Tennantite (excellent sharp crystal)

Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
Small Cabinet, 9.3 x 8.7 x 5.8 cm
Start Time: 02/11/2021 8:45:00 pm (CST)
End Time: 02/18/2021 6:50:00 pm (CST)
Auction Closed
Winning Bid: $999

Item Description

Tsumeb is one of those magic words in the mineral world. It evokes visions of some of the finest specimens ever found, ranging from well-known common species to some of the rarest minerals on earth. This mine is regarded by many as the most prolific and important locality in history, for good reason. The Tennantites from Tsumeb are regarded among the finest in the world. This beautiful, sculptural display specimen features a notably sharp, very well-formed, unusually isolated, fairly free-standing tetrahedral crystal of Tennantite measuring 2.0 cm across sitting atop a mound of mostly massive Tennantite matrix. The main crystal actually shows both positive and the correlate negative tetrahedral faces to give the appearance of an octahedron. If you look closely around the back / underside of the piece, you can find a few more smaller Tennantite crystals among the massive matrix, but it's the main crystal here that counts. Rarely does one see such a sharp, well-defined isolated Tennantite crystal on matrix like this from Tsumeb. I love the gentle grey patina of the specimen, which has a slight hint of sky-blue oxidation (possibly Azurite or oxidized Chalcocite?). There is a tiny "rub" on one of the corners of the main Tennantite crystal, but it doesn't take away from the overall beauty and significance of this classic, eye-catching, showy display specimen from this truly remarkable locality. Priced in the inventory at $4,500.

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Bidding History

Bid Amount Bid Time
$999 02/18/2021 6:41:58 pm (CST)