Franckeite (Var: Potosiite), Franckeite
Unknown Owner
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From the great find of 2004. This specimen is a very attractive, very rare, superb quality, crystallized specimen of Potosiite consisting of several, extremely rare, highly lustrous, heavily striated, tabular blades (some are twinned) of measuring up to 5 mm sitting atop crystallized and the equally rare triclinic lead, tin, iron, antimony sulfosalt Franckeite, and some thin acicular crystals of another sulfosalt (most likely Jamesonite or Boulangerite). Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the piece is the fact that there is some host rock matrix underneath the Potosiite and Franckeite, which is rarely seen from this locality. The crystals of Potosiite on this specimen are exceptionally large. Before these new specimens were discovered, some of the largest known crystals of Potosiite were massive, uncrystallized, granules less than 1 mm. in most cases. This find completely redefined Potosiite. These are undoubtedly some of the largest known potosiite crystals in existence. I have been told that the part of the mine that produced these specimens is now mined out and will most likely never produce these impressive specimens again.
Product details
SpeciesFranckeite
SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions8.8 x 6.8 x 3.7 cm
Added on10/23/2024
LocalityBolivia, Potosí, San Jose Mine
Known provenance
| Date | Collector | Acquisition price |
|---|---|---|
| 08/2024 | Unknown Owner | Not disclosed |
| — | The Arkenstone | Not disclosed |
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Mineral guide
Learn about Franckeite
, a rare micaceous lead-tin-antimony sulfosalt, forms layered rosettes and curved plates; Bolivian origin and texture make it collectible.
Regional guide
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