SOLD
ARSP-04
Arsenic
Quiruvilca Mine, Santiago de Chuco Prov., La Libertad Dept., Peru
Cabinet, 14.0 x 7.0 x 3.4 cm
SOLD

This unusual specimen is one of only a few in the find, that I know of, with such strange form. It consists of spirals and volcano-like eruptions of native arsenic perched upon contrasting, sparkly white matrix. The matrix seems to be a quartz-infused or metamorphosed limestone breccia. Aesthetic and unusual. From a large but highly unusual find of pure arsenic in this historic mine, found in summer of 2013. Although we have seen many specimens from this mine, including fine orpiment, I had not previously seen pure native arsenic. Moreover, this is of the quality to rival the old German specimens of native arsenic, which have traditionally sold for far higher prices.