Detailed information
Species
Proustite, Pyrite
Dimensions
27 x 22 x 15
mm
Locality
366 Mine, Alberoda, Schlema Erzgebirge, Saxony Germany
Condition
No recorded repairs
Proustite is one of the rarest and most highly sought silver minerals. Crystals are rarely large, but their deep blood-red colour has such allure. This thumbnail Proustite is from 366 mine (Shaft 366) at Alberoda in arguably Europe's most famous silver-mining region: Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany. It comprises an almost solid aggregate of extremely large (up to 1 cm across) rounded Proustite crystals which display a quite intense deep red colour with a superb greasy submetallic lustre. The surfaces of these crystals are scattered with tiny equant golden Pyrite crystals. This is undoubtedly a very old specimen and shows signs of abrasion, but it is still an extremely lovely and highly desirable piece. Ex Peter and Simone Huber collection.