Wulfenite

Item Description

Deep red crystals to 2 cm across highlight this fantastic Red Cloud Mine wulfenite specimen from old finds, certainly pre-1990s, at this famous lead mine. Very few Red Cloud wulfenites were ever found on a calcite association, with a matrix that contrasts and sparkles like this one. More than that, the crystals are isolated, and standing proudly and without repair! This is phenomenal for this locality, more known for most specimens being flattish plates of rock matrix; and makes this stand out in several regards for its superior aesthetics. It is a very distinct style and color of crystal here; and we believe this style looks like it is from the lot collected in 1967 at the 150 foot level of the mine by Leigh Price (a Colorado field collector). If not that pocket, it certainly should date to that era when a variety of collectors were sneaking into old abandoned (and dangerous) holes in the 1960s and 1970s. In any case, this specimen for color, style, aesthetics, combination with calcite, taken together, is a very special piece. Jack acquired it in the 1980s from one of his favorite dealers, Ken Roberts, who specialized in just such aesthetic treasures and lived near Jack in the Bay Area (thus assuring Jack a plentiful supply of new toys in the 1970s-1980s !). Valued $5-10k.