Sphalerite, Chalcopyrite & Quartz (RARE combo) Robertson Coll.

Niccioleta Mine, Massa Marittima, Grosseto Province, Tuscany, Italy
Cabinet, 10.0 x 5.8 x 2.5 cm
Start Time: 07/12/2018 6:30:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 07/19/2018 6:32:08 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed

Item Description

A RARE, rich and showy two-sided combination plate from this well-known extinct Italian pyrite mine, closed before 1984 (MINDAT). Displayable specimens of all three species on the plate are rare and are seldom on the market. The front of the sculptural plate is festooned with lustrous, black twinned sphalerite crystals with areas of reddish-brown rubyjack color. Small sharp, golden chalcopyrite sphenoids are scattered about along with pockets of quartz points. The back of the rib is totally coveed with microcrystalline quartz. Ex Kay Robertson Collection # 8305 and acquired from an Italian in the Spring of 1977. Kay is a prominent California collector, who specialized in European classics (see the article in the March-April, 2007 Mineralogical Record and the 50+ page article in the German Magazine "Mineralien Welt" November-December 2017). RARE, rich and showy combination material from this famous mine.

Did You Know We Offer Custom Bases?

Learn More