Chalcopyrite, Tetrahedrite, Siderite (rare locale)

Item Description

RARE, rich and important large old-time, two-sided combination from the ancient and historic precious metal, polymetallic mines at Banska Stiavnica in Slovakia. A superb large, sharp, 5.3 cm lustrous golden-yellow, metallic Chalcopyrite sphenoid dominates the front of this impressive, sculptural specimen. Numerous other Chalcopyrites, to 3.8 cm, are richly scattered about. Nearby is a fine cluster of sharp, lustrous, bronzy Marcasite crystals, to 8 mm. Lustrous, jet-black, Tetrahedrite covers portions of all of the Chalcopyrites. Richly intermixed among the larger crystals are clusters of translucent, brown Siderite crystals. The back is decidedly different! Here striking, scattered Quartz points, to 1.8 cm, rise above the super dense coverage of Siderite crystals. Mining started here in the 3rd Century B.C. by the Celts and continues today. See the fine 2016 Mineralogical Record article in Vol. 47, No. 3. Ex Chet Lemanski Collection No. 0312Cl and acquired in 1993 from Josef Vajdak of Pequa Rare Minerals, a respected Eastern Europe and rarities dealer. Chet is a well-known New Jersey collector and has been a Board member and Vice President of the Franklin Mineral Museum. According to Chet's catalogue, this OLD 19th Century specimen was formerly in the Royal Bohemian Museum in Prague. A SIGNIFICANT and very rare large combination from the locale. Value? Hard to say, but valued highly for combination richness and size. We've not seen another like it.