Detailed information
Species
Native Silver, ps. after Pyrargyrite
Dimensions
40 x 54 x 58
mm
Locality
Uranium Mine No. 21, Háje Príbram, Central Bohemia Region Czech Republic
Condition
No recorded repairs
Like a coralline growth, this fascinating silver-bearing specimen from Uranium mine No. 21, at Príbram is reportedly (Hans Engelbrecht's label) Native Silver replacing, or pseudomorphing large Pyrargyrite crystals. However, these replacements are usually quite fragile with an etched appearance, whilst this specimen is very robust and heavily tarnished if Native Silver. Either way, the 'branches' of 'Pyrargyrite' reach nearly 4 cm in length and whatever has replaced them shows a very dark grey, almost waxy or resinous appearance, suggesting the possibility of something like Allargentum perhaps. Ex Hans Engelbrecht Collection, no. 4017, with his card label recording that it was acquired in 1989, just as this famous mine closed for good. This specimen is mounted on an acryllic display stand using hot glue, but this can easily be removed using acetone.
