Tetrahedrite (superb large crystals) (ex Leigh Price Collection)

Item Description

Arguably, the finest crystals of Tetrahedrite in the world are found in Peru. They are notably large, incredibly well-formed, and still remarkably lustrous, sharp and distinct. This attractive small cabinet specimen hosts superb quality, very large, lustrous, sharp crystals of Tetrahedrite associated with white "balls" of Calcite and minor colorless, gemmy Quartz. The color of the Tetrahedrites is a sleek gun metal grey hue, but if you look closely, you'll notice a minor "dusting" of Pyrite crystals on select faces of the Tetrahedrite crystals. This is not iron staining, but a minor deposition. The big group of crystals on the front / display side of the piece measures 4.6 cm across, which is very good sized for the species and the locality. No major damage that I can find, save the peripheral edges where the piece was removed from the pocket wall. You simply do not see many of these specimens in the market, and no collection of sulfides or Peruvian minerals is complete without a Casapalca Tetrahedrite. Priced in the inventory at $2,000. From the collection of Leigh Price (specimen # 1665), noted geologist, field collector and mineral collector who lived in Colorado. Leigh's original label accompanies the piece, with an old value of $240 from 30+ years ago, which was a significant price for a piece like this back in the day.