Stichtite (rare, rich specimen)

Item Description

Stichtite is a rare hydrated magnesium chromium carbonate, that is not often found in terribly rich samples like this piece. The species was named after Robert Carl Sticht, the famed American metallurgist and copper mine manager, active in Colorado, Montana, and Tasmania. I can't say that I've actually seen a specimen from this particular locality, but it the piece comes with a classic old label from noted mineral dealer Hugh A. Ford that specifically says it's from the New Amianthus Mine. Since the label has Ford's New York address it dates to 1946-1957, so we know the piece is at least 60 years old. This piece is SOLID Stichtite with that classic pinkish purple hue and the unusual greasy / waxy luster on certain sides. There actually is a small section of the piece that was cut and polished, but the majority of the specimen is raw / unpolished Stichtite. It is not common to find such a large pure sample of this species, mostly because it's commonly found either mixed in with host rock or green Serpentine from various localities around the world. Don't miss out on this fine quality, good sized, old time piece.