Alabandite (rare fine crystals) on Rhodochrosite (ex Dave Bergman Collection)

Item Description

From the find circa 2010, here we have a superb example of the rare manganese sulfide, Alabandite from the famous Uchucchacua Mine in Peru. The piece features two well defined, very sharp lamellar twinned crystals of metallic, steel-grey colored Alabandite measuring up to 1.5 cm, intermixed with soft pink Rhodochrosite and Quartz. No major damage that I can see with the naked eye. Fine example for this relatively new find, which has set world's standard for the species in terms of quality and size. A superb small cabinet overall, valued for its large crystals and tremendous rarity. Valued in the inventory at $1,500. Ex Dave Bergman Collection. Dave is a Colorado miner (formerly the foreman and primary person in charge of recovering specimens at the famous Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado during the late 1970s) and the maternal grandfather of Brian Kosnar. See Dave's photo mining at the Sweet Home on page 58 of Peter Bancroft's book "Gem and Crystal Treasures".