Marcasite coating Sphalerite (old rare specimen from 1890)

Item Description

A significant and rarely seen old specimen dated as being found in 1890 in Kurt's collection catalogue. It formerly was in the collection of H. Schuller Furtwangen and "Pat" Schmidt Schnellingen. I've seen had a single specimen from this mine to offer in the auctions, and based upon the pieces I found online for comparison I think it's a very impressive piece for size and quality. This robust cabinet display specimen features several blocky crystals of dark reddish-brown Sphalerite that have been coated by slightly iridescent Marcasite (erroneously labeled as Pyrite) on matrix. The Marcasite has a slightly "bubbly" appearance in certain areas, along with a sparkling drusy effect in other spots. The largest crystal measures 4.1 cm acorss. The top portion of the specimen is undamaged, and the lower front edge is contacted, but it allows you to see the preexisting Sphalerite that would have covered by the Marcasite to be exposed. I have no reference for this one in terms of comparisons, but I think it's gorgeous and the fact that it's over 130 years old makes it all the more valuable in my mind. You're not likely to see anything like this again on the market anytime soon, so if you collect sulfides, old German minerals or you just like attractive display pieces from lesser-known localities, don't miss out on this one.
From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#622 D), a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection over the coming months and years through our various platforms.