Bournonite (classic material)

Item Description

A fine showy specimen from the famous, old mining district of Les Malines. This attractive association piece consists of classic Bournonite crystals with dark reddish-brown Sphalerite on matrix. The silvery-grey Bournonites have a good, metallic luster and an overall tabular form, which measure up to 2.3 cm on edge. Some of the crystals feature the classic and highly sought-after "cogwheel" habit. Most crystals are in good shape, though there are a few areas of interrupted growth, so it's not completely pristine. Choice and desirable older combination material (at least several decades old). These are classics from the largest lead-zinc deposit in France, dating back to Roman times.
From the collection of John Whatley, a well-known Georgia collector (1939-2022). John had many interests and hobbies, and favorite hobby was collecting rocks and minerals. He was a member of the Augusta and Aiken, SC Gem and Mineral Society. He also enjoyed collecting arrowheads and he co-authored the book, An Overview of Georgia Projectile Points and Select Cutting Tools. He was a member of the Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama Archaeology Societies and he also enjoyed volunteering in the Archaeology Department at SRS.
You can read more about John at: https://www.thomaspoteet.com/obituaries/john-whatley