Bournonite ("cogwheel") (ex Franceso Bedogne Collection)

Item Description

Bournonite from the classic contemporary locality at Yaogangxian has found its place among the finest examples of the species extant. This toenail sized display piece is from one of the early finds at Yaogangxian (early 2000s) when some of the best Bournonites were found. Inicedibly sharp and well-formed, silvery metallic crystals in a classic "cogwheel" formation free of matrix are highlighted by a predominant isolated crystal at the top of the piece measuring 1.2 x 1.1 cm. Great quality all around, despite a few nicks, it's still a very showy and worthwhile specimen of these attractive Bournonites. Valued at $600. From the worldwide collection of famed Italian mineral collector, field collector and author, Francesco Bedogne of Sondrio, Italy (Collection #52). Bedogne wrote dozens of articles and several books about the mineralogy of Italian Alpine localities such as Val Bregaglia, Val Masino, Val Codera, Val Spluga, Valtellina and the famous Val Malenco. He was also the founder of the Valtellinese Mineralogical Institute.