Pyromorphite with Galena (circa 1800s)

Item Description

Magnificent and historic cluster of intergrown barrel shaped yellow-green to olive green Pyromorphite crystals on matrix from the famous Bad Ems, Germany. This wonderful Pyromorphite with many well formed semi-lustrous prismatic crystals, measuring up to 8.5 mm, also has a partial coating or possibly an initial pseudomorphing of Galena. A truly fascinating old historic specimen as most of these Pyromorphites were dug in the mid-late 1800's and the Bad Ems mines closed in the early 1900's. This piece is from the R.E. Reynolds collection who acquired it from the Bergakademie Freiberg (Freiberg Mining Academy.) whose museum and mineral dealership was founded in 1767. See the Mineralogical Record's online Label Archive for more information. While the piece is very old, the accompanying Freiberg label style is from circa 1970. The piece is in great condition with some minor bruising which is certainly acceptable given the age of the piece. A classic Pyromorphite specimen highlighted by its sharp crystal habit and appealing color. An excellent example of these highly desirable Pyromorphites from Bad Ems. Ex. Bergakademie Freiberg, R. E. Reynolds (Bob Reynolds had a very fine and diverse lead minerals suite, when we purchased his collection in 2020). These are highly valued and treasured in the European market, and we have seen similar on shelves at the Munich show for thousands of euros.