Ferberite on Quartz

Item Description

The Yaogangxian Mine is first and foremost a tungsten mine, but it also has the distinction of producing some of the most iconic mineral specimens to come out of any Chinese locality in the last 25+ years. Some of the finest contemporary Ferberite specimens in the world have come from this mine. Here we have a wonderful showy display specimen of Ferberite (an iron tungstate species) featuring a 7.2 cm, bladed group of lustrous, jet-black crystals, sitting atop crystallized Quartz matrix. The underside of the piece features a bit of brassy colored Chalcopyrite. The Ferberite group is in great shape, and even though the lower end is contacted, it's still partially crystallized, so technically the Ferberite is doubly-terminated. I love how the piece sits on its own without the aid of a base or clay. Black rocks don't always get the attention they deserve because of their lack of color, but they are often some of the best crystallized species, with unique forms not seen in other minerals, and Ferberite is a great example of said material. A really attractive display piece of these soon-to-be-classic Ferberites. Valued $1,500.
Ex Brian Kosnar collection.