Bustamite - bladed and hairy type crystals
stock #8.AE-1051
Level 25, North Mine, Broken Hill, Yancowinna County
New South Wales,
Australia
5.4 x 4.8 x 2.9 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $950
Pre Tucson
A quite old, rare and choice specimen of so called "hairy" Bustamite and bladed habit Bustamite crystals together on a Sphalerite and Hedenbergite matrix. The hair type crystals are very slender, elongated, mostly colorless and transparent. The tapering form ends at a pointed termination, but by naked eye they do look like hairs. The bladed crystals range from colorless to pink and reddish. The bottom as seen is a 2 plus CM crystal of Sphalerite which is not often common as an association with Bustamite. In remarkable condition for such an old delicate piece, the only damage is very minor and not evident by naked eye. An attractive classic piece of unusual habit from a classic locality!
A cute thumbnail with the focus being one larger crystal of Bustamite. The specimen also includes some very tiny Spessartine as well as the Sulphides listed above. The Bustamite has the typical crude or melted look on some edges but is distinctly terminated and well-defined. Broken Hill is a famed locality that is on every short list of world class deposits and is certainly a classic.
