Stephanite

Unknown Owner

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This very fine thumbnail is likely from the recent (2009/2010) small discovery of the silver antimony sulfide, Stephanite, at the classic Porco mine in Bolivia. The Stephanite crystals here are unusually sharp, have a bright, silvery metallic luster, and are partially striated. The three crystals in the upper portion of the cluster are nearly 1 cm in size, and their intersection with the lower crystal is accented by a cluster of small, sharp Quartz crystals. The mine at Porco is the oldest and most significant Silver mine in Bolivia, and this thumbnail stands above many specimens I have seen from this locality due to the sharpness and luster of the Stephanites. The aesthetics are very good.