Pyrargyrite, Calcite

Name: Pyrargyrite, Calcite
SKU: 32886-PT
Price: 250.00 CAD
Availability: InStock

32886-PT Category: Europe - Various Species and Localities

Adelbert Mine, Pribram

Czech Republic

Dimensions: 3.9x2.9x2.0 cm

Largest crystal size: 7 mm

Price: CA

$250.00

This specimen features small pyrargyrite crystals, some of which are broken, along with masses of pyrargyrite intergrown with small calcite crystals. The majority of the pyrargyrite crystals are hexagonal prisms, some of which are terminated by very flat rhombohedral faces. Additionally, a few scalenohedral forms are present, contributing to the specimen's variety. Despite some crystal damage, there are several good microcrystals visible too.

This is a classic, old-time silver ore specimen from the historic Adelbert Mine in the Czech Republic. The specimen is richly covered in lustrous, reddish-gray pyrargyrite, seen on all sides of the calcite-rich matrix. The highlight of this piece is a well-formed, 7mm elongated pyrargyrite crystal, which sits prominently at the top-center. Pyrargyrite is commonly found in hydrothermal veins, both as a primary and secondary mineral, and also occurs in oxidized silver deposits.

This particular specimen, once part of the Nemeczeck collection, was acquired by Dr. Tarassoff from John Albanese in New Jersey in 1957. It represents a fine and historically significant example of pyrargyrite from a classic locality.

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This specimen comes from the collection of Dr. Peter Tarassoff, a prominent figure in mineralogy, particularly known for his work at Mont Saint-Hilaire (MSH). His diligent collecting and examination efforts have led him to be the first to identify at least 35 species and discover 12 new species, not only at MSH but also at other alkaline localities. Dubbed the "Dean" of Mont Saint-Hilaire collectors, Peter was honoured with the naming of the new species petarasite in 1980. He has authored or co-authored numerous mineralogical articles and has been a member of the Mineralogical Association of Canada since 1964 and the Mineralogical Society of America for over 30 years. Additionally, Peter has volunteered at the Redpath Museum for the past 21 years. In recognition of his significant contributions to mineralogy, Peter was awarded the 2017 Pinch Medal by the Mineralogical Association of Canada.

Peter's dedication to systematic collecting, curating his collection, and maintaining an archive of detailed historical and scientific information has greatly benefited the mineral sciences community both in Canada and globally. All specimens from this collection come with the original P. Tarassoff collection label.

Note: All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD). International customers are charged in CAD, exchange rate is calculated automatically by your bank/paypal upon checkout.

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