Mindat Mineralogy Messageboard - Lost and Stolen Specimens A forum to report lost and stolen specimens. http://www.mindat.org/msgboard-56.html Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:21:40 +0000 Phorum 5.2.8-RC1 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,158959,158959#msg-158959 lost coal fire minerals (12 replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,158959,158959#msg-158959 skip colflesh Lost and Stolen Specimens Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:02:45 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,156779,156779#msg-156779 500 zeolites stolen from a museum in East Iceland (16 replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,156779,156779#msg-156779
Sorry. It's in Icelandic

[www.mbl.is]]]> Jamison K Turnbull Lost and Stolen Specimens Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:53:47 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,156693,156693#msg-156693 Re: Prehnite (16 replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,156693,156693#msg-156693 You have a stolen specimen listed here. It is the "Prehnite, USA, New Jersey, Passaic Co, West Paterson, Union Building And Construction Quarry, UBCquarry: Tilcon Quarry" 5.5cm specimen, stolen May 22, 2009 from Chris Laskowich. There are other minereal specimens still missing from this quarry: many prehnite balls, ~3/4 inch, and two anhydrite hollows surrounded by prehnite, also called prehnite "spears", 3.5 inches and 4.5 inches. Please report any information you have upon how you obtained these specimens to the law office of Charles Damian, 388 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009. Fax # 973-857-3301, Tel 973-857-3301]]> Chris Laskowich Lost and Stolen Specimens Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:29:50 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,142002,142002#msg-142002 My Dealings with Joseph A. Freilich (61 replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,142002,142002#msg-142002
[www.mindat.org]

that I have published today. I have done so reluctantly as this is a very unpleasant matter. If others had done it before me, I wouldn't be in this position. I hope people will come forward, to confirm the pattern I have found and to protect future collectors.

When an established dealer and collector will not honour his debt to a newbie, what is the newbie to think? The frequent reaction is to feel that they have done something wrong and to believe Joe's nonsense. What are the chances that this person leaves the hobby in disgust? There is also a knock on effect from this behaviour. In my own case I left on a buying trip thinking Joe was going to honour his debt. I could have committed the money Joe owed on specimens. Thankfully I explained my position of waiting for Joe's cheque and learned the awful truth. Had I committed the money Joe owed, I would have had to return specimens to everyone's embarrassment.

If Joe is to be believed, his wife’s lawyers no longer permit him to consign or send specimens on approval. It is strictly cash up front. Those dealers with whom I have talked and who still do business with Joe, do it on that basis- no cheques!!! Caveat Emptor!!!]]> Rob Woodside Lost and Stolen Specimens Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:57:25 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,139192,139192#msg-139192 'Chromian Mimetite' from Tsumeb (4 replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,139192,139192#msg-139192
Over the next four months I heard only prevarications about how long it was taking, how the report was nearly ready, how the mineral had to be sent for another test, and how much this was costing the dealer. Finally the specimen returned from its 'investigations' with the verdict that its identity could not be determined. I asked for a copy of the report(s) and was refused.

The dealer then told me he had offered the specimen to someone else, who was willing to pay $3500 for it. As it was still my property I demanded that he return it to me with compensation for it's not being what he originally claimed. This he refused, saying I had the option of getting either the mineral or my money back. In the end I settled for asking for my money back. This was in January this year.

When the money did not appear I asked why, and was told that since it was a long time since I had bought the mineral, and since the dealer had been so generous as to take it back and have it tested, he would send it 'in my time, not yours'.

The discussion now became acrimonious, and eventually I tired of it and agreed to give him longer to pay. Two weeks ago I wrote to say I had given him over four months and had heard nothing. His wife emailed that he was travelling abroad, but she would tell him my message when he phoned in that evening (May 13). Since then, nothing.

What should I do?]]> Colin Manlove Lost and Stolen Specimens Wed, 27 May 2009 18:13:01 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,129894,129894#msg-129894 Sometimes you get a happy ending! Marcus O. gets his Minerals Back! (1 reply) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,129894,129894#msg-129894
Check out this video I shot on the fly that day...

