Ferberite (fine crystals) with Arsenopyrite

Item Description

Here we have a wonderful hefty cabinet sized specimen of finely crystallized Ferberite from the famous Tasna Mine in Bolivia. This locality is actually the world's largest/rich bismuth deposit, and I've seen Bismuthinite crystals from Tasna that are over a foot (30 cm) long, but collectors most often associate this locality with superb specimens of the iron tungstate species Ferberite. This species was sometimes previously referred to as "Wolframite", which was supposed to be an intermediary species between Ferberite and Hubnerite, but has since been discredited. This piece features classic, fine quality, very well-formed, thick, lustrous, sharp, jet-black, bladed crystals measuring up to 4.2 cm. The underside of the piece features bright silvery metallic Arsenopyrite. Overall the piece is in good shape, but it does have a few contacted crystals and some rough edges around the periphery were it detached from the pocket wall. It has become increasingly difficult to obtain fine quality crystallized Ferberites from Tasna these days and nearly everything is thrown into the crusher for the value of the tungsten ore. This piece is actually from an older find in 2008, and stands out as one of the best cabinet sized display specimens that I've had to offer in the auctions in quite some time. If you've ever wanted a good Ferberite from this famous mine that won't break the bank, don't miss out on this one. Valued at $2,500.