Very nice pictures amguy.  I do love the Brandberg crystals and have been searching far and wide for an affordable specimen that has all the characteristics.  I don't think I'm going to find an "affordable" one, so eventually I'll have to just bite the bullet.  Thanks for the pictures.

That is sweet, Dave.  Looks like a huge chunk of mud in there.  Can you get some closer shots?

Since Dave opened the can of mud, I thought I would share three mud inclusion specimens that I have.

The first two specimens are from Cleveland Co. and the last one is from Catawba Co.



Lattimore, Cleveland Co., NC.  Acquired from the late Floyd Wilson collection, Micaville, NC.



Lattimore, Cleveland Co., NC.



Tate Boulevard Industrial Park, Hickory, Catawba Co., NC



Tate Boulevard Industrial Park, Hickory, Catawba Co., NC.  Same specimen as above, different angle.


I have seen some very large cabinet specimens of mud included quartz from Alexander Co. (Hiddenite and surrounding area) and Cleveland Co.  Unfortunately, my specimens are all miniatures (< 2").

Keep the inclusions coming.  It's nice to see the world inside of crystals.

Dennis

Scott,

Thanks for the comments.  I have a modest collection of North Carolina quartz specimens representing the different varieties in various crystal forms.  Beryl, quartz, and mica (and radioactives to some degree) have been favorites of mine since I started collecting minerals (personally collected or purchased) in 1959. 

My NC mineral collection is in the neighborhood of 600+ specimens, if I count the nearly 200 individual rubies and sapphires I collected in Macon Co. during the 1980s and early 90s. 

The remainder of my collection (200+ specimens) represent many US states and a number of countries worldwide.  My fossil collection is around 250 specimens, and my Native American projectile points and artifacts number around 150 pieces.

So, I have enough specimens to post many photos over the next few years, but will refrain from doing so as not to bore people or hog the forum.  If anyone has any requests for certain species just let me know.  I have a good sampling of thulite, rutile, garnets, and other species from various localities.

Come visit sometime and take a gander at the collection.....3 curio cases and 1 Chinese library cabinet full of specimens.

Dennis

Thanks, AG, I needed that.

Dave,

Thanks for the comments.  I felt very fortunate to get that Mincey Mine crystal.  I'm really surprised that there were no responses to that post on DR.  There are a lot of corundum folks over there.

I got the specimen from George Drakulic, a member of the Tar Heel Gem & Mineral Club, who collected it in 1986.  That may be the last time any specimens came out of that mine. 

When I get more time I will post some of my other NC mineral specimens.  I have a nice series of radioactives (U and REE species) that some may want to see, as well as a few more quartz, thulite (clinothulite), rutile and others.

Dennis