Proustite (late 1800s)

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3,384 for sale·Member since 2026

This is a fabulously sparkling, important cluster of vermillion colored Proustite crystals with contrasting white Calcite from the famous Delores I Mine at Chanarcillo, Chile; and it would have come out in the late 1800s heyday here. Proustite from Chile sets the standard for sheer color, and luster, for the species. Specimens like this were mined generally prior to WWI with a peak in the late 1880s to early 1890s. Large specimens such as this were in large part sent out through one mine engineer in particular to museums around the world. Most larger specimens offer a tradeoff of color and richness vs. perfection, with this offering size and impact although it has some minor wear or contacts. This is, overall, an incredible cluster containing scores of vermillion-red, transparent to translucent prismatic crystals with unbelievable luster. Crystals vary in size from a few millimeters to an amazing 4.75 cm (2 inches!), with the average size near 1 cm! The single central crystal is elongated and nearly 2 inches, which is almost unheard of. Many of these impressive crystals are terminated and some are not. Many of the intermediate and smaller crystals do have nice, sharp terminations. All of the Proustites show some level of striations for extra subtle character. Knots of bright white Calcite matrix provide ultimate contrast. Ex. Paul Stahl collection.