Native Bismuth (rare "Federwismut" crystals!)

Item Description

A fantastic matrix specimen of the rare classic "Federwismut" (feather-bismuth) crystals from Schneeberg. The piece hosts several excellent, well-formed "feather"-esque crystals of grey metallic Native Bismuth measuring up to 4.7 cm long, sitting on hefty matrix. The form of the Bismuth crystals looks almost organic, with a distinct geometric shape, but still almost like something that grew from a plant or an animal. The main crystal on this specimen is almost certainly the best single example of this material that we've had to offer, and it's a truly remarkable example of this rare and alluring material. Retail value is in the range of $3,500-$4,000. From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#149 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 next two to three years through our various platforms.