Bournonite

Unknown Owner
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This small but instantly recognizable specimen is a true Cornish classic. Forming a network of 'blades' of open textured Quartz upon these, and embedded within a few, are 'cogwheel'-like gun-metal grey Bournonite crystals. There is damage to a few of the crystals (which is reflected in the price) but many are really nicely formed examples of these jagged-edged twinned bladed crystals. The largest complete Bournonite crystal reaches 8 mm in length. This miniature piece displays a fine old style patina which fits with the fact that most of the Bournonite specimens from Herodsfoot mine came out during the 1860s and 1870s.

Product details

SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions5.4 x 3.5 x 3.5 cm
Added on10/08/2025

Known provenance

DateCollectorAcquisition price
10/2025Unknown Owner$350.00
Crystal ClassicsNot disclosed

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Bournonite
Mineral guide
Learn about Bournonite
steel-gray to black sulfosalt famed for cogwheel twinning and metallic luster; prized by collectors for iconic gears and historic localities.
Bournonite
Regional guide
Bournonite from Herodsfoot Mine, Cornwall, UK
Herodsfoot Mine, Cornwall, UK — classic bournonite with cogwheel twins, dark metallic luster, often on quartz; prized for provenance and sculptural form.