Silver with Sphalerite (ex Matioli)

Item Description

This piece came from a find in 2010 at the important Porco mine. A group of crystalline SIlver with stubby wire-like forms plus Sphalerite and Quartz make for an attractive specimen. This is a good piece from this classic Bolivian locality, but please note that it is somewhat fragile so it must be handled carefully. The mine at Porco is THE oldest and most significant Silver mine in Bolivia, and obtaining specimens is next to impossible because miners rarely bring out anything for sale, as the mine is a large commercial production, and virtually everything goes into the crusher. Most everything that evades the crusher is usually taken out of Bolivia by a geologist who has an "in" at the mine, or sometimes a group of brave miners risk losing their jobs by sneaking out a handful of specimens to raise a little extra money to feed their families. I obtained this piece directly from the miners at Porco, and it is one of the better Bolivian Silvers that I have offered in the auctions in this size range. It is very difficult to obtain any good Silvers from Porco, so don't miss out. Ex Paolo Matioli Collection.