Bournonite

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The sheer size of this individual, off-matrix Bournonite crystal from the Příbram District is exceptional, perhaps even off the radar. At 5.4 cm wide and over 3 cm thick, it is a monster of a crystal for this famous historical mining district where any Bournonite crystal is uncommon, and certainly anything above 1.5 cm in size is rare. Indeed, the largest crystal shown online reaches 2.4 cm across, and that includes examples in major European museums. Not only is this crystal enormous, but it is shapely too, with complete development of its smooth, glossy metallic gun metal grey front face, and excellent stepped, striated 'cog-wheel' sides to its prism. The rear, or base of the crystal might initially look like where it was previously attached to matrix, but this entire surface is not a fracture plane, but is crystallized too. Apart from a few minor, age-related chips, this is in stunning condition for its size and has a couple of small inclusions of buff-coloured Siderite. Ex Hans Engelbrecht Collection, no. 9000.