Hematite pseudomorph after Magnetite

Item Description

These iconic specimens from the Payún Matrú Volcano in Argentina are some of the most distinctive pseudomorphs in the mineral world. This locality lies over 12,000 feet in elevation, and lies just outside of Patagonia in southern Argentina. Pseudomorphs are one of the more intriguing and certainly popular subcategories for mineral collector. They are such a unique occurrences in nature, as it takes specific conditions / circumstances for them for form. These gorgeous specimens have been coming out sporadically over the last 20 years or so. I never get tired of seeing them as they continue to surprise us with the gorgeous forms and geometric shapes. The Hematite has replaced the stunning sculptural form of the original octahedral Magnetite crystals, showing both euhedral faces and deep skeletal forms, to create this desirable and beautiful pseudomorph. This eye-catching specimen has good luster in areas, impressive, razor-sharp, faces and a beautiful metallic silvery-grey hue on the surface. No major damage that I can find. The largest individual crystal measrues 2.6 cm. Valued $750.
This piece comes from the personal collection of Colorado mining legend, Dave Bergman, the maternal grandfather of Brian Kosnar. Dave is now retired from mining, but he worked for decades in various mines underground in Colorado, as a miner, mechanic, engineer, shift boss and foreman. His biggest claim to fame is that he was the foreman and the primary person in charge of mining and specimen recovery at the Sweet Home Mine in Colorado in the 1970s alongside his son-in-law, Rich Kosnar. This project what was the FIRST ever operation for specimen recovery at this historic locality. A full-page photograph of Dave can be seen mining underground at the Sweet Home in on page 58 of Peter Bancroft's book "Gem and Crystal Treasures".