Arsenopyrite

Item Description

A simply dazzling cluster of brilliantly metallic crystals, that set the standard for the species in the past and are still hard to beat for luster, even by new material from China (albeit, of different crystal habits). This solid mass is composed of many, splendent, silver-gray, slightly rounded, crystals of arsenopyrite, to 2.5 cm across. The arrangement of crystals is shows stepped growth, resulting in many faces to reflect light from. Bright! This is classic old material, seldom seen in such quality and just outstanding for the species even to my eyes, spoiled as they are with the recent glut of Chinese arsenopyrites. This is from the famed Mexico collection of Dick Heck, well known in the Midwest in the 1980s when I grew up. As with most of Dick Heck's pieces, pristine and complete all around, and superb. Was valued at $1800 when we purchased his collection from his estate. It had disappeared from the market for nearly 20 years!