Anglesite pseudomorph after Pyromorphite (VERY rare) (ex Dr. Wouter van Tichelen Collection)

Item Description

This is the first and only confirmed specimen that we've had to offer featuring Anglesite pseudomorphs after Pyromorphite from the Midnite Mine in Idaho. I've seen others that are similar in terms of color and style, so there may be additional un-recognized pseudomorphs like this one out there, but this piece is the only confirmed specimen that we've handled. The "hoppered" prismatic, hexagonal Pyromorphite crystals have been altered / replaced on the exterior by Anglesite. A few broken crystals reveal that the interior is still green Pyromorphite, but you can clearly see the line of alteration, where the surface ranges from a brown to yellow to nearly white hue. The largest individual crystal measures 1.3 cm long. Most of the crystals are in very good condition, but as I mentioned there are a handful of broken pieces. This specimen dates back to the late 1960s, when they were sold by Reno mineral dealer Jack Crowley, who had the entire lot. Despite the proximity to the famous Bunker Hill Mine, the Midnite Mine produced very little material, and specimens are incredibly hard to find on the market. Valued around $800-$1000 for the quality and scarcity on the market. From the prestigious pseudomorph collection of Dr. Wouter van Tichelen of Belgium.