Dyscrasite

Item Description

This specimen was mined between the mid-2000s and spring 2010, during the discovery of a silver-rich vein. Unlike other dendritic dyscrasite pseudomorphs after silver specimens, this piece is remarkable for its exceptionally well-crystallized large crystal—a rarity in this famous locality. Well-defined crystals of this kind are extremely scarce. The crystal perches on an etched calcite matrix with associated amphibolite, creating a striking contrast that enhances its visual appeal. The formation of this Ag-Sb alloy is consistent with other silver ores, which are typically hosted in calcite-rich and quartz-poor gangue mineral assemblages. This specimen is valued at $1,000. Ex Jingnan (Tom) Zhang.