Galena ps. after Pyromorphite (circa 1800s) - image 1

Galena ps. after Pyromorphite (circa 1800s) - image 2

Galena ps. after Pyromorphite (circa 1800s) - image 3

Galena ps. after Pyromorphite (circa 1800s)

Unknown Owner

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This is a very rare old French classic from the days of iron mining here, probably 150-250 years ago. Disparate, superb, barrel shaped crystals of what were once pyromorphite, to 1.4 cm in length, have been totally pseudomorphed (replaced) by lustrous, black-gray galena. It is elegant, aesthetic, and in good condition as modern standards would wish, when most survivors are simply clunky or damaged after all this time. In other words, it is a remarkable miniature, history aside. Ex. Alain Martaud collection (a well known French dealer and collector), with label. There is a tiny crack in the upper-right crystal, but I do not think it is repaired.