Hessite on Quartz

Unknown Owner

Although reported from over one hundred localities worldwide in reality there is only one area where significant crystals of this unusual silver telluride species are found - in Alba county in Romania. Specimens are usually old - dating to the 19th century - and prices are typically extremely high for a well-crystallized matrix piece. This large thumbnail specimen from Botești, Zlatna, Alba, Romania is a superb compromise, featuring very rich Hessite crystals on crystallized Quartz matrix, but at a more affordable price. As is typical of this species, the crystals are dark grey with a rounded, almost waxy appearance.