Cassiterite with Quartz and TOURMALINE (ex Brian Kosnar Collection)

Viloco mine, Loayza Province, La Paz Department, Bolivia
Miniature, 3.7 x 2.7 x 1.4 cm
Start Time: 02/24/2011 6:45:00 pm (CST)
End Time: 03/03/2011 6:45:00 pm (CST)
Auction Closed

Item Description

The great tin mine at Viloco (sometimes called Araca) has produced some of the most magnificent Cassiterite specimens extant, and a very small percentange of these pieces are actually associated with TOURMALINE. This particular specimen consists of several fine, sharp, lustrous, brown/black cyclic twinned crystals of Cassiterite measuring up to 1.3 cm across with a single crystal of Quartz and that is included with and small acicular greenish-black crystals of Tourmaline! This association is seen in only a handful of Cassiterite specimens from this historic loaclity. This is a very attractive piece and one of the better ones for quality, luster and crystal size that I've seen in recent years. The very hard to find Tourmaline association on this piece is certainly special, and worthwhile for any collector.

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