Chalcocite

Unknown Owner

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An aesthetic, old-time and classic miniature from the historic Botallack Mine of Cornwall, England. This piece is topped off by a grey, 2.1 cm Chalcocite crystal. Several of the edges are sharp and beveled, showing the overall hexagonal habit. Where the crystal has undergone a small amount of etching, the you can clearly see the growth structures. The reticulated twinning is fascinating, and it can be seen both internally and along the edges. The Botallack Mine opened in 1721 and closed in 1914. There is a line of smaller crystals working their way down the matrix, and these add to both the mineral and visual interest. Formerly in the collection of Richard E Barstow (with labels).