Discovered in 1875, the Homestake Mine was a deep underground gold mine that operated until 2002. For a period, it was the largest and deepest gold mine in North America. The mine produced more than forty million troy ounces of gold during its lifetime. Despite this, Gold specimens from this mine are scarce. This specimen features multiple areas of exposed Gold in a Quartz matrix along with what are likely Arsenopyrite crystals (two old labels, one from the Hauck collection and one from Kristalle, indicate the other mineral is Sylvanite). The Gold extends all the way through the Quartz in areas. Uncommon, hard to find USA Gold specimen.

Cluster of interconnected spheres of purple Quartz var. Amethyst known as 'Grape Agate'. This specimen has the qualities of the best Grape Agates including deep purple color and sparkling luster. This one is a little different than most in that a large mass of solid Amethyst (not interconnected spheres) serves as a 'matrix' of sorts for the cluster of spheres on top.

Cut and polished slice of Liddicoatite (a species of Tourmaline) from old finds in Madagascar. Cut parallel to the C-axis, the slice reveals the colorful interior of what would have appeared to otherwise be a dark crystal. Triangular color zoning of greens, blues, and purple. Well polished on both sides, weighs 87.09 grams.

Cut and polished slice of Liddicoatite (a species of Tourmaline) from old finds in Madagascar. Cur parallel to the C-axis, the slice reveals the colorful interior of what would have appeared to otherwise be a dark crystal. Triangular color zoning of greens and yellows. Well polished on both sides, weighs 20.31 grams.

Cluster of pink Thomasite from an obscure Russian locality. Ex. Chuck Trantham collection acquired by Chuck in 1992.

Cluster of pink Thomsonite from an obscure Russian locality. Ex. Chuck Trantham collection acquired by Chuck in 1992.

Deep blue Benitoite crystals to 1cm on matrix. The crystals on this specimen have two great attributes for a Benitoite specimen - deep blue color and luster, which is not common to find with Benitoite specimens.

Large single Tetrahedrite, 3.5cm with some smaller attached crystals. Excellent size and undamaged with a slight coating of Chalcopyrite in areas. Ex. Chuck Trantham collection.

Fine single crystal of the unusual organic mineral Mellite, 2.7cm wide tip to tip, with smaller attached crystals. A seldom seen rarity that, according to Mindat, has been found in only 12 localities worldwide. It occurs as a secondary mineral in lignite deposits. The crystals are translucent, with light brown color and sharp form. Ex. Chuck Trantham collection acquired by Chuck in 1987.

Well formed Molybedenite crystals to 1.5c with nice striations in matrix. The Moore Creek Mine is an old tungsten-molybdenum-copper mine operated in the 1950s and located near the more well known Andradite deposits of Garnet Hill. Collected by Bob Phillips in the 1980s. Ex. Chuck Trantham collection.