Wulfenite (classic material)

Item Description

Wulfenite is a common lead molybdate mineral, named after Franz von Wulfen and 18th century mineralogist who wrote a monograph on the lead ores of Bleiberg, Austria (the type locality for Wulfenite). The species has been found in hundreds if not thousands of world localities, but certain places like the Red Cloud Mine have produced crystals that just stand above most others. The color and quality of these crystals sits in the top echelon of Wulfenite localities worldwide. This piece is from the famous "boom" at the Red Cloud in 1996 and was collected by Wayne Thompson and his crew. It features a predominant, sharp, lustrous, very gemmy, rich red-orange colored tabular crystal measuring 7 mm, with smaller accenting Wulfenites along with tiny red hexagonal crystals of Mimetite on matrix. The main Wulfenite crystal is in superb condition, and looks beautiful up close. A beautiful example of this classic and world-class material.
From the collection of John Whatley, a well-known Georgia collector (1939-2022). John had many interests and hobbies, and favorite hobby was collecting rocks and minerals. He was a member of the Augusta and Aiken, SC Gem and Mineral Society. He also enjoyed collecting arrowheads and he co-authored the book, An Overview of Georgia Projectile Points and Select Cutting Tools. He was a member of the Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama Archaeology Societies and he also enjoyed volunteering in the Archaeology Department at SRS.
You can read more about John at: https://www.thomaspoteet.com/obituaries/john-whatley