Valentinite (rare)

Item Description

When it comes to crystallized Valentinite from Bolivia, the San Jose Mine has produced the most iconic specimens, but about 20 years ago (circa 2000), the Colavi Mine threw its hat into the ring and gave us some very good quality examples of this rare antimony oxide. For reference, the species is pronounced: Vah-LEN-tin-ite. Most Valentinite crystals are often thin acicular "needles" or blades, but the Bolivian specimens often feature more robust, thicker examples, and they're even gemmy from time to time! This large thumbnail / toenail sized piece features many, sharp, lustrous, silvery white to dark grey color (included with micro Galena) prismatic crystals which are sitting on Galena matrix. Several of the crystals are quite gemmy when backlit, which is rare for the Valentinite in my experience! The largest crystal measures 7 mm, which is significant as it's very good for this locality and the species in general. A great chance to have a matrix specimen of a very hard to find mineral from one of the most notable localities in Bolivia. Species collectors out there should jump on this one. We have precious few of these pieces to offer at the moment, and good pieces from Colavi haven't been seen in several years.