Bournonite

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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

SpeciesBournonite, Quartz

SizeSmall Cabinet

Dimensions5.4 x 3.5 x 3.5 cm

Added on10/08/2025

LocalityUK, England, Herodsfoot Mine

Current owner

Unknown Owner

Acquired: Oct 2025
Price paid: $350.00

Previous owners

Date	Collector	Acquisition price
—	Crystal Classics	Not disclosed

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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.

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.

Locality guide