Sphalerite coated by Bornite (rare find)

Estano Orcko mine, Colavi District, Saavedra Province, Potosi Department, Bolivia
Small Cabinet, 6.8 x 6.7 x 3.0 cm
Start Time: 01/14/2010 6:45:00 pm (CST)
End Time: 01/21/2010 6:45:00 pm (CST)
Auction Closed

Item Description

From the find from about 7 years ago, this is a piece from that great find at the Estano Horco mine. This small cabinet size specimen features a few good size, relatively sharp, dark, lustrous, modified dodecahedra of Sphalerite associated with pyritohedral crystals of Pyrite and acicular crystals of Jamesonite. The Sphalerite crystals have a very slight unusual "peacock blue-green" patina which is actually a Bornite "wash" that is seen on practically every specimen from this find. These are some of the most interesting and impressive Sphalerites I have seen in a while from Bolivia, despite being opaque. Don't miss out on this one, as there are very few of these specimens around. I know they're not the most attractive Sphalerite crystals in the world, but this was a one time find at this mine and the Sphalerites are unlike anything I've seen from any other ore body extant.

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