Alabandite with Rhodochrosite

$5,000.00

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The ArkenstoneFeatured

3,349 for sale·Member since 2026

This is a large and significant cluster of the rare manganese sulfide alabandite from Uchucchacua, Peru. The crystals are unusually sharp and fine, and the piece is itself unusually aesthetic. There are at least three dozen alabandite crystals on this exceptional cabinet piece ranging from 0.7 to 3.5 cm, a few of which are twinned. The alabandite crystals are iron-black in color with a subdued metallic luster and are distinctly cubo-octahedral in habit. It is a very three-dimensional piece with the alabandites mounded up yet the crystals are still very distinct with very evident forms and twin planes on appropriate crystals. There is some whitish pink rhodochrosite that peeks through in between some of the alabandite crystals that adds nice contrast. It sits nicely on its own for display. From an unanticipated and surprising find that that came out around 2012 from this old silver mine. In excellent condition with great balance and presentation. Paul purchased this in the first large release of fine specimens at Munich by dealer Luis Burilo at the time, for 6800 euros. Ex. Paul Stahl collection.