Chalcophyllite

Unknown Owner

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This remarkably beautiful specimen is a joy to behold. A Cornish classic, this Chalcophyllite from Wheal Gorland is not only extremely richly crystallized, but is extremely attractive too. A narrow section of heavily oxidized gossanous matrix has a long open cavity (4 x 1.5 cm) at one end completely lined with shimmering green-blue hexagonal platy crystals of Chalcophyllite. The crystals reach 4.5 mm across, but most are 2-3 mm in size and free from damage. A very old handwritten label attached to the specimen appears to state "coll E. Tawney" with the number 1960257 written later. Edward Tawney (1840-1882) was curator at Bristol Museum but not much else is known about him and his clear interest in fine minerals. Small crystals of Chalcophylite are also dispersed throughout the matrix which consists of highly altered Chalcopyrite and Pyrite, with residual Quartz. An extremely choice Cornish Chalcophyllite.