Moschellandsbergite

Mochellandsbergite from the Type Locality at Landsberg (Moschellandsberg) in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany is one of the most sought after mercury-based mineral species. This large miniature to small cabinet specimen features a well-formed, 6 mm diameter Mochellandsbergite crystal on matrix containing red Cinnabar. Mochellandsbergite crystals are rare, and crystals on matrix, rarer still. The crystal displays cracking - a common feature for this species which, as a silver mercury alloy can expand and contract as temperatures rise and fall. It has a brassy colour and metallic lustre, and although rounded, appears to show some crystal faces. Accompanying the specimen are two old collection labels, both of which probably date to the 19th century. The reason for this assumption is not only their style and appearance, but also their content: both use the term "Amalgam" which we usually associate with gold-mercury alloys, but prior to being accepted as a new species in 1938, Mochellandsbergite was known as an amalgam of silver and mercury. One small typed label documents that the specimen was owned by "Dr. Buch". The other, more significant label, which appears older, displays a beautiful crystal drawing of the complex crystal from of 'Amalgam' which in this case shows Mochellandsbergite. This is a superb matrix specimen of Mochellandsbergite, but the addition of the hand-drawn crystal form label, really elevates this to a whole different level.

Unknown Owner

Product details

Species

Cinnabar

SizeSmall Cabinet

Dimensions6.0 x 7.5 x 4.4 cm

Locality

Germany, Rhineland-Palatinate, Landsberg

Added on12/02/2024

Comments

Known provenance

Unknown date