Marcus gets his minerals back! Video]]> Justin Zzyzx Lost and Stolen Specimens Fri, 27 Mar 2009 23:41:49 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,128670,128670#msg-128670 Lost Fluorite from Cave in Rock at Inn Suites, Tucson (no replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,128670,128670#msg-128670 RYAN LAY (1) Lost and Stolen Specimens Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:08:15 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,127064,127064#msg-127064 Robbery of Log Fossil described and considered geologic patrimony of Portugal (2 replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,127064,127064#msg-127064 Description:
This fossil log, in excellent preservation state, weighs close to 15 tons and it measures 1,9 m of length for 98-84 cm of diameter and has a superior age at 5 million years. For the variation of the width along its axial axis, it is admitted that this fragment belonged to a tree with approximately 10 m of height in the main log.
Please if somebody recognizes or has information relatively to this situation that contacts the Portuguese authorities.
Thank you.

Martins da Pedra]]> António Manuel Ináçio Martins Lost and Stolen Specimens Sun, 15 Feb 2009 11:23:22 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,123205,123205#msg-123205 Large smokey quartz crystal - Maryland Specimen (1 reply) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,123205,123205#msg-123205
From: USGS - Department of the Interior - "Mineral Resources of the Unites States," Calendar Year 1903 (Printed 1904)

Page 947:

"In the report of this bureau for 1896, reference was made to a large crystal of smoky quartz from Harford County, Maryland and to the evidence afforded by the numerous pebbles of this material in the Potomac Gravels of its presence in considerable amount in the crystalline rocks farther up.
It seems that an enormous specimen of the mineral was obtained in Maryland many years ago, which has not been heretofore recorded. Mr. Edward C. Mitchell, president of the Academy of Sciences of St. Paul, Minnesota, writes that he has in his possession a fine crystal of smoky quartz, 16 inches long, and 7 1/2" in diameter, and weighing 47 pounds, which he found in 1860 near Ellicotts Mills in Howard County, Maryland."

I have checked with the Minnesota academy and the Minnesota Historical Society, both organizations of which the Reverend Mitchell was a board member. They have both checked and the specimen has never been in their collections. I am currently checking with a few other places in Minnesota, but thought I might put out feelers here on Mindat, to see if anyone has run across this specimen or has knowledge of its whereabouts.

Jeff Nagy]]> Jeff Nagy Lost and Stolen Specimens Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:17:53 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,119325,119325#msg-119325 stolen fire obsidian out of package at the post office (6 replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,119325,119325#msg-119325 Emory Coons Lost and Stolen Specimens Thu, 01 Jan 2009 22:11:36 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,113973,113973#msg-113973 Misplaced/Lost fluorite etc. (2 replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,113973,113973#msg-113973
[www.mindat.org]

It may have fallen out of my backpack at UCLA a year ago or I may have set it down and forgot to pick it up again.

So in the off chance anyone happens across it please let me know.]]> Jenna Mast Lost and Stolen Specimens Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:49:32 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,108299,108299#msg-108299 stolen Fluorite (1 reply) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,108299,108299#msg-108299 Please see the description Dennis Beals posted. Also my collection of business cards was taken, so if you are contacted by me it is not me.
Thank you, Sam Nasser]]> Sam Nasser Lost and Stolen Specimens Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:47:42 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,108089,108089#msg-108089 Stolen Fluorite in Phoenix AZ (1 reply) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,108089,108089#msg-108089 sjnenterprises@hotmail.com.]]> Dennis Beals Lost and Stolen Specimens Sat, 30 May 2009 15:16:21 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,103786,103786#msg-103786 Stonelen Specimens in Thailand (no replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,103786,103786#msg-103786
Please help suggestion. What's it?



Thank you.]]> Sopon Lost and Stolen Specimens Sat, 26 Jul 2008 11:53:16 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,101869,101869#msg-101869 Stolen amethyst in Traversella, Italy (no replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,101869,101869#msg-101869 The city inn is called Hotel Miniere and has in its hall a small collection with some classical specimen from the mine, collected by ancient miners during years.

Last week one of the items was stolen. It is an amethyst found in 1959.
The amethyst in Traversella is extremely unusual: it was found only two times in over 400 years of mining.
All the existing specimens are well known, so it is very difficult to sell such an item.

