Alabandite

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Very different in form to Alabandite from other worldwide occurrences, the large, arborescent sprays found at the Zinc Corporation mine at Broken Hill in New South Wales, Australia were, according to William Birch in the Minerals of Broken Hill book, first found in open fractures on the 18 Level in about 1965. Specimens were reportedly rare and at 17 cm in length, this magnificent display specimen from Milton Lavers' collection is considerably larger and more aesthetic than the best example illustrated in that iconic book. Apparently the dark brown colour is imparted by alteration of a thin layer of Rhodochrosite to Hausmannite, with Alabandite inside. With no damage this is a truly stunning Australian classic, worthy of the finest collection.