Chlorargyrite

Unknown Owner

This fascinating historic miniature specimen from St. Andreasberg is accompanied by a very old handwritten label recording it as containing "Hornerz", the old name for Chlorargyrite, but also the specific "Buttermilk" variety. Intriguingly, it notes that it is accompanied by Kalx Spath, or Calcite, when this specimen has cavities lined with Albite crystals. This error is strange, but conceivable given the shape of the Albite crystals, and to add to the intrigue St. Andreasberg is the Type Locality for Albite. Many of the cavities are lined with a very soft silvery grey substance which one must assume is what was described as the 'Buttermilk'. An unusual piece and from the superb systematic collection assembled by the brothers Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021).