important, historic Galena circa 1910 & Ex. Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences

Item Description

The best old Galena in America came from an old lead mining town called, not surprisingly after its source of income, Galena - in Illinois. A grapefruit-sized, SHARP galena crystal of some significance because it is from the old lead district in northern Illinois, predating the discovery of the more abundant Missouri lead belt in the mid 1900s. This certainly dates to the 1890s-1920 era. Valid, antique crystals of galena from Galena are super-rare and this is not only a valid one, but a huge crystal in good condition for the locality. It is one of the best survivors we know of, of this old material. This composite crystal, consisting of a smaller cube in the back merging into this beautiful cuboctahedron, weighs 9 pounds. It is mostly complete on the back, as well. I have not brightened it chemically by cleaning it, to preserve the antique look. Valued $5000, and comes with old Academy labels from the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences. This label dates it to 1900-1930, at the latest. This is a highly important American specimen.