Tray of Mineral Specimens

A group of 100 polished mixed minerals, including: blue lace agate, carnelian, amethyst, dyed howlite, citrine, aventurine, and jasper. 870 grams total, 21-34 mm

Very fine condition.

Mineral Imports, London, UK. Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd (Gregory's). From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent.

A very large geode section with polished edges, the interior composed of two interlocking sections, one lined with richly coloured purple amethyst crystals, the other side with orange and white quartz crystals, some double-terminated, some light purple amethyst crystals to the edge wall; accompanied by two custom-made display stands, one tall and smaller. 55 kg total, 83 cm including small stand



From Artigas, Uruguay. Property of a London lady.

A pair of Charonosaurus sp. hadrosaur eggs on a matrix retaining evidence of the original leathery surface. 10.35 kg, 32.5 cm wide



Acquired between the 1970s and 1980s. From the private collection of John Watson, Cambridge, UK.

Dinosaur eggs are known from about 200 sites around the world, the majority in Asia and mostly in terrestrial (non-marine) rocks of the Cretaceous Period. It may be that thick calcite eggshells evolved during the Cretaceous (145 to 65 million years ago). Most dinosaur eggs have one of two forms of eggshell that are distinct from the shells of related modern animal groups, such as turtles or birds; however, some eggs closely resemble the type of shells seen in present day ostrich eggs.