Stibnite w/ Dolomite (historic locale) Steve Smale Coll.)

Item Description

Two striking intergrown diverging sprays of variably-sized splendent metallic stibnite prisms form a dramatically sculptural large 360-degree specimen. The stout central prism is probably about 9.5 cm long and there are at least four bent crystals in the piece, adding character. Most of the well-striated metallic crystals are sharply terminated. The piece is nicely accented with patches of contrasting yellow-tan, saddle-shaped dolomite rhombs on two sides. A few broken terminations are noted in the dense forest of blades. The basal contacting, where other crystals once lay is certainly acceptable in the context of this large piece. See the 2007 Mineralogical Record article in the China-II Special Issue, Vol. 38, No. 1. Specimens from the two privately operated mines in Lushi Coutny came out in the late 1990s, with none since. Ex Steve Smale Collection. Steve is one this eras greatest mineral collectors and is also a world-class mathematician. Read more about Steve at: https://mineralogicalrecord.com/biographies_labels/smalestephen/. It has several fine presentation views. Stibnite specimens from here are considered Chinese classics and this is a very fine large example with classic diverging form accented with dolomite.