Schoepite, Curite on Uraninite
Unknown Owner
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A MAJOR piece for African radioactives! Very large and colorful specimen from the famous Shinkolobwe mine. The yellow mineral used to be called Ianthinite but since the discovery in the 50's has turned into Epiianthinite; who is, in fact, now realized to be the same species as previously known Schoepite. It is a sort of pseudomorph because the crystal habit of the Ianthinite can still be seen (the change occurred after the specimen was recovered, postmining). Associated is also a 10 mm large cluster of red Curite crystals nicely nestled in the yellow Epiianthinite. It is beautiful! A very heavy specimen due to the matrix consisting of pure Uraninite. Shinkolobwe is the Type Locality for the Schoepite and the Curite, a mine closed since decades. This is thus a very important, large, and displayable specimen for all of the associations and the rich ore matrix as well. In fact, it is a huge piece with such fantastic color combo that it used to be on display at the Carnegie Museum, just because of the gorgeous color mix. This specimen was removed from the display in the early 90's because it was considered "too hot" and sold to now-deceased dealer Gilbert Gauthier, who charged quite well for it when he took it back to Europe. Before it went to Carnegie, it came from the famous dealer Dr. F. Krantz, in Bonn (the price in the 1970s was already 1700 German marks, quite expensive at the time, and indicative of the import placed on the piece). Krantz and Carnegie labels come with, so the full history is preserved. (Type Locality for BOTH species)
Product details
SizeCabinet
Dimensions14.0 x 10.0 x 7.2 cm
Added on10/23/2024
LocalityDR Congo, Haut-Katanga, Shinkolobwe Mine
Known provenance
| Date | Collector | Acquisition price |
|---|---|---|
| 08/2024 | Unknown Owner | Not disclosed |
| — | The Arkenstone | Not disclosed |
Comments