I ask your help to make it impossible to sell also to people who do not know about Traversella amethyst: the value of this specimen is interely in it's origin, because it is only about 10 cm.
So if you are offered a Traversella amethyst today, it is quite sure it is this item. No other specimens are on market today!




Thanks in advance for your help
Fulvio
]]> Fulvio Malfatto Lost and Stolen Specimens Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:49:54 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,95574,95574#msg-95574 stolen herkimers / known predator (3 replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,95574,95574#msg-95574 The man who stole them is Fred Fisher. The police are looking for him not only in New York but 5 other states as where He has Warrants out for his arrest. I spoke to his family and they also want him arrested due to threatening behavior. This man is an opportunist and will prey on anyone who responds. was last seen in Newburgh NY 4/22 9:30 pm. Could be headed anywhere to sell these specimens.
He is running out of money and is becoming desparate. Has no real address.
This post is not only to recover minerals but possibly protect his family or anyone who may fall victim. If seen please call police or contact me at dsw821@hotmail.com]]> Daniel Webster Lost and Stolen Specimens Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:06:30 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,91542,91542#msg-91542 Two Idaho Aquamarines (5 replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,91542,91542#msg-91542
Around 8x1 cm and the smaller one was around 6cm in length.

I sent these two killers to Sandor Fuss to get repaired by the best in the business and they got delivered somewhere in the vincity, but not to Sandor.

I filed a report to the postal Police and am in the waiting game now. They were delivered to ????? on March 6, 08.

If anyone finds them or hears about them please contact me. $300 dollar reward for the return...

And Never use USPS and not insure your items. This is a lesson to all.
Fed-x is the right choice and worth the extra cash..]]> Anonymous User Lost and Stolen Specimens Sun, 27 Jul 2008 13:09:21 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,91053,91053#msg-91053 Major Theft from University of Michigan Geology Department (17 replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,91053,91053#msg-91053
We have suffered a major theft from the third floor display cases. Apparently in two instances this weekend, Saturday morning or early afternoon and then perhaps late last night. If anyone witnessed any suspicious activity this weekend please let me know. Also if you have witnessed any unusual interest in the display collections, talked with anyone recently that asked about the displays or know of anyone that may have resentment toward the Dept please contact me as soon as possible. Thanks!

The specimens stolen were primarily gemstones, including a Pulsifer Apatite. The most recognizable piece was a Smithsonite stalactite from Sardinia.

I'll have photos posted as soon as I can get them.]]> Chris Stefano Lost and Stolen Specimens Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:41:03 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,88130,88130#msg-88130 Tucson - Spessartines and other minerals stolen (15 replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,88130,88130#msg-88130
email: marcus@mineralzone.com

phone: 520-624-4096]]> Jolyon Ralph Lost and Stolen Specimens Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:54:00 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,87948,87948#msg-87948 Tucson 2008 - Stolen Imperial Topaz (no replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,87948,87948#msg-87948
Mary J. Perry is offering a $5,000 (US dollars) reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the theft. The suspected thief is a male, short (about five feet two inches in height), dark hair, stocky, and between the ages of 30-40 years. He has a dark complection and may be Hispanic.]]> Jolyon Ralph Lost and Stolen Specimens Thu, 14 Feb 2008 07:16:44 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,87895,87895#msg-87895 Tucson - Stolen Tourmaline (no replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,87895,87895#msg-87895


Locality of the Specimen is: POPROK, NOORISTAN PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN.

The Police Report Details.
Sergeant Name: M. Vipond.
Badge # : 39785
Case # : 0802100392
Phone: 520- 791-5032
[www.ci.tucson.az.us]

This re-healed & bent Tourmaline Crystal is approximately 4 inches high & 1.50 Inches wide with the Re-healed termination. The Crystal sits on a base of pale gray porous Feldspar Crystal. The Tourmaline Crystal is green & pink in color with the pink color being on the inside. It has a high luster & is translucent.

