Name: Cassiterite with Quartz
Brand: Crystal Classics
Price: 3000 USD
Availability: InStock

Updated 3d ago

Cassiterite with Quartz

This large Cornish Cassiterite is a magnificent display specimen and its historic labels show how highly valued it was even back in the 1960s. In September 1963 John Sinkankas (1915-2003) purchased it from John Albanese (1898-1969) for the then significant sum of $15, immediately revaluing at as $28! Sinkankas described its as "Showy" with sharp brilliant xls in vugs in country rock. It was originally provenanced as "St. Agnes" but revised to Wheal Kitty later. Cassiterite crystals line a 8 x 4 cm vug in Quartz-Cassiterite veinstone. The Cassiterite crystals are some of the most reflective you will come across, black and supremely glossy interspersed with somewhat matt, white, prisms of Quartz. The Cassiterite crystals are mostly pyramidal, with the longest edge reaching 0.9 cm in length but most within the 5 to 6 mm size range. Some of the crystals show signs of damage but the majority are in wonderful condition and sparkle due to their extreme gloss. The specimen has three sawn sides, but these do not detract from the exception crystal-lined vug on the main display surface. This is a Cornish Cassiterite of the highest order - extremely showy. Ex Malcolm Southwood collection (no. MS 1998.100) and ex John Sinkankas collection (no. CS-2).

$3,000.00