Cassiterite on Muscovite

Item Description

The well-known Pingwu Mine has produced some of the most unique specimens from China. These pieces are notably distinctive, which is saying something for this vast specimen producing country. Pingwu might be best known for its unique and high quality Aquamarine crystals, but it also has produced some of the finest Cassiterite specimens ever found, which are world-class for the species. This attractive small cabinet specimen hosts a handful of sharp, well-formed, lustrous, jet-black, cyclic twinned crystals of Cassiterite measuring up to 1.7 sitting atop a highly aesthetically crystallized group of silvery bladed Muscovite matrix. The largest Muscovite crystal measures 3.7 cm across. The quality is very good all around with no major damage I can see, and it's nearly a complete "floater" to boot! Rarely does one find such showy and three-dimensional Muscovite crystals from this mine. A great piece of this iconic material from this special locality. Valued at $2,500. From the collection of Brian Kosnar.