PYROSTILPNITE with Pyrargyrite on Calcite - image 1
PYROSTILPNITE with Pyrargyrite on Calcite - image 2
specimen video

PYROSTILPNITE with Pyrargyrite on Calcite

Unknown Owner
This is a fine rarity from the famous historic St. Andreasberg silver mines in Harz, Lower Saxony, Germany. Pyrostilpnite and its polymorph Pyrargyrite are both present on this miniature piece from Martin and Michael Günther's (1951-2007 & 1956-2021) collection. It comes with a fine old 19th century handwritten German collection label recording the old name for Pyrostilpnite: Feuerblende - fire blende. A small vuggy bed of Calcite crystals features numerous small cavities containing bladed (Pyrostilpnite) and blocky (Pyrargyrite) microcrystals. The Pyrostilpnite crystals are generally paler (orange) and brighter in colour that the Pyrargyrite. The longest Pyrostilpnite crystal is just over 2 mm in length which is surprisingly good for this extremely rare silver species. A classic from this famous German silver mining region.

Product details

SizeMiniature
Dimensions4.3 x 2.4 x 2.4 cm
Added on05/17/2025

Known provenance

DateCollectorAcquisition price
10/2025Unknown Owner$1,200.00
Crystal ClassicsNot disclosed