Covellite (large crystal group) (ex Lewis and Petersen Collections)

Item Description

I believe that Covellite is a species that most collectors are familiar with, but don't necessarily have good representation in their collections. There are only a few localities in the United States where superb Covellite specimens are found. I think most people would think of Butte, Montana as having the finest Covellites in the US, but most people don't realize that perhaps the largest and finest Covellites were actually found in Summitville, Colorado. I encourage any mineral enthusiast to visit The Colorado School of Mines Museum, because they have what is simply one of the finest pieces of Covellite in the world on display. The piece has incredibly stout, thick individual crystals that measure approximately 5-6 inches across ! This piece is a classic example of the famous Summitville material featuring a somewhat foliated group comprising large, classic, bladed crystals with the distinctive iridescent blue-purple coloring for the species with minor chalky white matrix. The piece is not damage free, but it's still showy, large and good quality for what it is. For the size, this is certainly a worthwhile example of Covellite from this classic Colorado locality. From the collection of Charles F. Lewis and the Petersen Geological Collection, whose labels accompany the specimen. Priced in the inventory at $1,800.