Tetrahedrite with Chalcopyrite on Siderite - image 1

Tetrahedrite with Chalcopyrite on Siderite

$1,750.00

$40.00 shipping
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Tucson, Arizona, USA

7,543 for sale·132 sold

This magnificent Tetrahedrite (technically Tetrahedrite subgroup as the exact composition is not known) is a stunning display example of crystal form even before the locality is considered. It is from one of the all-time European classic localities - Clausthal-Zellerfeld in Harz, Lower Saxony, which saw mining from the 12th century right through until the 1930s. The tetrahedral crystals reach 2.2 cm on edge and display the most remarkably detailed crystallographic shape, with the main faces displaying subtle three-sided sloping pyramidal faces too. One of the larger crystals appears also to be twinned. Minor, film-like coatings of iridescent Chalcopyrite partially coat some of the Tetrahedrite crystal faces. The corner of one large and prominent Tetrahedrite crystal is contacted, but this does not overly detract from the aesthetics of this wonderful piece, with the Tetrahedrite crystals spaced out nicely upon a dark brown bed of crystallized Siderite. It is generally stated that all of the high quality Tetrahedrite crystals from Clausthal-Zellerfeld are old-timers. We have no definitive proof of this with this specimen, other than it is of such a mesmerizing quality. Simply wonderful. Ex David Hardman collection, no. 7845.