Proustite, Pyrargyrite, Argentopyrite & Arsenic (Robertson Coll.)

Item Description

Sharp, lustrous, cherry-red proustite and/or pyrargyrite crystals, to 3 mm, are dramatically and aesthetically clustered along the ridge line of the sculptural, 3-dimensional small cabinet calcite matrix. These classic metallic looking crystals GLOW red under bright light! The rich and hefty silver sulfosalt ore matrix includes much Silberkies (now Argentopyrite). Globular Native Arsenic on the bottom of the piece is an additonal bonus. Ex Kay Robertson Collection # 4116 and acquired from F. Krantz in Europe in 1964. Comes with an old 1800s faded pencil label. Kay is a prominent California collector, who specialized in European classics (see the article in the March-April, 2007 Mineralogical Record and the 50+ page article in the German Magazine "Mineralien-Welt" November-December 2017). She assembled a nice suite of classics and rarities from this famed district. See the Mineralogical Record St. Andreasberg Special Issue, May-June, 2017, Vol. 48, No. 3. A fascinating and VERY RARE old-time combination from the famous locale. The last mine closed in 1910. Faint pink calcite fluorescence. Value of such a historic combination rarity of highly valued species?