-autunite. We can say that the metatorbernite species is replacing the meta-autunite, as we can observe as a color gradation in some tabular crystals or in fresh fracture. We will send analysis to the buyer. This specimen come from late 90's finds in this classic French mine. Ex-col. A. Pouget.

Both, meta-autunite and metatorbernite, are dehydrated phases of the autunite and torbernite. The loss of water molecules, those are present in the crystal structure of these species, is a common fact when the specimen is extracted from the mine.

Size: 5.7 x 5.0 x 4.3 cm.
Main crystal: 6 x 5 mm.
Found in ca. 1997.

Especies analizadas/Analyzed species
Fluorescent under long wave UV

A very aesthetic specimen formed by a rich group of metatorbernite crystals. They present polysynthetic and echeloned growth of well-defined tetragonal crystals, with the characteristic green color. Under LW-UV we can observe that the yellow crystals show a greenish-yellow intense fluorescence. SEM-EDS analysis have characterized this species as meta-autunite. We can say that the metatorbernite species is replacing the meta-autunite, as we can observe as a color gradation in some tabular crystals or in fresh fracture. We will send analysis to the buyer. This specimen come from late 90's finds in this classic French mine. Ex-col. A. Pouget.

Both, meta-autunite and metatorbernite, are dehydrated phases of the autunite and torbernite. The loss of water molecules, those are present in the crystal structure of these species, is a common fact when the specimen is extracted from the mine.

Size: 6.5 x 6.0 x 5.7 cm.
Main crystal: 7 x 6 mm.
Found in ca. 1997.

Especies analizadas/Analyzed species
Fluorescent under long wave UV

A very aesthetic specimen formed by a rich group of metatorbernite crystals. They present polysynthetic and echeloned growth of well-defined tetragonal crystals, with the characteristic green color. Under LW-UV we can observe the presence of a greenish-yellow intense fluorescence that indicates the presence of other species. SEM-EDS analysis have characterized this species as meta-autunite. We can say that the metatorbernite species is replacing the meta-autunite, as we can observe as a color gradation in some tabular crystals or in fresh fracture. We will send analysis to the buyer. This specimen come from late 90's finds in this classic French mine. Ex-col. A. Pouget.

Both, meta-autunite and metatorbernite, are dehydrated phases of the autunite and torbernite. The loss of water molecules, those are present in the crystal structure of these species, is a common fact when the specimen is extracted from the mine.

Size: 7.2 x 4.8 x 3.5 cm.
Main crystal: 10 x 9 mm.
Found in ca. 1997.

Especies analizadas/Analyzed species
Fluorescent under long wave UV

A very aesthetic specimen formed by a rich group of metatorbernite crystals. They present polysynthetic and echeloned growth of well-defined tetragonal crystals, with the characteristic green color. Under LW-UV we can observe the presence of a greenish-yellow intense fluorescence that indicates the presence of other species. SEM-EDS analysis have characterized this species as meta-autunite. We can say that the metatorbernite species is replacing the meta-autunite, as we can observe as a color gradation in some tabular crystals or in fresh fracture. We will send analysis to the buyer. With smoky quartz as host rock and matrix. This specimen come from late 90's finds in this classic French mine. Ex-col. A. Pouget.

Both, meta-autunite and metatorbernite, are dehydrated phases of the autunite and torbernite. The loss of water molecules, those are present in the crystal structure of these species, is a common fact when the specimen is extracted from the mine.

Size: 8.7 x 4.8 x 3.8 cm.
Main crystal: 10 x 9 mm.
Found in ca. 1997.

Especies analizadas/Analyzed species
Fluorescent under long wave UV

A very aesthetic specimen formed by a rich group of metatorbernite crystals. They present polysynthetic and echeloned growth of well-defined tetragonal crystals, with the characteristic green color. Under LW-UV we can observe the presence of a greenish-yellow intense fluorescence that indicates the presence of other species. SEM-EDS analysis have characterized this species as meta-autunite. We can say that the metatorbernite species is replacing the meta-autunite, as we can observe as a color gradation in some tabular crystals or in fresh fracture. We will send analysis to the buyer. This specimen come from late 90's finds in this classic French mine. Ex-col. A. Pouget.

