Teallite (good sized crystals)

Item Description

Teallite is a fairly rare lead tin sulfide, and there are more localities for the species in Bolivia than virtually the rest of the world combined. It makes sense that a tin sulfide would be predominant in Bolivia, as the richest Cassiterite deposit in the world is also in Bolivia. The interesting aspect of the Teallite from Carguaycollo is the fact it is mined as tin ore, as opposed to the rest of the Bolivian tin mines which rely on Cassiterite for the ore. Carguaycollo is certainly the most prominent mine that I know where the ore is a tin SULFIDE as opposed to a tin oxide (Cassiterite). This piece features several foliated, platy, silvery-grey color blades of Teallite which are in lamellar growth. The crystals are distinct and certainly very good quality for the species. The piece is associated with a few milky Quartz crystals, which is a great touch as Teallite is rarely found with any other associated minerals of note. A geat full-sized thumbnail specimen of a speices that is ordinarily not found in attractive display pieces. As a matter of fact, the majority of the Teallite that I have encountered are single "sheets" which are laying flat on the matrix. A worthwhile Teallite specimen for any collector who is familiar with the species. Valued at $500.