Detailed information
Species
Native Silver, Calcite
Dimensions
12 x 20 x 8
mm
Weight
1 g
Locality
Jáchymov District (St. Joachimsthal) Krušné Hory Mts, Karlovy Vary Bohemia, Czech Republic
Condition
No recorded repairs
Sometimes size is irrelevant. This fascinating thumbnail wire Native Silver specimen from Jáchymov District (St. Joachimsthal), Krušné Hory Mts, Karlovy Vary, Bohemia, Czech Republic is remarkable in many ways. Firstly, the thin coiled wires of black tarnished Native Silver are liberally coated in grey-white rhombic crystals of Calcite, but there are enough gaps for the contrast between these crystals and the underlying black Native Silver wires to be seen and enjoyed. Secondly is the heritage. It is accompanied by a very old (probably late 19th century) handwritten label preserved as part of the superb collection assembled by the brothers Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021). Jáchymov is a spa town in the Karlovy Vary Region of the Czech Republic and was famous for silver mining from as early as the 16th century. Native Silver specimens from there are rarely seen for sale, meaning that even smaller pieces such as this are treasured.