Detailed information
Species
Proustite, Native Arsenic, Calcite
Dimensions
57 x 73 x 35
mm
Weight
190 g
Locality
Dürre Henne Gang Aue-Bad Schlema, Erzgebirgskreis Saxony, Germany
Condition
No recorded repairs
This is a wonderful old-time 'Ruby Silver' or Proustite, from the obscure Dürre Henne Gang mine at Aue-Bad Schlema, Erzgebirgskreis, Saxony, Germany. Intriguingly, it is accompanied by a Richard Barstow green stock label from c. 1980 that records it as from Pribram, Bohemia in the CSSR! It was subsequently re-provenanced by the brothers Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021). For a classic it is in extremely fine condition, with exceptionally bright lustre and maintaining a really intense blood-red colour which is so important for a quality Proustite. Individually, the Proustite crystals reach 4.5 mm in length and aggregates 1 cm across, and the only damage is microscopic 'mouse bites' to one on the crystals. Tiny rounded crystals of Native Arsenic sit upon a few of the Proustite crystals which are themselves sat upon a bet of gemmy colourless Calcite crystals. In turn, the Calcite crystals coat a layer of massive pale pink Baryte. At small cabinet size it displays really nicely.