Bournonite

Unknown Owner

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Bournonite from the Yaogangxian (YGX) Mine sets the general standard for modern finds of this species, and also holds its own or surpasses the old British material from the 1800s. It is different from modern Bolivian material. Essentially, it stands out, and always will, for the machined perfection of these crystals. Subtle details of surface texture and luster make them look beautiful, and this one has more subtle detail in person than seems to convey in photos. It is a jewel of a bourno, complete all around, with accenting sidecars - unusual in overall form and style for a thumbnail example. This was purchased by Alex at a show he accompanied me to as a guest speaker, when we went to China together in May 2016. It was said to have been found a bit earlier and dates to pillar robbing activity in 2012-14 at the older zone of the mine where bournonite was found in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Laszlo Kupi photos. Recently featured in the book, Refined Elegance (Mineralogical Record, Nov. 2022) on page 102.