MZTN-16
Semseyite
Herja Mine, Baia Mare, Maramures, Romania
Toenail, 3.1 x 2.1 x 1.6 cm
Ex. Martin Zinn
SOLD
This is an aesthetic, fan shaped cluster of splendent, battleship-gray colored crystals of the rare metallic species semseyite, to 1.5 cm in length. Semseyite is a fairly rare sulfosalt, composed of lead, antimony, sulfide. Crystals of this size and robustness are EXTREMELY uncommon. While specimens (most older) are available to some degree on the market, they usually are limited to close-packed sprays of smaller crystals, usually set down on matrix. I am aware of very few pieces with freestanding crystals of any magnitude, and certainly I have never see a thumbnail with crystals as robust and important on their own merits as this piece. So taken together, an excellent thumbnail, but also an important one for crystals and quality for the species. Purchased in 2006 from an old collection being sold by Carter Rich