EarthWonders Blog - Selling Internationally And Metallic Masterpieces From Japan And Bolivia

NEWSLETTER

Selling Internationally And Metallic Masterpieces From Japan And Bolivia | EarthWonders Newsletter #7

Alla Babkina8 minutes

Published: 14.03.2025

EarthWonders Newsletter #7Selling Internationally And Metallic Masterpieces From Japan And Bolivia

Hope you are as excited as we are as EarthWonders now allows you to sell your specimens outside the USA!

We now allow listings to and from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom and Vietnam.

We are committed to building and growing the largest global community of mineral collectors and help them connect from wherever they are in the world. You can now browse and search EarthWonders member collections and we hope to see your collection among them next!

What localities, features and categories do you want to see next? Tell us at newsletter@earthwonders.com or ping us on Instagram. If you are reading this and haven't subscribed to the newsletter - subscribe now and tell your collector friends! If you missed the previous issues of the newsletter - you can read it here.

Start Selling Internationally on EarthWondersIn this video we show you how to start selling internationally on EarthWonders, manage your store policies and apply them to future or existing listings.

New Localities: Shiny Metallics From Japan And Bolivia

In this issue we're bringing you highlights of 5 localities across Japan and Bolivia that produce shiny metallic specimens. Do you own something striking from one of these localities? Showcase your collection on EarthWonders!

We now have more specimens in Japan and Bolivia - come and take a look and don't forget to like and comment!

Email or Instagram us your favourite localities and if you can't find them on EarthWonders we will work on them next!

Ichinokawa Mine, Japan - StibniteAntimony was first discovered in Ichinokawa back many centuries and was used mainly used for traditional metalwork and artillery production for wars Japan fought. Along the way Ichinokawa Mine produced earth's natural weapons - large stibnite crystals with perfect terminations, often shaped like sabres or curved. Some specimens exhibit a distinct kink. From late 19th century stibnite from Japan won multiple awards, becaume very highly regarded and gave Japan a good name in the mineralogical community. It is now considered the best stibnite locality in the world. The mine was scraped bare and completely ceased operations after WWII. It is now almost completely consumed by nature, the surrounding area uninhabited. Museum-grade specimens from the mine can be viewed in museums around the world. More Stibnite from Ichinokawa Mine

Oppu Mine, Japan - Pyrite and RhodochrositeRhodochrosite and pyrite combinations are not very common as the two species require different geological conditions. Oppu Mine's unique geology has allowed for both to form in dramatic contrasting combinations - bright botryoidal rhodochrosite and highly lustrous pyrite with little to no oxidation. The quality of pyrite and the striking combination with rhodochrosite is highly characteristic of Oppu Mine and recognised instantly by experienced collectors. The mine was primarily used for industrial purposes and closed in the 1970s so the number of collector grade specimens from the locality is very limited and most specimens are found in older collections and museums.More from Oppu Mine

Potosí, Bolivia - MagnetiteNo, this is not cuprite but we won't judge you if you were tricked by similarities of their dark sharp octahedral crystals. Magnetite, the most magnetic mineral on Earth with the exception of extremely rare native iron only found in Greenland, can easily attract small metal objects and has a silver-grey metallic color. The Potosí department is well-known for its silver production, magnetite is its distinct unusual mineralogical treasure. Specimens here form clusters of closely grown together perfect octahedrons with sharp edges. Premium specimens like this one in MIM Museum have smooth and lustrous faces, perfect symmetry and points and no damage. More Magnetite From Potosí

Potosí, Bolivia - BournoniteBournonite from Potosí is a classic collectible and many specimens comes from earlier 19-20 century finds compared to their more recent counterparts from China. What makes them stand out is complex twinning patterns that look like a cogwheel which is why bournonite is often called "cog wheel ore". More Bournonite from Potosí

Viloco (Araca) Mine, Bolivia - CassiteriteOne of Bolivia's most important tin mining operations, Viloco (Araca) Mine has produced remarkable collectible specimens of Cassiterite with dipyramidal crystal forms and distinctive terminations. And while most Cassiterite from this location is opaque and brown-black metallic in color, the mine has produced some gem-quality specimens of amber-brown to even honey-yellow color. While not as common, some collectors have them faceted into gemstones with exceptional clarity. Gemmy Cassiterite is quite rare compared to metalic and both tend to form in clusters of intergrown crystals.More Cassiterite from Viloco (Araca) Mine