$315Median
33Sold (12 mo)
$120Last sale
Cinnabar from Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
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This is a very significant specimen of the extremely rare natural silver mercury alloy - Mochellandsbergite. Previously described as a silver amalgam, it was formally named in 1938 after the locality where it was discovered - Mochellandsberg. This specimen is not just extremely rich, but has a fantastic pedigree too. It comes from a highly regarded German collection, prior to which it belonged to Herbert Obodda who obtained it in 1985. The oldest labels - one on card, the other attached to the specimen - are written by the same hand and refer to the Mochellandsbergite as Amalgam, indicating that it was written pre-1938. These labels also provide a very precise provenance - to Schwarzen Georg, Vertrauen zu Gott mine - which is extremely rare. Just over half of this specimen is matrix, but a 1.2 cm wide, open textured vein along one side is richly invested in silvery to golden metallic Mochellandsbergite, Siderite, Cinnabar and Metacinnabar. The richness of the Mochellandsbergite is noted by the significant weight imbalance from this vein compared to the rock matrix alongside. Paragenetically, it can be seen that the Mochellandsbergite has crystallized first and is overgrown by slightly gemmy toffee-coloured bladed Siderite microcrystals. Cinnabar and darker coloured Metacinnabar has then infilled spaces between the Siderite. The areas of Mochellandsbergite do not display strongly developed crystal faces, but a more rounded form and some show microcracking that is typical of older specimens of this rare species. The individual areas of Mochellandsbergite are typically between 1 and 2.5 mm across, but many are richly clustered together. The Vertrauen zu Gott mine is the Type Locality for two other rare silver mercury alloys - schachnerite and paraschachnerite. There is a strong likelihood that they occur on this specimen too. A fascinating and extremely significant specimen of one of the rarest mercury-bearing species.
Product details
SpeciesCinnabar
SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions5.2 x 4.4 x 5.3 cm
Added on12/02/2024
LocalityGermany, Rhineland-Palatinate
Current owner
Unknown Owner
- Acquired
- Jul 2026
- Price paid
- $3,400.00
Previous owners
| Date | Collector | Acquisition price |
|---|---|---|
| — | Crystal Classics | Not disclosed |
Learn more
Mineral guide
Learn about Cinnabar
vivid scarlet crystals with adamantine luster; brittle yet prized, often on white carbonate, from historic mines and modern Chinese localities.Regional guide
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