Detailed information
Species
Stephanite, Baryte
Dimensions
42 x 53 x 19
mm
Weight
69 g
Locality
Příbram District Central Bohemian Region Czech Republic
Condition
No recorded repairs
Stephanite is a rare silver-rich sulphosalt, named after the famous mineral collector and Austrian Mining Director, Archduke Stephan Franz Victor von Habsburg-Lothringen (1817-1867). Good crystals of this rare species are highly sought after and tend to be known from just a few dozen significant localities in silver mining regions of the world. The Příbram District in the Central Bohemian Region, Czech Republic is one such region, but compared to many others well-formed Stephanite crystals are uncommon. This large miniature specimen consists of Baryte veinstone from which protrude several excellent Stephanite crystals reaching 7 mm tall, along with larger areas of crystallized Stephanite where the crystals are more embedded within the bladed Baryte. The Stephanite presents a somewhat duller submetallic lustre and dark grey to black colour, contrasting with the pinkish-cream Baryte. Ex David Hardman Collection, no. 1853.