This would be a world class Bismuthinite from anyplace and is exceptional from Kara-Oba. The addition of a complete, doubly terminated Ferberite adds a great balance, and the coatings of tiny bright purple Fluorite puts this piece in a class by itself. With good magnification several Cosalite sprays of metallic needles are noted, along with flattened Quartz crystals. In excellent condition, the Fluorite druse covers some faces of the Bismuthinite as well as the Ferberite, adding a nice sparkle in person. The Bismuthinte crystals are up to 6 CM tall and have a fine metallic patina seen on one side. Bismuthinite is not normally an attractive mineral but this is a very esthetic example, has great associations and is simply superb for the specie.
A complex small specimen with two main large Bismuthinite crystals that are covered with tiny crystals of Stannite and Marcasite. The specimen also has areas of Chalcopyrite as well as some tiny needle crystals of Bismuthinite that seems to be a later generation. A choice example of the thicker type of Bismuthinite crystals and a nice association of these two Sulfides. From a recent find that was premiered in Munich in October 2019.
Bismuthinite inside Fluorite on Arsenopyrite
stock #AX-15-243
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
4.2 x 3.2 x 2.5 CM (miniature)
price: $285
Fall 2015
A attractive miniature with a prominent Fluorite cube that is densely filled with needles, hairs and curls of metallic Bismuthinite. Since the Fluorite rests on a well-crystallized cluster of Arsenopyrite, the overall contrast and esthetic structure is excellent. As with many fine Yaogangxian specimens, there are many associated species, this has Sphalerite, Stannite and Quartz. Better in person, this is an older specimen from the Shields Flynn collection.
