large Bournonite xls (old classic) Bill Pinch Coll.

Item Description

Intergrown, stout, blocky bournonite cogwheels form an impressive and excellent miniature from this historic Cornwall mine. The lustrous, gunmetal-gray crystals, to 2.7 cm, have a nifty natural iridescence and the scattered tiny dipyramidal quartz crystals add pizzazz. The major crystals are in great shape and the noted periphery wear is certainly only a modest detraction to this aesthetic example. Old-time Herodsfoot bournonites are a worldwide classic and are highly desired. They were recovered from the late 1850s to early 1880s. Specimens of this quality are often on the market at high prices, when they turn up at all - which is rarely. They are considered one of the premier sophisticated classics of Old English minerals and rank very high worldwide in old specimen desirability. An extensive and excellent Herodsfoot article in Vol. 43, # 4, 2012 of the Mineralogical Record explores this famous locale. Ex Bill Pinch and an East Coast Collection. Valued at $2000.