Pyromorphite

Unknown Owner

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Attractive, discrete botryoids of highly lustrous and translucent, bright orange-colored arsenian pyromorphite, are scattered about on matrix. The color is due to trace amounts of arsenic, and was found in this style in the early 1990s. Pyromorphite from this classic US locale is now 23 years old and counting, since last found. The location is now a toxic Superfund site and its mineral collecting owner has passed away. No more will ever be found here, sadly. This remarkable piece is a rare example of isolated, discrete balls of pyro crystals on contrasting matrix, of which so very few were ever found. Especially of this habit, most were in thick rolling sheets over the rock matrix, with no separation of the crystals. The largest sphere measures 1.3 cm in length. They have superb luster and overall the piece presents like it has a sugary sparkle to it. ex Dr. Wouter van Tichelen and John Schneider pyromorphite collections