Wulfenite on Quartz (circa early 1900s)

Item Description

Hilltop Mine wulfenite is a relic of the early 1900s turn-of-century Wild West years and has legendary status. Most specimens came out in the 1890s to WWI era. These remote mountains were so difficult at the time, that ore was brought out on the back of burros to get to market. Today, we seldom see specimens of wulfenite from this classic locality, but they do turn up in old collections from time to time. This piece has unusually stop-sign-like crystals to 1.2 cm, with the classic butterscotch color on the starkly on the starkly contrasting sparkly quartz matrix. Minimal damage, which given the age is acceptable. Ex Edna Andregg Collection. Valued $1500-2000.