Bournonite and Quartz - old classic circa mid 1800s

Item Description

Known for its world-class Bournonites, the Herodsfoot Mine began operations in the 1700's and there are stories of the famous dealer Richard Talling bringing out these bournonites in the mid-1800s, and trading or selling them to museums all over the world. This is a spectacular small cabinet piece with exquisite style, aesthetics, and condition. It certainly dates from that era (mid-1800s). The most distinctive characteristic of Herodsfoot Bournonites is their cogwheel habit, and these bright and metallic twinned crystals certainly show off this famous style. That they are set amongst sparkling , bright quartz is an extra bonus, and gives such nice contrast. The individual crystals range up to 3 cm across, serrated into castle-like sections which gives it a visual complexity, but what I find most noteworthy at first glance is simply the metallic luster. Minor damage at the periphery , but the display face is simply gorgeous and intact. Exceptionally bright and shiny, the high luster makes the Bournonites look like polished graphite, something you do not see every day, anywhere. Add to that an impressive provenance, with this small cabinet piece formerly being in the noted collections of Scott Rudolph and Terry Szenics (who notes it originated with Keith Proctor long ago). One of the absolute oldest of mineral classics, so rare we almost never see a good one for sale, this was mined during the mid-1800's and this venerable combination piece well-represents this famous old locality. To read more about this locality, be sure to check out the article in the Mineralogical Record, Volume 43, pp 411-486. Terry's label indicates a $7500 price on sale to Richard Rossi, the present owner. It is worth that and more, honestly valued amongst us in the range of $8000-12000 depending on who was voting here. It is large, shiny, and sparkly - but still is this most rare of old english classics