Andorite (fine rare crystals) with Zinkenite

Item Description

This is a wonderful, showy and fine quality miniature sized specimen of the rare lead, silver, antimony sulfosalt, Andorite from the historic find of November 2004 at the Sane Jose Mine in Bolivia. This discovery was one of the most important finds at this 500+ year old locality, which unquestionably produced the finest crystals of the species in history. Andorite was named for the Hungarian mineral collector Andor von Semsey (1833-1923), who holds a remarkable distinction for having two mineral species named after him (Andorite and Semseyite). We personally acquired the entire lot of ALL the good crystals that came into the U.S. from the 2004 find, and recently found a handful of pieces in a flat that we're putting into the auction for anyone who missed out on them years ago. For reference, this discovery in 2004 was such a significant find, that it completely redefined Andorite as a crystallized species. Keep in mind that prior to this find, the San Jose Mine had not produced specimens in about 50 years. These specimens were extracted from the same vein system worked by the father of Bolivian mineralogy, Federico Ahlfeld. Ahlfeld worked the San Jose mine and Itos mine (the other significant andorite locality at the same mountain in Oruro) when the mines were used predominantly as a major sources of tin to the United States during WWII. This piece hosts excellent bladed crystals with classic deep striations and that lovely steel-grey color with a wonderful reflective metallic luster on the surface. Both sides of the piece feature rare acicular crystals of dark grey Zinkenite, for a nice touch. The piece is in great shape overall, with only a few small spots of roughness, which are more than forgivable considering the size and quality of the piece. Upon close inspection, I will say that the group is doubly-terminated, though crudely, as the bottom, while crystallized, is not pristine. It is incredibly difficult to find any samples of this mineral on the market today, let alone pieces of such high quality. Considering that no new specimens are coming out, the value of these pieces will surely increase as I'm told that the part of the mine which produced these specimens is finished. A wonderful opportunity to own a very good specimen of this rare mineral species. This piece has a retail price of $1,800, and is well worth if for such a supreme example of a very rare silver-bearing sulfosalt.