Stannite & Quartz (large crystals! circa 1990s) ex Smale

Item Description

Beautifully iridescent, rounded, stepped, intergrown stannite crystals in an impressive 5.5 cm elongated cluster are aesthetically set on the striking, sculptural multi-generational quartz crystal matrix on this outstanding combination from the famous Yaogangxian Mine. Stannite is an uncommon Cu-Fe-Sn-sulfide. Well-formed crystals are rare worldswide, except for the Yaogangxian Mine and a few tin mines in Bolivia. The overall form of the combination piece is remarkable with the striking pair of quartz spires at the crest, the impressive angled cluster of stannite crystals, larger stepped-growth quartz crystals at the base and the multi-generational quartz overgrowths. See the 2011 Mineralogical Record article in China Special Issue III, Vol. 42, No. 6. These came out in the 1990s to early 2000s, with very few since. A very fine stannite and quartz combination from the Yaogangxian Mine. This was recently released from the important and large Chinese collection of Dr. Steve Smale of Berkeley. Valued $2500-5000 low to high, depending on how many people can appreciate a great stannite! They have not been found this good in decades.