Arsenopyrite

Unknown Owner

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I am told by many people that this may well be the best arsenopyrite from England, as an aesthetic specimen at least. Considering what simply average Chinese arsenopyrite costs (already high) and how common it is, puts this piece into a significant context. Limestone matrix and milky quartz host an aggregate of parallel-grown splendent, silver-colored crystals of arsenopyrite to 3 cm in length. The back side has been contacted but can't be seen when the specimen is properly displayed from its two frontal angles as shown here or as in the book photo. Mined in the late 1980's by miner J.G. Wilson: his label and that of Ralph Sutcliffe accompany this significant locality specimen. I find it remarkable that for such a locality rarity, even by any standard it is still extremely aesthetic and not a "black ugly" by any means. Illustrated in the Greenbank Collection book, page 25 - a full page photo. (Joe Budd photo, shown here atop)