Chalcopyrite on Tetrahedrite

$350.00

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The ArkenstoneFeatured

3,403 for sale·Member since 2026

This old European classic from Cornwall probably dates to the late 1800s or early 1900s and stands on its own as a fine, aesthetic example of Chalcopyrite coating Tetrahedrite. These multicolored crystals from old Cornish mines, like Herodsfoot, are just outstanding with the underlying, bright, metallic, battleship gray Tetrahedrite crystals epitaxially overgrown by iridescent brassy and reddish Chalcopyrite that selectively coats much of the broader faces of the tetrahedrons giving the piece a definitive and almost antique look. The largest crystal measures 2 cm across and there are several smaller ones. The large one is in excellent condition and the smaller ones are good, but mostly incomplete and with some damage. There is also a flattened, disc-like, brassy, iridescent growth in the middle of the piece that looks like it could be numerous small Chalcopyrite crystals replacing a Pyrrhotite blade?! Contrast on the piece is enhanced by the associated vein Quartz that colorful sulfides grew on top of. A Cornish classic!