Skeletal Bournonite with Chalcopyrite and Quartz - image 1
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Skeletal Bournonite with Chalcopyrite and Quartz

Unknown Owner
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This miniature-sized Bournonite from the all-time classic occurrence at Herodsfoot mine in Cornwall is rather unusual in its crystallized form which is presumably why it was owned by the Victorian polymath John Ruskin, who just loved complex shapes. Its form, as pitted skeletal crystals, is quite eye-catching and maintains a fine gun-metal grey colour and historic patina. The overall form of the Bournonite crystals is still one of tabular to bladed 'cogwheel' crystals which are partially embedded within nicely crystallized vein Quartz with a little golden Chalcopyrite overgrowth. A small, but superb Bournonite from this world-renowned historic occurrence and from a famous British collector.

Product details

SpeciesBournonite, Chalcopyrite, Quartz
SizeMiniature
Dimensions5.0 x 4.6 x 3.8 cm
Added on11/01/2025
LocalityUK, England, Herodsfoot Mine

Known provenance

DateCollectorAcquisition price
07/2026Unknown Owner$2,500.00
—Crystal ClassicsNot disclosed

Learn more

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.