Galena on Dolomite

Item Description

Galena from the New Lead Belt of America helped fuel the American industrial expansion of the 1950s-1970s. This region produced so much lead, it is unbelievable. But, it also produced fine specimens, although the best generally came out before the late 1980s as things started to close down. The weight of the mineral, and the depth of the mines, means it was difficult to collect and carry out good specimens. When miners did, they generally went for large things of presumably higher value. Thus, relatively few smaller, pristine, superb specimens of a size like this might actually have been preserved. This is, in any case, one of the sharpest examples in the size class that we have seen, notable for its perch on matrix (freestanding!), pristine condition, superb luster, and subtle bevels on the corners. It is a stunning piece for the size class, and rare in such quality. Do not think because you have seen many, that this is common - this quality, the shine and perfection, was always rare. The large crystal reaches 3.5 cm. It is, as with many fine Risse specimens selected for sheer quality and perfection, also inherited from the Paul Stahl collection.