Please contact Tucson Police if you see this specimen being offered anywhere.
]]> Jolyon Ralph Lost and Stolen Specimens Wed, 13 Feb 2008 05:17:27 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,79788,79788#msg-79788 STOLEN ETHIOPIAN OPAL (no replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,79788,79788#msg-79788 I had an very unique and expensive Ethiopian opal stolen from my stand on 10/11/07 at Cheltenham racecourse. Please see below for a photo. I would be very grateful for anyone who has any information about it or who has seen it around, being worn or trying to be sold.
many thanks
Sara]]> Sara Giller Lost and Stolen Specimens Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:22:39 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,79616,79616#msg-79616 More photo's of stolen Material (no replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,79616,79616#msg-79616 Anonymous User Lost and Stolen Specimens Sat, 10 Nov 2007 02:31:18 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,79615,79615#msg-79615 Stolen Collection, Please Help and take a look. (no replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,79615,79615#msg-79615
This is a list of most of the material stolen.


Tourmaline DT, Pech, Afghanistan with pinicoid Terminations
Around 10.5 to 11.5 cm in length.

Two Liddicoitite's, Purplish color, Around 10-16 grams each, X- Federico Pezzotaite Collection

Rhodochrosite, NChwaning Mine Wheat Style Growth

Sweet Home Rhodochrosite Rhomb, 1x2 cm

Aquamarine, Medina, Brazil Finger size, Frosted

Aquamarine DT Windex Blue, 747 Grams, Shigar, Pakistan, X-Scott Wallace Collection

Two Liddicoitite's, Purplish color, Around 10-16 grams each, X- Federico Pezzotaite Collection

Blue Topaz with two crystals forming in a V-shape with Green Fluorite inclusions at base, Around 12x6 cm

DT Tourmaline, Brazil, Green End/Pink End with Blue Cap, You would think a California Elbaite but not.

Tourmaline, Cruzero Mine 5cm, Bright magenta, Modified Termination

Two Chrome Tourmalines, Arusha, Tanzainia, They look like Garnets at first, Quarter size

Tourmaline, Pech, Electric Green/Blue Tri-pyramidal termination, clear/pinkish at base 5 cm

Citrine Quartz, Brazil, Cabinet size

Aquamarine 5x7 cm, Gem Crystal, X- Jeff Fast Collection

Indicolite Tourmaline, Gem DT 5-6 cm, Paige, Afghanistan

Tourmaline, Nigerian Red/Rubelite, All Gem.. 3-4 cm

Ethiopian Opal, Polished Thumbnail

And a lot more material was stolen on Halloween in 06' one block from the Warfield, in downtown San Francisco in the Tenderloin District.
The car was most likely robbed by the homeless as they took everything in the car and left a kunzite Blade which was moved and seemed as
if they saw it as dead weight and left it for something more useful to them. All specimens were in gen cases at the time and the local
police said it would most likely be sold at the nearby Carl's Jr Restaurant for next to nothing. There is a Reward for any material recovered
and please notify the San Fransisco police Department or my self at imagine144@gmail.com if you have any information

Thanks,

Ryan lay]]> Anonymous User Lost and Stolen Specimens Sat, 10 Nov 2007 02:29:12 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,79614,79614#msg-79614 Stolen Collection, Please Help!! (no replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,79614,79614#msg-79614
This is a lsit of most of the material stolen.


Tourmaline DT, Pech, Afghanistan with pinicoid Terminations
Around 10.5 to 11.5 cm in length.

Two Liddicoitite's, Purplish color, Around 10-16 grams each, X- Federico Pezzotaite Collection

Rhodochrosite, NChwaning Mine Wheat Style Growth

Sweet Home Rhodochrosite Rhomb, 1x2 cm

Aquamarine, Medina, Brazil Finger size, Frosted

Aquamarine DT Windex Blue, 747 Grams, Shigar, Pakistan, X-Scott Wallace Collection

Two Liddicoitite's, Purplish color, Around 10-16 grams each, X- Federico Pezzotaite Collection

Blue Topaz with two crystals forming in a V-shape with Green Fluorite inclusions at base, Around 12x6 cm

DT Tourmaline, Brazil, Green End/Pink End with Blue Cap, You would think a California Elbaite but not.

