Sphalerite with Freibergite (rare material)

Item Description

Mined around 2001 or possibly early 2002 in Bolivia. This is a piece from a rare find in the Machacamarca District featuring a few good sized, relatively sharp, dark, semi lustrous, modified dodecahedra of Sphalerite associated with associated golden Pyrite on the base, but the most important aspect of the specimen is that it features a pair of rarely seen tetrahedral crystals of the rare silver species, Freibergite. This material was only found in one pocket to the best of my understanding, and this particular piece may be one of the best in existence, as I cannot recall seeing one better with this association. The Sphalerites have a slight unusual "peacock blue-green" patina which is actually a micro Bornite "wash". These are some of the most interesting and impressive Sphalerites I have seen in a while from Bolivia, despite being opaque. Don't miss out on this one, as there are very few of these specimens around. I know they're not the most attractive Sphalerite crystals in the world, but this was a one time find at this mine and the Sphalerites are unlike anything I've seen from any other ore body in Bolivia. The largest Freibergite measures 1.7 cm across, which is very good sized for the species.