Andorite (very rare - good sized crystals)

Item Description

From the historic find in November 2004. Andorite is lead, silver, antimony sulfosalt and 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). I personally acquired the entire lot of ALL the good crystals that came into the U.S. during this time and many experts considered to be such a significant find, that it completely redefined Andorite as a crystallized species. This mine at Oruro dates Spanish mining as far back as the year 1595 and was mined by Incan Indians for several centuries prior. In all the years of mining, the specimens found in 2004 are undoubtedly, the worlds finest Andorites extant! 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. The best examples of the species have come from Bolivia. The piece features a layered group of fine, classic, thick, steel-grey, tabular crystals of Andorite. The overall quality is pretty good, though the crystals are slightly rounded on the terminations. There are a few minor contacts, so it's not 100% damage free, but the piece is in good condition for the size. It is very difficult to find any samples of material mineral on the market today, and until the 2004 find, the locality had not produced specimens in MANY years. Specimens of this size are virtually impossible to find from ANY era! A wonderful opportunity to own a nice overall specimen of this rare mineral species. Valued at $850 in the inventory.