Although the label of this specimen places the piece in Mozambique, we have no record of graphite specimens similar to this one in this African country. For another specimen from the same collection (Joan Astor) we can place it in the classical sites of the Ratnapura area, in Sri Lanka. Fibrous crystals with luster. More information can be found in the file of the specimen RM1836 [click here]. Very interesting classic.

Size: 5 x 4 x 2.5 cm.
Found in ± 1975.

Col. Joan Astor (Barcelona).
Classic locality

This locality is known for its production of "moonstone", extracted from altered pegmatites. It is an unpolished specimen, very crystalline, translucent, with slightly greenish tones, and a very characteristic light effect called adularescence. Thin alternating layers of orthoclase and albite create the light interference in this material that is responsible for this effect. Moonstone is a feldspar close to orthoclase and microcline.

Size: 5.2 x 3.1 x 1.6 cm.
Found in ± 1977.

Col. Joan Astor (Barcelona).
Fluorescent under long wave UV

A good sized sample of graphite showing parallel aggregates of crystals. The lusters is spectacular, with that black "flywing" tone. One of the faces of the sample has some scratches we wanted to preserve and that show the piece was used for some scientific experiments. According to the owner of the piece, the sample was collected near the end of XIXth, around 1890. Confirm that Radigara is the origin is difficult, but it does belong to the Ratnapura mining district. The metallic luster, bright and pure, has a greasy feeling, as expected. This mining area is today a place famous for its gems, but we must not forget that once it was also important for native graphite. Currently obtaining these specimens is very rare, since sapphires and rubies are obviously more valuable for miners.

Size: 8 x 5 x 2.5 cm.
Found in ±1890.

Classic locality

Good sized almandine group of crystals, one of them predominant and showing well marked trapezohedron faces. It is not complete, the back side is contacted with the rock. It comes from a mineral area not well represented in collections.

Size: 5.4 x 4.5 x 3.0 cm.
Main crystal: 38 x 33 mm.

This is a nice spinel crystal from Katukubura, very rare to find in the market. This sample shows a very brilliant crystal of spinel, incredibly defined, with very marked octahedron shape. In a matrix of calcite. These crystals are known in gemmological context as "ceylonite". From a not well represented mining area.

Size: 5,3 x 4,5 x 3,6 cm.
Main crystal: 12 x 9 mm.