Acanthite

Item Description

Highly representative for the storied Imiter Mine in the Anti-Atlas Mountains of Morocco, this Acanthite has many of the characteristics that made the major 2005 find so notable. The form and high, metallic luster on the crystals is eye-catching and these pseudo-octahedral Acanthites branch out in several directions. Each branch is different, and they show the complex growth history of the Acanthites. Branches reach up to 3 cm, and complex crystals to 2.3 cm with some terminations being 1 cm on edge. Visually engaging, this small-cabinet piece is classic in appearance and quite aesthetic. Seasoned European collectors have likened these pieces to classic Freiberg Acanthites, which is good company indeed, and some people over the years have labeled these specimens (and Acanthite in general) as being pseudomorphs after argentite. But technically these are paramorphs rather than pseudomorphs, as Acanthite will actually transform into argentite in an environment where the temperature reaches above 177 degrees Celsius. Fairly common a few decades ago, these specimens are scarce today, with no new supplies forthcoming. MUCH better in person. At the time these came out, specimens like this were valued in the 2000-2500 range and that was early 2000s.