Both, meta-autunite and metatorbernite, are dehydrated phases of the autunite and torbernite. The loss of water molecules, those are present in the crystal structure of these species, is a common fact when the specimen is extracted from the mine.

Size: 7.2 x 5.5 x 4.0 cm.
Main crystal: 13 x 12 mm.
Found in ca. 1997.

Especies analizadas/Analyzed species
Fluorescent under long wave UV

Very exceptional group of bastnäsite-(Ce) crystals. Good size, defined faces and edges, transparence, brilliance... And perfectly disposed on a dolomite crystal matrix with talc. A rare opportunity to obtain a top quality specimen of this REE carbonate from this classic French talc quarry.

Size: 7.0 x 4.1 x 4.1 cm.
Main crystal: 8 x 7 mm.

It shows Pleochroism

Very exceptional group of bastnäsite-(Ce) crystals. Good size, defined faces and edges, transparence, brilliance... And perfectly disposed on a dolomite crystal matrix. A rare opportunity to obtain a top quality specimen of this REE carbonate from this classic French talc quarry.

Size: 7.0 x 6.5 x 5.7 cm.
Main crystal: 10 x 8 mm.

It shows Pleochroism

This specimen shows stalactític aggregates of rhodochrosite with a pink color. They are accompanied by brilliant botryoidal kentrolite, with a deep black color. It is a rare lead and manganese silicate. Nice specimen for the species and dedicated to systematic and French collectors.

Size: 6,5 x 5,5 x 3,5 cm.
Found in 11-2008.

This specimen is showing a very rich group of allanite-(Ce) crystals, disposed randomly on a cavity covered by dolomite and calcite. This mineral with Rare Earth Elements (REE) is a classic for this French quarry, in the Pyrenees. It shows very elongated prismatic crystals, with transparence and brown to toasted honey tones.

Size: 9,2 x 6,5 x 5,5 cm.
Main crystal: 6 x 1 mm.
Found in ±2004.

A specimen very rich in aggregates of acicular prismatic  pyromorphite crystals with an uniform green color and silky luster. On a quartz matrix. A French classic from old "times".

Size: 8,5 x 4,5 x 3,0 cm.
Main crystal: 8 x 7 mm. (aggr)
Found in ±1980's.

Precio reducido-Reduced price 130€

A specimen very rich on aggregates of acicular prismatic  pyromorphite crystals with an uniform green color and silky luster. On a quartz matrix. A French classic from old "times".

Size: 7,7 x 5,5 x 1,8 cm.
Main crystal: 6 x 5 mm. (aggr)
Found in ±1980's.

Precio reducido-Reduced price 100€

A specimen very rich on aggregates of acicular prismatic  pyromorphite crystals with an uniform green color and silky luster. On a quartz matrix. Good display size. A French classic from old "times".

Size: 9,0 x 7,4 x 2,7 cm.
Main crystal: 8 x 8 mm. (aggr).
Found in ±1980's.

Precio reducido-Reduced price 160€

Exceptional hyaline quartz crystal showing a developed prism with marked horizontal striations on faces and excellent terminal rhombohedral faces. Very sharp, perfect transparence anb best brilliance. Acompanied by a small matrix with dolomite rhombohedra. Specimen is better on hand than in pictures. This sample was collected from the dolomitic vugs of the Trimouns Talc quarry.

Size: 7,7 x 4,0 x 3,0 cm.
Main crystal: 77 x 30 mm.
Found in 06/2005.

A single and sharp crystal of bastnäsite-(Ce) showing tabular hexagonal shape. They show a good transparency and color that varies between yellow-green to orange-brown, depending on the type of the light that strikes them. Accompanied by corroded allanite-(Ce) as usual in this paragenesis. This specimen is from a French worldwide classic mine for Rare Earth Elements (REE) species: Trimouns. Currently it is not easy to find bastnäsite-(Ce) specimens from this mine and with this crystal size.

