Detailed information
Species
Millerite
Dimensions
55 x 75 x 40
mm
Weight
156 g
Locality
Friedrich Mine, Schönstein Wissen, Siegerland Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Condition
No recorded repairs
This first class, small cabinet specimen of the nickel sulphide Millerite is from Friedrich mine in Schönstein, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. This mine began operations in 1803 as an iron, copper and nickel mine and worked intermittently before eventually closing in 1953. Thirty six mineral species are recorded from here, Millerite being one. many of us are probably mainly familiar with Millerite forming fine hair-like acicular crystals, but think again for those from this locality! Yes, hair-like filaments do occur, yet the matrix is principally encrusted with thick-set Millerite crystals of unusual substance for the species. Tangled nests and mats of brassy-silver coloured Millerite crystals adorn the matrix to make a superb display specimen.