Patronite (TYPE LOCALITY)

Item Description

The Ragra Mine in Peru is the TYPE LOCALITY for Patronite, a unique vanadium disulfide mineral. Typically in black, crystalline aggregates, it can be massive or found within vanadiferous lignite. There can also be associated rarities, as well. This miniature has a fine provenance, having been in the collections of the American Museum of Natural History and Columbia University. It then passed to Eugene Carmichael, who had mysterious access to so many rare species coming out of the AMNH in a certain time window. His label adds more history from the museum catalogs, on back of his own label: And interestingly, at some time in that sequence, it was also in the collection of Brother Juan Salvador, a volunteer at the AMNH. ex George Elling Collection.