Ferberite (twin)

Tasna mine, Rosario section of Cerro Tasna, Nor Chichas Province, Potosi Department, Bolivia
Miniature, 3.8 x 3.4 x 3.1 cm
Start Time: 01/17/2019 6:45:00 pm (CST)
End Time: 01/24/2019 6:45:00 pm (CST)
Auction Closed

Item Description

Ferberite was sometimes previously referred to as "Wolframite", which was supposed to be an intermediary species between Ferberite and Hubnerite, but has since been discredited. Here is a wonderful miniature sized twinned crystal of Ferberite from the best known contemporary locality for the material. This piece features the classic, "butterfly" twinning of Ferberite along the a (100) face of the crystals creating a fine quality, sharp, lustrous, stout, aesthetic jet-black twin that is displayable from a few angles. It is virtually damage free on the display side, and just looks beautiful from several angles. It's very hard to get fine quality, undamaged twins of Ferberite from any locality. Twinned crystals from Bolivia have becoming increasingly difficult for me to obtain from Bolivia, as the miners do not take care of the crystals, so they're almost always dinged or cleaved. In addition, the price of tungsten can cause superb twinned crystals to be thrown into the crusher and destroyed for the mere value of their ore. These are definitely the most highly sought after crystal habit from this locality, and highly sought after by collectors. This piece one of the most well-formed Ferberite twins that I have seen from Bolivia from a crystallographical standpoint and would make a great addition to any collection. Priced in the inventory at $1,500.

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