Tourmaline, Cruzero Mine 5cm, Bright magenta, Modified Termination

Two Chrome Tourmalines, Arusha, Tanzainia, They look like Garnets at first, Quarter size

Tourmaline, Pech, Electric Green/Blue Tri-pyramidal termination, clear/pinkish at base 5 cm

Citrine Quartz, Brazil, Cabnite size

Aquamarine 5x7 cm, Gem Crystal, X- Jeff Fast Collection

Indicolite Tourmaline, Gem DT 5-6 cm, Paige, Afghanistan

Tourmaline, Nigerian Red/Rubelite, All Gem.. 3-4 cm

Eithopian Opal, Polished Thumbnail

And a lot more material was stolen on Halloween in 06' one block from the Warfield, in downtown San franscisco in the Tenderlion District.
The car was most likely robbed by the homeless as they took everything in the car and left a kunzite Blade which was moved and seemed as
if they saw it as dead weight and left it for something more useful to them. All specimens were in gen cases at the time and the local
police said it would most likely be sold at the nearby Carl's jr Resterant for next to nothing. There is a Reward for any material recovered
and please notify the San Fransico police Department or my self at imagine144@gmail.com if you have any information]]> Anonymous User Lost and Stolen Specimens Sat, 10 Nov 2007 02:21:57 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,73869,73869#msg-73869 MIA New Jersey Traprock Specimens (1 reply) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,73869,73869#msg-73869 Please keep an eye out, as the Paterson Museum is missing three fine New Jersey traprock specimens from their display collection. Included are the 3.8 cm (Kaufman) prehnite sphere from Prospect Park, visible on page 177 of the July-August 1984 issue of Rocks and Minerals, a large amethyst specimen with big dark purple crystals, and an isolated large white analcime crystal on prehnite. This was confirmed today by a museum representative.

Thanks!]]> Frank A. Imbriacco III Lost and Stolen Specimens Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:55:14 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,73865,73865#msg-73865 New Jersey Prehnite Missing from Paterson Museum (no replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,73865,73865#msg-73865
The accompanying photo was taken from Rocks and Minerals July/August 1984, page 177, figure 40.]]> Frank A. Imbriacco III Lost and Stolen Specimens Mon, 27 Aug 2007 22:04:57 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,67525,67525#msg-67525 Other stolen specimen links (no replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,67525,67525#msg-67525

[www.smmp.net]

[www.minrec.org]


If you have a link worth adding here please let me know.]]> Jolyon Ralph Lost and Stolen Specimens Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:26:26 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,65756,65756#msg-65756 Stolen carbonado/black diamond (no replies) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,65756,65756#msg-65756
carbonado.jpg


This specimen was stolen in the raid on the Museon in the Hague while out on loan.

[www.agiweb.org]


Historic carbonado diamond from the BMNH among specimens stolen from the Museon diamond exhibition

BM 33599
Diamond "carbonado" from Brazil.
Specimen registered as "Carbonado", it is a dark-brown rounded octahedron, approx 15mm across, with a cubic termination at one end.
A highly carbon rich diamond, or pseudomorph, it is a historical piece from the Museum collections, 1861

Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of this specimen should contact:

Mr. Alan Hart
Curator of Collections
Mineralogy Department
The Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
London SW7 5BD
]]> Chris Stanley Lost and Stolen Specimens Mon, 21 May 2007 16:13:23 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,65744,65744#msg-65744 Stolen Kongsberg silver (1 reply) http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,56,65744,65744#msg-65744
kongsberg.jpg


An image of this missing Kongsberg silver has been on the Society of Mineralogy Museum Professionals for some years now. Anyone know more about it?

[www.agiweb.org]


Two distinct silver wires are imbedded in the calcite and the specimen is of high quality having no major tarnish.

As part of an audit, this specimen has been found to be missing from the Main Mineral Collection of the Natural History Museum, London. The audit trail and image archive indicate that this specimen went missing during the early 1990's and was replaced by a lesser specimen.


Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of this specimen should contact:

Mr. Alan D. Hart
Collections Leader and Curator
Mineralogy Department
The Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
London SW7 5BD
]]> Chris Stanley Lost and Stolen Specimens Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:16:01 +0000