Proustite and Sternbergite on NATIVE Arsenic

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Wow! Where to start? Proustite, one of the famous 'Ruby Silver' species, is one of the minerals that most collectors dream of owning one day. Most though, have darkened and lost their magnificent blood-red colour which made them so special. Sternbergite, on the other hand is less 'showy' but more serious collector rarity. This piece balances both, and with Proustite crystals in their imperious best form. Then comes the history. The Marienberg District is a famous silver-mining region in Saxony, near to the Czech border, and can trace its mining roots back to the 12th century. Proustite and Sternbergite were first described from Jáchymov, another famous historic silver-mining town just across border. This most special of specimens balances the quality of Proustite (in colour and crystal form) with the rarity of Sternbergite and the classic assemblage, or association with botryoidal Native Arsenic, and in a large displayable size. Sheer class. Ex Professor Werner Paar Collection.