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This is a major chalcocite, with robust, fat, impressive crystals that look for all the world like blacker hematite than chalcocite from Bristol, because they are so thick and large. This specimen has solid rock matrix, as the host for twinned clusters to 2.5 cm. From the noted rarities and classics collection of Thomas E. Egleston (1832-1900) Professor of Mineralogy and Metallurgy, Columbia University, New York (and retains his old label). This specimen is one of the prettier Bristol chalcocites in this size range I have seen, for the sharp aesthetics of distinctly twinned, upright crystals perched on such contrasting matrix. Commercial mining began in 1837 and carried on until 1953 (according to MINDAT) - this mine was a hugely important US resource through the Civil War years and beyond, and collectors lament its closing. Most regard the chalcocite from this mine as being the best on the planet, though English ones are pretty good too, I will say. Certainly, this is the most famous old locale in the US for the species and you can see why from an exemplary piece such as this.
ex. Ken Hollman
A remarkable large single crystal, complete , from a small 2001 find here by Richard Hauck. This crystal is rare for the size and thickness, as most were aggregates of smaller crystals. Significant for a Jersey chalcocite ! ex. Ken Hollman Collection
ex. Phil Scalisi
This sharp miniature is one of the prettier Bristol chalcocites in this size range I have seen, for the sharp aesthetics of distinctly twinned, upright crystals perched on such contrasting matrix. The crystallised calcite is uncommon, and really offsets the matte black chalcocite nicely. This specimen came from the Grace Dearborn collection to Phil Scalisi, 20 years ago or so. It is pristine except for a tiny ding, hard to spot, on the very tip of the cluster (an old ding, faded to same color as the rest, now). This detracts from value (or this would be $5000), but not from the overall display quality of the piece. Commercial mining began in 1837 and carried on until 1953 (according to MINDAT) - this mine was a hugely important US resource through the Civil War years and beyond, and collectors lament its closing. Most regard the chalcocite from this mine as being the best on the planet, though English ones are pretty good too, I will say. Certainly, this is the most famous old locale in the US for the species.
ex. George Elling ex. Seaman Mineralogical Museum
I found this specimen, of all places, for sale at the Munich show. Things get around, as they say! This extremely rich, large , cabinet specimen is one of the prettier Bristol chalcocites around, for the rich crystallization set starkly upon contrasting quartz crystalline matrix. The crystallised matrix is uncommon, and really offsets the matte black chalcocite nicely. The clusters are very 3-dimensional and dramatic , upon it. Also, small green flecks of malachite or bornite perhaps, seem to be present. Commercial mining began in 1837 and carried on until 1953 (according to MINDAT) - this mine was a hugely important US resource through the Civil War years and beyond, and collectors lament its closing.
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