Ludlockite

Item Description

Ludlockite is a shocking metallic species containing lead, and found only a few times in the deepest levels in around 1970 and again a bit later, in Tsumeb before it closed. Named for Frederick Ludlow Smith III (13 August 1939 - 20 December 2014) and our friend and mentor Charlie Locke Key (1935-2021), mineral dealers who noticed it was unusual when they saw the first specimens - and thankfully saved them for posterity! On this competitive quality thumbnail specimen, chatoyant burnt-orange hair-like crystal tufts of ludlockite form an aesthetic, sculptural and rich solid thumbnail. This rich example came from the original, most important, and finest quality find: a single grapefruit-sized pocket in the lower Germanium level of Tsumeb in 1969, as is obvious from its style. Such pieces, if and when they turn up, are often priced by a certain Tsumeb specialist dealer at shows in the 2500-4500 GBP range, or north of $2500 in any case. Such specimens today tend to be in only a few old collections, and only come back to market as those recycle. A fine rare species specimen, donated in support of the symposium by Jasun and Mandy McAvoy, of Mineralman999 on Ebay. This specimen is part of the 2023 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium benefit auction, with proceeds benefiting Mineralogical Record, Rocks & Minerals, Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and mindat.org. Thanks to all of our participants!

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