Detailed information
Species
Zinkenite, Calcite, Quartz
Dimensions
85 x 75 x 40
mm
Weight
196 g
Locality
Graf Jost-Christian Mine, Wolfsberg Sangerhausen, Mansfeld-Südharz Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
Condition
No recorded repairs
Not only is this Zinkenite specimen quite large - small cabinet size - but it is a very rare example from the Type Locality where this species was described in 1826 (Graf Jost-Christian mine). The Zinkenite from there tends to take one of two forms, both of which occur as divergent sprays of crystals: firstly radiating sprays of thin acicular crystals on, or embedded within matrix; radiating sprays of thicker 'prismatic' crystals, usually detached from matrix. This classic old-timer, represents the former, with two superb sprays of acicular Zinkenite crystals sitting slightly proud of the surface of Quartz-Calcite host rock and several smaller sprays embedded with the matrix. The largest spray reaches a significant 2.5 cm in length and the other not much smaller. It is a really lovely, highly displayable specimen of this rare lead sulphosalt. It is from the superb systematic collection assembled by brothers Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021).