Crocoite in natural pocket

Item Description

The Red Lead mine is a historic silver and zinc mine in Tasmania, which is also the source of what are widely considered to be the best historic crocoite specimens. It was worked in the early 1900s, after which it became less important and largely fell into ruins. Some collectors found specimens in the dumps or in old tunnels, intermittently, over the years since. Recently, it has been opened for mining efforts, but has produced little volume compared to another nearby crocoite mine, The Adelaide Mine. Still, the crystals are different. These, from the old Red Lead Mine, tend to be gemmier and brighter, more strong and intensive in color AS YOU SEE HERE. They are simply better, crystal to crystal, in comparison. This particular piece, which we believe was found in the artisanal efforts at mining here in the 1970s, is a unique POCKET of crystals, and ended up in an old German collection until recently. I have never seen such a fine, intact, hard-rock pocket of this material. It is not only a gorgeous crystal pocket, but the crystals themselves are of amazing quality as well. These are RED! You can see why the mine got its nickname! Lastly, because the crystals are protected in a nice solid pocket of matrix, this is displayable and shippable in a manner that other crocoite specimens are not. This is among the most fragile and beautiful species known, which means that most specimens can barely be handled, let alone shipped to new homes. This piece is different. We have never seen another like it and, as it is hard to price and pick a buyer for anyways amidst all those we think would want it, is a perfect item to test at auction. We valued this in the $7500-range as it really is, totally unique. This specimen is from an anonymous European collector, and is part of, the 2023 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium benefit auction, with proceeds benefiting Mineralogical Record, Rocks & Minerals, Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and mindat.org. Thanks to all of our participants!

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