SOLD
den07-21
Argyrodite
Colquechaca, Chayanta Province, Potosi Dept., Bolivia
Miniature, 4.7 x 4.6 x 1.7 cm
Ex. Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences; William Vaux
SOLD
Argyrodite is one of the most rare silver species, a sulfide with GERMANIUM as a main constituent! It usually occurs as small crystals in rounded ugly masses. Here we have SHARP, euhedral, lustrous crystals to, oh, about an INCH in size! This is this incredible specimen of a very rare species, from silver mining that predated the more famous (among modern collectors, anyhow) deposits of Chanarcillo in Chile. Specimens from this old district, valid ones anyways, are very rare. I have seen but a few in 20-plus years. This specimen not only has valid pedigree, but it is a WONDERFUL piece of high quality for the species. I couldn't believe what I was holding when I saw this with the Academy dispersal, and I do not think this is replaceable at any price, ever, again. To me, something like this is far, far more of an investment than the best tourmaline or aqua, or fluorite you could buy for the same price: not a sexy perhaps, but significant enough to be better than all but a few pieces in major museums (if even those are equal).