Ferberite with Jamesonite

Tasna Mine, Atocha-Quechisla District, Nor Chichas Province, Potosu Department, Bolivia
Small Cabinet, 5.3 x 4.2 x 1.7 cm
Start Time: 02/01/2018 6:45:00 pm (CST)
End Time: 02/08/2018 6:45:00 pm (CST)
Auction Closed

Item Description

Here is a wonderful specimen of Ferberite from the classic locality at Tasna. This species was sometimes previously referred to as "Wolframite", which was supposed to be an intermediary species between Ferberite and Hubnerite, but has since been discredited. This piece features jet-black, bladed crystals of Ferberite with minor associated silvery-grey acicular Jamesonite. The overall quailty of the piece is good for Tasna, with notably sharp faces, good luster and the beautiful form. The piece does have a few nicks, but is still a good quality specimen for what it is. Good specimens of Ferberite from Bolivia have becoming increasingly difficult to obtain in recent years as the price of tungsten ore has driven the miners to throw all the Ferberite into the crusher, causing thousands of specimens to be lost forever. It is VERY difficult to obtain specimens of twinned Ferberite from Tasna these days. You don't see many pieces like this one from Tasna, so if you're in the market for a display specimen of Ferberite, don't miss out.

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