Pyromorphite & Quartz (old classic) Carl Bosch, Smithsonian & Kay Robertson Coll.

Item Description

Classic oil-green, lustrous, translucent, nubby tapered pyromorphite spindles are festooned on all sides of the sculptural boxwork matrix of oxide-tinted quartz on this outstanding and extremely rich old-time specimen from this famous and ancient mines at Roughton Gill. The striking large prisms, many doubly terminated, reach a large 2.0 cm. This is certainly one of the most desirable pyromorphite forms and colors from this renowned locale. Lead mining effectively ceased in Roughton Gill in 1876, so this is a real old-timer. Complete all-around, the piece has many possible display views. Yes, some broken crystals are noted, but have minimal impact to the importance of this exceptional small cabinet. The piece has a super provenance. The old handwritten German label from Freiberg dates from 1920-1952. This excellent old-timer was in the Carl Bosch, Smithsonian and Kay Robertson Collections. Carl Bosch was a very prominent European collector who lived from 1874-1940. The Smithsonian purchased his collection in 1965, which numbered 25,000 mineral specimens! He never collected junk and carefully chose each specimen. Kay is a prominent California collector, who specialized in European classics (see the article in the March-April, 2007 Mineralogical Record). A super Roughton Gill pyromorphite with a fine provenance. Valued at $3000-4000.