Size: 5,9 x 4,8 x 3,3 cm.
Main crystal: 6 x 5 x 1 mm.
Found in 2006.

It shows Pleochroism

Gem quality allanite-(Ce) specimen, with a good size, elongated and showing well defined faces and edges. It is embedded in the matrix of calcite with brilliant talc. Transparency and luster are excellent and shows a zoning toasted honey color, with green pleochroism visible depending on light. It is accompanied by other smaller crystal similarly defined and transparent. The area where I extracted no longer exists, when quarry has been extended. A piece of Rare Earths (REE) of a classic French locality, aesthetic and not easy to be found nowadays.

Size: 5,5 x 4,0 x 2,8 cm.
Main crystal: 15 x 3 mm.
Found in 2006.

It shows Pleochroism

This specimen is from a worldwide classic mine for Rare Earth Elements (REE) species. We observe two groups of defined tabular hexagonal crystals with small pyramidal faces. They show a good transparency and color that varies between yellow-green to orange-brown, depending on the type of the light that strikes them. Currently it is not easy to find bastnäsite-(Ce) specimens from this mine and with this crystal size.

Size: 6,8 x 4,4 x 3,8 cm.
Main crystal: 6 x 4 mm.
Found in 2007.

It shows Pleochroism

A very rich group of sharp metatorbernite crystals showing tabular tetragonal forms, an intense green color and good luster. They show polysynthetic and echeloned growths, and also as isolated tabular crystals. We can observe a yellowish fluorescence due to the presence of metautunite. This species is visible also as yellowish tones in the core of some exfoliated crystals. A French mineralogy classic not seen since late 70's.

These specimens come from a mineralized vug found in 2009 from were were obtained several floating specimens and some with stalactitic shape. The walls of the fissure were covered by smoky quartz crystals. When samples are mined and pull out of the mine, a partially dehydratation occurs (from 12 to 8 H2O molecules) and torbernite become metatorbernite species. Margabal specimens can be classified as metatorbernite.

Size: 6,6 x 3,5 x 3,4 cm.
Main crystal: 9 x 9 mm.
Found in 12/2009

Fluorescent under long wave UV

A very aesthetic group of sharp and thick metatorbernite crystals showing tetragonal forms. Very aerial disposed on the top of a matrix of metatorbernite, with an intense green color. We can observe a yellowish fluorescence under UV light due to the presence of metautunite. A French mineralogy classic not seen since late 70's.

These specimens come from a mineralized vug found in 2009 from were were obtained several floating specimens and some with stalactitic shape. The walls of the fissure were covered by smoky quartz crystals. When samples are mined and pull out of the mine, a partially dehydratation occurs (from 12 to 8 H2O molecules) and torbernite become metatorbernite species. Margabal specimens can be classified as metatorbernite.

Size: 5,7 x 4,2 x 3,2 cm.
Main crystal: 8 x 8 mm.
Found in 12/2009

Fluorescent under long wave UV

A very rich and huge size group of sharp metatorbernite crystals showing tetragonal forms, an intense green color and good luster. They show a classic polysynthetic and echeloned growth and some vugs from its stalactitic origin on the back side. We can observe a yellowish fluorescence due to the presence of metautunite. This species is visible also as yellowish tones in the core of some exfoliated crystals. A French mineralogy classic not seen since late 70's.

These specimens come from a mineralized vug found in 2009 from were were obtained several floating specimens and some with stalactitic shape. The walls of the fissure were covered by smoky quartz crystals. When samples are mined and pull out of the mine, a partially dehydratation occurs (from 12 to 8 H2O molecules) and torbernite become metatorbernite species. Margabal specimens can be classified as metatorbernite.

Size: 6,1 x 5,3 x 5,2 cm.
Main crystal: 1,0 x 0,9 cm.
Found in 12/2009

Fluorescent under long wave UV