Torbernite on Quartz (rare old classic) Dr. Miguel Romero Coll.

Wheal Basset, Basset Mines, Carn Brea, Cornwall, England
Small Cabinet, 7.7 x 4.7 x 3.5 cm
Start Time: 12/01/2017 6:45:00 pm (CST)
End Time: 12/07/2017 6:45:00 pm (CST)
Auction Closed

Item Description

Beautiful, parially iridescent, rich grass-green torbernite plates to 3 mm are richly and attractively clustered on the sculptural vuggy oxide-coated quartz matrix on this very fine, old-time combination specimen from historic and long extinct Wheal Basset mine of Cornwall. There are more crystals on the bottom and back as a bonus. This important and rare old Cornwall specimen was formerly in the collection of Dr. Miguel Romero # 4757, who assembled the world's finest collection of Mexican minerals. This piece is certainly over 100 years old and may be 150 years old or older. The style is indicative and known to Cornwall colelctors. The paper label is correct and the engraved label on the lucite base is incorrect (Rich specimens of this crystal form are not known from the historic mines at Liskeard). Classic, excellent and rich material with a fine provenance. Only one of a few we have ever seen for sale of this rare habit from this old locality, and valued $1000

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