Coloradoite with Altaite (rare)

Item Description

Coloradoite is a rare mercury telluride minerals, and there are three mines Boulder County which are credited as the co-type localities for the species. Good crystallized specimens are rare, and specimens in general and are next to impossible to find, especially from Boulder County, as there are no operating mines anymore. This piece shows a rich "vein" of containing metallic "iron-grey" Coloradoite associated with minor metallic tin-white Altaite (a lead telluride species) in Calcite matrix. A bit of scattered Pyrite can be seen in the Calcite as well. Coloradoite is exceptionally difficult to obtain in such a rich specimen, as it is often found in trace amounts. This piece was collected in 1967 by Russ McClelland. Valued at $900 for rarity and the overall richness of the specimen. From the collection of Brian Kosnar.