Sphalerite (rare find)

Estano Orcko mine, Colavi District, Saavedra Province, Potosu Department, Bolivia
Toenail, 3.4 x 3.2 x 2.0 cm
Start Time: 07/28/2011 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 08/04/2011 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed

Item Description

From the find from around 2002. This is a piece from that great find at the Estano Orcko mine. This toenail features a few good sized, relatively sharp, dark, lustrous, modified dodecahedra of Sphalerite up to 2.3 cm associated with golden associated Pyrite on the base The Sphalerite has 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 in Bolivia.

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