Erythrite spray in natural pocket (old classic - Type Locality) Cook Coll.

Item Description

This is a significant and beautiful example of TYPE LOCALITY material for this rare cobalt species: Erythrite is an uncommon, highly desirable signature species from the historic mines at Schneeberg and is also the Type Locality (meaning, where it was first found and described by science). A 1.5 x 1.2 cm spray of beautifully iridescent to matte-finish erythrite blades is aesthetically set on the sculptural partially sawed triangular miniature quartz-rich matrix. The hole in the matrix is a striking accent. Erythrite is a hydrated Co-arsenate and is a member of the Vivianite Group. The last mines here closed in the 1950s and this piece is obviously an old-timer (specimens date back 200 years or so). See the extensive 2018 Mineralogical Record Schneeberg article in Vol. 49, No. 5. Ex Cook Collection. A very fine old-time miniature from this classic locale. Valued $1200-1500 for the style, quality, and that we have a full spray preserved for 100 years and more!