"Chloanthite" (Nickelskutterudite) (ex Kay Robertson Collection)

Item Description

This is an impressive, crystallized group of intergrown Chloanthite from the historic Schlema-Hartenstein District. Technically, "Chloranthite" is now regarded as an arsenic-deficient variety of Nickelskutterudite or simply as a synonym for Nickelskutterudite. This is an excellent example of the species featuring well crystallized cuboctahedra with a gorgeous silver color measuring up to 1.1 cm across on matrix. Upon close inspection, there are slight "blisters" on the surface of some of the crystals, perhaps a secondary crystallization. The complex form of these crystals and their bright luster mark them as German, and good quality for the species from anywhere in the world. These are old specimens, some dating to the 1800s. Ex Kay Robertson Collection (#4474). 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 Velt" November-December 2017).