Wulfenite on Dolomite (RARE locality specimen) (ex Dave Bergman Collection)

Item Description

The Apex Mine (San Carlos) in Mexico is well known for producing some of the most well-known examples of Vanadinite extant, but experienced collectors will tell you that the Wulfenite specimens from this mine are the true gems. You almost NEVER see these pieces on the market, they were mined in the 1960s and never found again in this style. They are somewhat similar to their cousins from Arizona, but they are found on white Dolomite crystals, which is unique and distinctive. This beautiful and aesthetic toenail sized specimen features a few fine quality, sharp, highly lustrous, beautiful orange colored tabular crystals of Wulfenite measuring up to 1.0 cm on edge sitting on compressed rhombic crystals of white Dolomite, a sure sign that it's from the Apex Mine. I can't see any major damage, though there is a tiny point of contact on the back edge of the main Wulfenite groups, but overall the piece is in superb condition. It's so dramatically showy and three-dimensional, and the quality is very good for what it is. If you collect Wulfenites, Mexican minerals or secondary ore specimens, this is a must have piece for your collection, as you may not see another one of this style for a long time on the market. A wonderful example of this hard to find material. I can't really put a value on this one because the locality is so rare, but it's an important specimen for what it is. A small hand-written label from John Medici accompanies the specimen. This piece comes from the collection of Colorado mining legend, Dave Bergman. Dave is now retired from mining, but spent many years underground, including as the foreman and primary person in charge of recovering specimens at the famous Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado during the late 1970s. He is also the maternal grandfather of Brian Kosnar. See Dave's photo mining at the Sweet Home on page 58 of Peter Bancroft's book "Gem and Crystal Treasures".