Sphalerite pseudomorphs after Wurtzite with Quartz and Pyrite

Item Description

From a discovery in late 2011, this is the first time I've seen something like this from Bolivia. The San Jose Mine is the type locality for Wurtzite, and some of the best crystallized examples of the species are actually found at this mine to this day. Keep in mind that this mine has been active for over 500 years since the time of Spanish conquistadors, not to mention countless years of Incan mining, so the fact that specimens are still coming out is remarkable. This specimen features small, unique, attractive, semi-metallic, iridescent colored pseudomorphs of Sphalerite replacing Wurtzite, creating a very pleasing effect. To top it off, the Sphalerite pseudomorphs are associated with rather lustrous (splendent), bright, metallic, golden octahedral crystals of Pyrite on matrix. Overall, it's a really cool Bolivian association piece, from one of the most historic localities in the country, and arguably the western world. If you're a Bolivian mineral collector, or somebody who admires unique pseudomorphs, do not miss out on this one. From what I'm told there were very few of these available, and I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a small parcel, so get this piece while you can. This is unusual material, and typically when something strange is found in Bolivia, there's either a ton of it, or very little available. Enjoy!