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The Aesthetics Underground

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The Aesthetics Underground

Fine mineral specimens, crystals, gemstones, and lapidary art from around the world.

Purveyor to scrutinizing collectors, metaphysical practitioners, gem connoisseurs, and discerning decorators.

09/24/2026

Yesterday's peridot specimen was snapped up in minutes, so I'm running the post again with another available specimen . . .

Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral forsterite, which is a magnesium silicate. Though forsterite is a common rock-forming mineral, gem quality peridot is quite rare, especially in well-formed crystals. Peridot is the gem material found in pallasite meteorites. Currently the major source of peridot is in Pakistan, and that is where today's specimen is from. This specimen measures 5 x 3 x 2.5 cm. and is a single wedge-shaped crystal. Shown in ambient daylight and halogen backlit. $220 Cdn (approx. $160 US)

09/23/2026

Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral forsterite, which is a magnesium silicate. Though forsterite is a common rock-forming mineral, gem quality peridot is quite rare, especially in well-formed crystals. Peridot is the gem material found in pallasite meteorites. Currently the major source of peridot is in Pakistan, and that is where today's specimen is from. Just released from my collection, this specimen measures 5 x 4.5 x 2.5 cm. and is actually a cluster of several interlocking crystals. Shown in sunlight, fluorescent, and halogen backlit. $375 Cdn (approx. $260 US)

08/29/2026

A final mineral post before I head down to the Denver show to hopefully score some new specimens for my collection: Smithsonite, (zinc carbonate) - Named after James Smithson, the British mineralogist who first identified it, and also for whom the Smithsonian Institute is named. This specimen is a classic from the Kelly mine in New Mexico. It rarely forms well-defined crystals, usually occurring in rounded 'bubbular'😄 masses like this one. Colours can range through white, pink, blue, green and even bright yellow.
7 x 6 x 2.5 cm, $325 Cdn (approx $235 US)

08/19/2026

No room for this magnificent sculpted malachite in my living room anymore , so it's up for sale. It measures 42 cm high (counting the base) and weighs well over forty pounds. $2800 Cdn (approx. $2000 US)

08/11/2026

Arsenopyrite is a member of the sulphide family, and is in essence, pyrite with a high arsenic content. When heated or struck it actually gives off a garlicy odour. It is a principal ore of arsenic, and is often an indicator of the presence of gold in the ore deposit. This specimen from the Huanggang mine in China measures 10 x 8 x 6 cm, and features mounds of lustrous small crystals in a cockscomb effect. $225 Cdn (approx $160 US)

07/29/2026

For a nice splash of colour in your collection perhaps consider this very affordable specimen: Chrysocolla over malachite, with secondary white plancheite(?) and sprinkles of black heterogenite(?). The chrysocolla and malachite form in oxidized zones of copper deposits. This specimen is from one of the most prolific sources at present, in D.R. Congo. 14 x 10.5 x 4.5 cm. $160 Cdn (approx. $115 US) RESERVED

07/21/2026

Today's mineral post features a set of Myanmar (Burmese) rubellites that show some of the unusual morphology found in the mines near Mogok. Bubbular (my word!) crusts, interlocking triangles, and conjoined prismatic crystal 'cauliflowers' are types that have been found beside the classic 'mushroom' type. These were obtained on my first trip to Myanmar more than 20 years ago. For scale, the plexi bases on the outside are one inch on edge. Individually left to right, the prices are $275, $100, and $350 Cdn. (approx. $200, $70, and $250 US) For the set - $600 Cdn ($425 US) (specimen on left is reserved)

06/20/2026

Recent years have seen an unprecedented interest in fluorite for some reason. What used to be a go-to affordable species, has seen prices rise in recent years, sometimes astronomically, especially for US specimens. But Chinese material is readily available and prices are reasonable except for extraordinary pieces. This fluorite, one that I sold many years ago, and recently purchased back from my original customer, is from the famous Shangbao mine. It measures 11 x 7 x 6 cm. $175 Cdn. (approx $125 US) SOLD

06/13/2026

Beryl is a mineral, (beryllium aluminum silicate) that is classified and named by its colours. Blue is aquamarine, green is emerald, yellow/gold is heliodor, pink/salmon is morganite, red beryl (very rare) is known by that in itself, and what we have today is colourless beryl known as goshenite. It usually forms tabular crystals in granitic pegmatites. This specimen shows a rough hexagonal form that has undergone natural etching due to solution temperature changes and then recrystallized. 5.5 x 4.5 x 2 cm. $200 Cdn (approx $140 US) SOLD

06/01/2026

Rhodochrosites are sought after by virtually every mineral collector. Because of this demand, coupled with few worldwide locations of note, prices are generally sky high. The exception are specimens from the Wutong mine in China, where modest specimens remain affordable. This double-sided plate features a pleasant mix of pastel pink flattened rhodo rhombs and tiny prismatic quartz crystals. 6 x 5.5 x 1 cm thick. $140 Cdn (approx $100 US)

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