SOLD
J11-86
Alabandite
Uchucchacua Mine, Oyon Province, Lima Department, Peru
Small Cabinet, 7.8 x 6.0 x 4.5 cm
SOLD
From a recent find, these are by an order of magnitude the world's best examples of the species. And, this piece is, from what I have seen, about an order better than most any other to date. The sharp twinned crystals reach 2 cm in size and are both sharp and lustrous, really unprecedented for the species. The size and overall richness of the piece, its lack of damage and pristine condition all around, and its association with sparkling white calcite, all combine to make it the best piece we are yet aware of from this highly important find here. Notably, the mine has been worked for something like decades, and YET NEVER BEFORE have crystallized alabandites been found here. The find is thus, in context, probably a freak occurrence. Although lesser specimens from the find are themselves world class examples, this one stood out from the very beginning and was held back in Lima with "an investor" who helped the miners (and asked a higher price than this initially), holding out for an admittedly high number. Nevertheless, it was the best (we think), and was too important to leave down there. Had to have it...