Djurleite (superb and rare) with Quartz & Pyrite (Bill Smith and George Feist Coll.)

Item Description

Djurleite is an uncommon copper sulfide closely related to chalcocite. It is very rarely reported and offered from the famous and now-closed mines at Butte. Lustrous, sharp, steel-gray, twinned, prisms of djurleite to about 6 mm are richly concentrated in clusters and are very pleasingly complimented by sprays of milky quartz needles and lustrous, brassy, pyrite on this superb, old-timer from the Steward Mine. Many of the djurleite crystals have nifty, faint, iridescent tarnish. The matrix is mostly pyrite on this outstanding specimen. VERY seldom available in this richness and quality from this historic locale. Ex Bill Smith and George Feist (# 2616) Collections and according to the accompanying label, the piece dates to the early 1960s. Fairly valued at $1500 for rarity, quality and provenance.