Galena (unique skeletal crystals - superb historic specimen)

Item Description

A superb old classic specimen of Galena dating back possibly a couple hundred years. The unique habit of the crystals along with the historic locality and impressive provenance make it a stunning overall specimen. One almost never encounters Galena crystals with this habit, and you have to look way back in the literature to find examples of this material pictured anywhere. They are NEVER available for sale! The piece hosts many sharp, Galena cubes measuring up to 7 mm (partial crystals up to 1cm) of a rich dark grey hue sitting atop a matrix of massive Galena. The most interesting and intriguing aspect of the piece is that the Galena crystals have unique skeletal or "hoppered" faces, with a somewhat "hollow" growth in the center. Very unusual piece from a classic German Galena location. The piece is accompanied by labels from the collection of Dick Hauck, along with a New York State Geology Museum label, and if you look closely in the corner, you can seen the name "Kunz" (as in George F. Kunz the famous gemologist and author who worked for Tiffany and Co. during the early 1900's). It's hard to say if the piece was in Kunz's collection or if it was donated by Kunz to the museum, but the fact that his name is attached to the piece immediately increases the value. You never see Galena specimens like this on the market, let alone with such fine quality, uniquely formed crystals and wonderful historic pedigree. Valued highly, at least $2500