Wurtzite, Bismuthinite and Quartz etc.
stock #6.2-842
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
5.2 x 4.3 x 3.2 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $750
Pre Tucson
A well-formed Wurtzite crystal cluster on a complex multi-specie specimen from the amazing Yaogangxian Mine. The specimen has several Quartz crystals that are partly coated with Muscovite and sprinkled with metallic hairlike crystals of Bismuthinite. The Wurtzite is mostly seen in a 2.2 CM diameter cluster of stacked brown-red crystals that have a bright luster. In some photos these look silvery metallic due to the reflections on the surface but in hand the color is typical dark brown to almost black. Wurtzite from Yaoganxian is a very rare specie, this is the largest and best we have seen and is exceptional for the locality.
Wurtzite - very unusual locale and form
stock #19.1-339
Blackjack Mine, Galena District, Jo Daviess County
Illinois,
United States
5.3 x 4 x 2.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $440
new year 2021
A very unusual piece unlike typical Wurtzite and from a locale that is not known for the specie. This piece comes from the Fred Meisner collection, the original label is dated 1943. The balls of radiating translucent crystals of Wurtzite are similar to some rare pieces found long ago in the Tri-state Lead-Zinc District, but these are from the Galena, Illinois area. These are also more translucent and a bit more distinct than the Tri-state pieces with a marked resinous luster. With good magnification the elongate nature of the individual crystals is evident. A significant piece for the locality and a nice Wurtzite of this habit.
A superb specimen of Wurzite from Butte, Montana that is a significant piece, despite being a "black ugly" one. Ex collection of Wallace Gould Levison which he obtained in 1903 from the Roth Collection. The locality detail is quite good for this period, this is attributed to the Gagnon Mine. The original price was $1.50 which was a lot of money at that time, I have not seen a better Wurtzite from Butte. Some Wurtzites from Butte are found to be Sphalerite after analysis, probably pseudomorphs. This was confirmed as Wurtzite but there is considerable Sphalerite as well. The Barite is present as small blades, a minor association. The Wurzites are clustered in shallow vugs and show the typical hexagonal form. The Levison label remains affixed to the specimen and we will provide a photocopy of the relevant page from the Levison collection ledger. This is a choice piece for any good Butte or Sulfide suite.
Wurtzite with Quartz
stock #AX-15-323-(C093)
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
8 x 6.7 x 5.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $2600
Spring update
A superb, major specimen of well crystallized Wurtzite perhaps the best example from the great Yaoganxian Mine. By far this is the best and biggest specimen I have seen from this prolific locality, and was on exhibit in the Tucson TGMS special exhibit of Chinese minerals a decade ago. Ex Shields Flynn collection obtained from Bert Ottens who originally discovered Wurtzite at Yaoganxian. Nearly pure Wurtzite, there are hundreds of sharp crystals to 6 MM on all sides with just a few Quartz crystals as contrast. In fine condition and although a "dark ugly" it is oddly attractive. Several have considered this the very best Wurtzite from China, it is obviously important for the locale and the specie.
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