Skutterudite (superb old classic) (ex Herb Obodda Collection)

Item Description

This is certainly one of the finest specimens of Skutterudite from Schneeberg that we've ever had to offer in any format. It is not only a full sized, display quality cabinet specimen, but it's LOADED with robust, fine, sharp, lustrous, silvery, metallic crystals. The largest individual crystal was difficult to isolate, as they have formed in clusters, but I can find faces measuring approximately 6 mm, and full groups up to 1.6 cm across. VERY little damage to be seen, as almost every Skutterudite on the top / display side is undamaged. They are fun to view up close, and the piece looks excellent at a distance when viewed in a display case. Perhaps the most important factor on this piece is the fact that the crystals are notably lustrous and have a brightness to them rarely seen in specimens of this size. You'll typically find crystals that are more dull and grey, and not lively like these. You would be hard pressed to find another of this calibre, not only on the market today, but in a lot of museusm. These impressive old classics from Schneeberg are some of the best known examples of the species ever found, and this particular specimen dates between the 1800s and early 1900s. From the private collection (not inventory of Herb Obodda #1072a. The piece is accompanied by a fantastic antique hand-written German label from and unknown collection. I would put a value on this one between $4,000-$5,000 in today's market.