Franklinite on Calcite (ex Gerstmann Museum in Franklin)

Item Description

Franklinite, Zn-Fe oxide, is an iconic namesake mineral species from the famous Franklin Mining District. This is a classic and outstanding large combination from the Sterling Mine. A textbook, fairly large, 3.4 x 3.0 x 2.8 cm, lustrous jet-black franklinite octahedron is dramatically perched atop the striking large wedge of stepped, cleaved calcite. The franklinite is complete all-around and is in great shape. It's nearly impossible to find one of this size without damage. One edge is lightly contacted, another edge is lightly bruised at the base and the tip is contacted, with very little damage. The numerous smaller franklinite crystal sections embedded on one end are a super accessory. A striking 360-degree Franklin combo CABINET with flaming orange SW UV calcite fluorescence. Scattered streaks and speckles of neon-green willemite on the both the franklinite and the flaming orange calcite under SW UV light at color and pizzazz. The Sterling Mine is the Co-Type Locality for franklinite. Ex David Burgess Collection. This exeptional large piece comes with a Gerstmann's label, well-known Franklin collectors and dealer (who called his showroom a museum with good reason), dating from the early 1960s to 1980. Burgessite was named after David. Valued at $2000-3000 and worth it. Seldom on the market with this matrix aesthetics and crystal size.