PHOSGENITE on GALENA with BARYTE

This miniature specimen is a true British classic. Phosgenite, lead chlorocarbonate, was first described on a few specimens from Cromford in Derbyshire in the British Museum and was only later, in 1851, pin-pointed to Bage mine by the famous British mineral dealer Bryce Wright, who obtained most of the known specimens. The old accompanying label from Carl Friedrich Pech (1831-1899) records the species as "Cromfordite", the name used by Greg and Lettsom in 1858. Pech was renowned for selling high quality specimens from Berlin and his address on this label dates it to 1881-1891. The Phosgenite crystal is nowhere near the largest known from the Type Locality, but at 7 mm in length it is still prominent and has many redeeming features. Firstly, it is well-formed, with sharp edges and glassy surfaces. It has a lovely yellow colour and has no damage that is often a feature of larger crystals. Finally, it sits on top of a piece of matrix that cries out "Derbyshire Orefield" - classic Galena with Cawk (Baryte). In all a very fine British classic with a lovely older label.

Known provenanceKnowing where your specimen comes from and who owned it adds to its story and value. Good provenance helps prove it's authentic and preserves important details about its discovery.

Crystal Classics

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