Bournonite cogwheels on Quartz (old classic) Robert Hauck Coll.

Item Description

Old-time Herodsfoot bournonites are a worldwide classic and are highly desired. They were recovered from the late 1850s to early 1880s. This showy and excellent specimen features lustrous, gunmetal-gray, bournonite cogwheels with glassy, textbook, dipyramidal quartz crystals. The bournonites have a really nifty iridescence - a natural, ancient patina. The cogwheels reach 3.0 cm. Some bruised and broken crystals are noted, but certainly have only modest impact on the overall visual impact of this fine old-timer, and the breaks are generally tarnished with age and blend in. Specimens of this combination and quality are often on the market at high prices, when they turn up at all - which is rarely. They are considered one of the premier sophisticated classics of Old English minerals and rank very high worldwide in old specimen desirability. An extensive and excellent Herodsfoot article in the current MIneralogical Record issue explores this famous locale. Ex Robert Hauck Collection. Valued at $1500-2000.