• CC7379 specimen image
  • CC7379 video
  • CC7379 specimen image
1 3
CC7379

CHALCOMENITE

CHALCOMENITE

Size:
83 x 58 x 23 mm
$2,500.00 USD
$2,500.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Located in our US store
View full details

Detailed information

Dimensions 83 x 58 x 23 mm
Locality Baccu Locci Mine Villaputzu, Cagliari Province Sardinia, Italy
Condition No recorded repairs
This is a very large (for the species) and extremely rich crystallized specimen of Chalcomenite from arguably its best-known occurrence, at Baccu Locci mine in Sardinia. Not the Type Locality - which was published about in 1881 from Cerro de Cacheuta, Cacheuta District, Luján de Cuyo department, Mendoza Province, Argentina - the finds at Baccu Locci mine are shrouded in mystery. Small-scale mining for lead and zinc were known in the area around the mine during the 19th century with more substantial attempts to mine commencing in the latest years of the 19th century. The mine was never particularly successful, with problems with ore processing and health and safety issues. Its peak year for employment was 1952 but, as with all Sardinian mines, a decline set in, and by 1965 it was closed. The first record of Chalcomenite from there was published in 1989, but its is likely that the specimens were known about while the mine was active. With bright blue, highly lustrous crystal sprays measuring to over 1 cm on a grey-black matrix this is an extremely fine display quality example of this very rare copper selenite hydrate species. Several other less conspicuous secondary selenium-bearing species have since been described from this mine as new species, but Chalcomenite is the most prominent for its appearance. Under magnification the crystals of Chalcomenite are seen to form feathery divergent sprays typically within areas of white in the weathered sulphide matrix. Ex Professor Werner Paar Collection, this is a world-class example of this extremely rare, yet colourful species.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I order a specimen?

Start by adding the specimen to your cart and either log in or, if you haven't done so already, create an account by registering. Once you have logged in confirm your shipping details are correct, select your preferred shipping method and proceed to the payment screen.

Please note that we do not send any specimen on approval without payment.

What shipping methods do you offer?

We offer a number of different shipping methods, depending on locality and availability. Generally we try to ship using a courier to ensure the speedy and safe delivery of your new mineral specimen, however, other methods are available upon request.

What payment methods do you accept?

Crystal Classics have the ability to accept credit or debit card payments, or payments via PayPal. We currently accept payments from the following card types:

  • Mastercard
  • Visa
  • Visa Debit
  • Discover
  • JCB

At present, we cannot accept payments using American Express.

We can also accept payments via cheque or bank transfer. If you wish to purchase a specimen and pay using either of these methods, please contact us.

I bought a specimen but it is not what I expected or was damaged in transit. Can I return the specimen?

Inevitably, sometimes things don't go as expected. Whether the specimen is damaged in transit or the identity is incorrect, we are aware that this can result in the return of a specimen.If your specimen is damaged during shipping, it is vitally important to take a photo of the packaging and specimen in situ. By recording this, we get an idea of the nature and possible reason behind the damage and will be able to process the return much faster.If you discover that the mineral species has been misidentified, we require details of the method of identification in order to understand why you believe this to be the case. If the identity is in question but no formal analysis has been attempted, Crystal Classics will assess the situation on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, this may mean the specimen is sent for analysis to determine the identity.In any scenario where a specimen is analysed and the species in question is not present on the specimen, we will provide a full refund.If you feel that the specimen was misrepresented in any way, please ensure you make contact with us within the 30 day grace period for resolution.In all instances, please ensure that you call or e-mail us immediately, prior to the return of a specimen to Crystal Classics, so that we can advise regarding the returns procedure. Failure to contact us prior to the return of a specimen may lead to the rejection of your return.Shipping costs of all returns are to be covered by the customer, unless the specimen was damaged in transit or if the identity is incorrect.

Weekly Updates

View all
  • Tuesday Update – Rare Species

    Tuesday Update – Rare Species

    AS a business, rare species is an area in which we excel. This is due in part to our regular purchasing of fine old-time collections, but also a targeted approach...

    Tuesday Update – Rare Species

    AS a business, rare species is an area in which we excel. This is due in part to our regular purchasing of fine old-time collections, but also a targeted approach...

  • Tuesday Update – Worldwide

    Tuesday Update – Worldwide

    DESPITE a busy show schedule, we continue to source new specimens from brand new discoveries and through the acquisition of older collections. Both routes can throw up surprises, with unexpected...

    Tuesday Update – Worldwide

    DESPITE a busy show schedule, we continue to source new specimens from brand new discoveries and through the acquisition of older collections. Both routes can throw up surprises, with unexpected...

  • Tuesday Update – Tsumeb

    Tuesday Update – Tsumeb

    SEPTEMBER is here and that can only mean one thing - the Hardrock Summit show in Denver, is nearly upon us. From September 10-13 we will be based at The...

    Tuesday Update – Tsumeb

    SEPTEMBER is here and that can only mean one thing - the Hardrock Summit show in Denver, is nearly upon us. From September 10-13 we will be based at The...

1 3
View all