Andorite with Zinkenite and Pyrite (older specimen (ex Rich Kosnar Collection)

Item Description

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). This mining at Oruro dates Spanish mining as far back as the year 1595 and was mined by Incan Indians for several centuries prior. This specimen was 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 Andorite have come from Bolivia. The piece features a few classic, steel-grey, lustrous, tabular, layered crystals with rare, prismatic, lustrous Zinkenite "needles" and golden pyritohedral Pyrite. A nice older thumbnail (mined circa 1950s) and a showy specimen for the size. It is very difficult to find any samples of this mineral on the market today, and until very recently, the locality had not produced specimens in MANY years. A wonderful opportunity to own a great association specimen of these rare mineral species. Valued at $450 in the inventory. One of the very last pieces of Andorite WITH Zinkenite that I have to offer, so do not miss out.