Siderite on Pyrite pseudomorphs with Stannite

Siete Suyos mine, Atocha-Quechisla District, Sud Chichas Province, Potosu Department, Bolivia
Small Cabinet, 5.2 x 3.2 x 2.3 cm
Start Time: 10/13/2016 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 10/20/2016 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed

Item Description

The Siete Suyos mine (Seven Servants mine) is sometimes considered to be part of the Animas mine, and it is often difficult to know where specimens are from because several mines in the area share the same vein system. The good news is that I directly obtained this specimen from the miner who collected it, so I know for certain where it came from. I honestly have never seen any specimens from this locality before, but I was happy to purchase the pieces I obtained. This piece features a few good quality, sharp, very dark greenish-brown, highly modified rhombic/scalenohedral crystals of Siderite measuring up to 1.2 cm which are sitting upon unusual compressed looking crystals of lustrous Pyrite (most likely a pseudomorph after Siderite) which are associated with minor grey crystals of the rare sulfide, Stannite. I rarely have seen such sharp and gemmy crystals, especially with such unique form. So far, this find was very limited, so if you're a collector of Bolivian minerals, be sure to pick this one up.

Did You Know We Offer Custom Bases?

Learn More