Salesite (extremely rare) (Co-Type Specimen!) (ex Josef Vajdak)

Item Description

Salesite is a VERY rare hydroxy copper iodate, only found in two places in the world, both in Chile, and both are credited at Co-Type Localities for the species. It was named for the chief geologist for the Anaconda Mining Company in Chile, Reno H. Sales. This piece comes to us with a label from Josef Vajdak, which immediately increases the value, but the most important aspect of the label is the fact that it says that this piece is one of CO-TYPE specimens for the species!!! That means that this specimen was used to first describe Salesite in 1936!! The Salesite is soft bluish-green material, and is accompanied by blue Kruhnite, for which Chuquicamata is also the Type Locality. How often does one have the chance to purchase a piece of the Co-Type material for a species that is essentially only found in one part of the world!? Interestingly enough, this mine is referred to as being the LARGEST mine in the world, and it's certainly the largest open pit Copper deposit. It has produced over 31 million tons of Copper, and there is still another 30 millions tons+ left in the orebody!