Kermesite (classic locale)

Item Description

This historic antimony mine in Slovakia has produced some of the most well known and classic kermesite specimens in history. The species gets its name from the word "kermes", deriving from the Persian qurmizq, for "crimson", as these crystals exhibit an intense red/crimson color under strong lighting. Even though the crystals may look metallic in reflected light, this is one of the few sulfides that actually shows color when backlit! This fine specimen hosts opposing, beautiful crystallized "sprays" of thin, prismatic, sharp, lustrous, metallic/gemmy "needles" on matrix. The largest crystal measures about 2 cm long. Secondary crystal groups on the side are a nice accetn. Showy and excellent material from this famous locale.