Ferberite (large crystal) with Quartz

Item Description

The Yaogangxian Mine in China is the source of some of the finest and most iconic mineral specimens from anywhere in this prolific specimen producing country. Good quality crystals of Ferberite are only found in a few places in the world (Panasqueira, Portugal and Tasna, Bolivia are the preeminent localities for the species), and the Yaogangxian Mine has given collectors a wealth of fine quality, large and impressive example over the last 15+ years. This piece is a notably large, sharp, well-formed, fairly thick, prismatic, "sword"-shaped crystal of jet-black lustrous Ferberite with minor associated Quartz. Now the crystal is big for the species, and the fact that it's sharp and lustrous is noteworthy as most big Ferberites can be dull and ugly, but this one is very eye-catching due to its pleasing form. The crystal is actually doubly-terminated, but it's not complete all the way around, as there are areas of incomplete growth or possibly etched (?) areas where the crystal doesn't look complete. It's still a very impressive example of the species and worthy of any Chinese suite or a collection of black rocks. Valued at $1,500 in the inventory. The piece comes with labels from noted Rhode Island dealer, Sal Avella along with another label from dealer Jim Garabedian and collectors Larry and Joan Bull.