Chalcosiderite (fine rare classic material)

Item Description

A wonderful old-time specimen of the rare hydrated copper iron phosphate, Chalcosiderite from Wheal Phoenix, part of the Phoenix United Mine in Cornwall, England. For reference, the Phoenix United Mine is the type locality for the species. This piece is a notably rich example filled with gorgeous deep green micro crystals that range in habit from thin tabular blades to almost "rose"-shaped groups, which are associated with a bit of translucent white/grey Calcite and oxidized matrix. We've photographed the piece with a Canon MP-E 65 mm macro lens to better illustrate the quality. Rarely does one find such a heavy coverage of crystals of this material and it's actually a very showy display quality specimen to boot, not just an oddball micro piece. These specimens were mined in the 1800s (though I understand that there was a small amount of mining that took place in the early 1900s), and fine examples like this are few and far between. You'd be hard-pressed to find another of this calibre anywhere else on the market. They only exist in old comprehensive collections, and it's certainly one of, if not the finest piece of the material that we've had to offer in the auctions. Valued $1,500.
From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#171 E), a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection through our various platforms.