A fine old Cornish specimen with a large spray of Torbernite (4 CM across) nicely perched on matrix. Great history with previous owners Hugh Ford, J. Cilen, Larry Conklin and John H. Marshall collections. This was advertised for sale by Larry Conklin for 250.00 fourty years ago. The specimen is certainly older than these collections (the Ford Label can be dated between 1946-1957). This mine dates back to the 1500 era as a copper mine later worked for Tungsten. Many other species were found there in later years including a few fine Torbernites many of the best can be seen in the British Museum. This piece is quite choice.
Torbernite
stock #17.1-143
Musonoi Mine, Kolwezi
Katanga (Shaba),
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
8 x 4.3 x 2.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $1650
Spring 2019
A big well crystallized plate of deep green Torbernite from the old finds at Musonoi. In fine condition, with individual crystals averaging over a Centimeter (up to 1.5CM). These top Congo specimens are from finds decades ago, these are already considered to be classics for the specie. Most of the crystals here are standing on edge with termination faces showing but a few are laying flat. The flat faces have a lighter green color and are a nice contrast to those showing darker edges.
Torbernite (old classic- type locale)
stock #0797-JM-3610
Johanngeorgenstadt
Saxony,
Germany
6.7 x 4.3 x 4.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $320
pre Tucson 2015 update
A fine, old German Torbernite from the Dr. Moritz Lechner collection (his number 7258 is attached). This important collection was begun in the 1850's and the number indicates this was likely added in about 1890. The collection was built from other significant old collections he purchased during those years, so this piece may be even older. The first descriptions of the mineral from here date to the 1770's. Ex John Marshall collection, this piece has a good relatively dense coverage of sharp plates with a nice deep green color. This locale is known for great Mimetites and some rarities, but it is also the type locality for Torbernite.
Brilliant bright Green crystals of several habits densely cluster on the top and sides of this matrix. From the Larry White collection, this is an older piece and in pristine condition. Not just a "locality" specimen, this is very esthetic and not often available.
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