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Bismuthinite with Cassiterite "Wood Tin"

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Bismuthinite from Fowey Consols is a well-known classic and for collectors of British minerals there is no better material than that which was found at Fowey Consols during the second half of the 19th century. For what is a rare species the richness of specimens from this mine is exceptional and this fine small cabinet specimen is a prime example. It has all of the classic features one would expect - an open, porous Quartz matrix interspersed with patches of poorly crystallized Chalcopyrite with an abundance of dark grey metallic needles of Bismuthinite matted together in 'cobwebs' spanning the open cavities. The longest Bismuthinite crystals reach 1.2 cm in length. So how then is this specimen better than all of the others? Well, look carefully using magnification, and a new world opens up. These Bismuthinite crystals are not what they first seem. Some are, but many are coated with a velvety layer of Cassiterite, the variety 'Wood Tin'. The Cassiterite coats entire lengths of some Bismuthinite needles, but some it sits upon like puff balls in the most mesmerizing forms. It is simply stunning - a thing of beauty. It has passed through some great collections in its time, including Carlton M. Davis (1920-2006) in the USA, and then back in England with J.L. White and Nick Carruth with all of their labels preserved with it. Top quality.