Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History & Coins

A colossal cut section of cream-coloured stalagmite showing natural ripples. 76 kg, 105 cm



Previously from a Hong Kong collection. Ex property of a London, UK, gentleman, 1990s.

A stalagmite is an upward-growing mound of mineral deposits growing on the floor of a cave due to the accumulation of material deposited from ceiling drippings. They are typically formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate and other minerals, which are precipitated from mineralised water solutions. Limestone is the chief form of calcium carbonate rock, which is dissolved by water that contains carbon dioxide, forming a calcium bicarbonate solution in underground caverns.

Comprising ten translucent slices, some with crystalline areas. 1.02 kg total, 9.8-18.5 cm



From Brazil. Ex Mineral Imports, London, UK. Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd (Gregory's), Harwich, UK.

A Knightia alta fish on a rectangular limestone matrix. 589 grams, 17.8 cm



From a Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.

In southwest Wyoming (and parts of Colorado and Utah) in the Green River Formation are found some of the world's most outstanding specimens of fossil fish. The Green River system was composed of three lakes: Lake Ulinta, Lake Gosiute and Fossil Lake. These Eocene lakes lay in a series of intermountain basins formed by geological events that uplifted the Rocky Mountains during the early Tertiary time. The climate was much different from the desert-like climate of this area today. Both the fauna (crocodiles, alligators, boa constrictors and some subtropical fish families) and the flora (such as large palm trees) indicate a climate much like that found along the Gulf Coast today. Large amounts of ash found in the sediments indicate that volcanoes were particularly active at this time.

Comprising five different cylindrical core samples. 3.35 kg total. 11.5-20.5 cm



Ex property of a North West London, UK, lady.

A group of ammonites on a matrix nodule, possibly Arnioceras or Cymbites group. 899 grams, 14 cm



From Whitby, Yorkshire, UK. From a Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.

A thick slab of agatised wood with some bark detailing on the outside. 1.92 kg, 26.6 cm



From Madagascar. Ex Mineral Imports, London, UK. Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd (Gregory's), Harwich, UK.

An unusual display comprising a cut and polished section of geode, lined with well-formed dark amethyst crystals and a flower-shaped cluster of calcite crystals to one side; mounted on a rotating custom-made display stand. 8.84 kg total, 47 cm including stand



From Artigas, Uruguay. Property of a London lady.

A boxed group of sizable, clear quartz crystals with pyramidal terminations. 2.85 kg total including box, 6.8-13.5 cm



From Brazil. Ex Mineral Imports, London, UK. Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd (Gregory's), Harwich, UK.

The tooth showing dark brown enamel, set in a sandstone matrix with a composite root for display. 567 grams, 15 cm



From Morocco, North Africa. From a Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.

The Mosasaur is an extinct, large marine reptile dinosaur with an elongated body, long snout and paddle-like limbs. Found worldwide, they competed with other well-known sea predators of the Late Cretaceous, such as plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs, for food, existing primarily on a diet of ammonoids, cuttlefish and fish.

Cluster of hopper crystals exhibiting a stairstep crystal structure and iridescent colours. 18.7 grams, 40 mm



From a Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.

An irregular specimen showing the internal structure. 283 grams, 81 mm



From a Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.

A boxed group of specimens comprising: two geode sections with amethyst, two pyrite specimens, one from Huanuco, Peru; a polished agate half showing 'fortress' type banding; a large smoky quartz crystal; two phantom amethyst crystal slices, one with an old label on the reverse; amazonite; sodalite; petrified wood; quartz, and others. 3.34 kg total including box, 4.2-12.5 cm



Ex Mineral Imports, London, UK. Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd (Gregory's), Harwich, UK.