Digenite with Pyrite and Quartz
stock #0445-JM-2361
Leonard Mine, Butte, Silver Bow County
Montana,
United States
7.7 x 6.1 x 3.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $540
new year 2021
A choice and classic Butte specimen of Digenite crystals on a contrasting matrix. Normally Digenite is an unattractive sooty black rarity, loved only by serious Sulphide lovers (like us). This specimen is very much nicer, and actually displays well. These crystals are quite good sized, and are well set on a sparkling bright contrasting matrix. The crystals of Digenite are usually rather crude and these are too, but still have a distinct form showing structure. The largest crystal is about 1.5 CM across. Contrasts well with the sharp and bright golden Pyrite. In excellent condition, this is ex John Marshall Collection with his collection card. He obtained this in 1979 from A.L McGuinness and that label is also included.
Digenite is one of the "real mineral collector" species, it is rare in decent crystals and usually sooty black (ie ugly). The world's best Digenites all came from Butte Montana long ago. They are classics and only seen from the breakup of old collections. This specimen is a complex cluster of small crystals and masses along with Enargite in small lustrous crystals and related Sulfides. The Digenite is mostly the sooty black sort which is often a coating of Chalcocite. This is a nice specie sample in good condition and very entertaining to study under magnification. It is not beautiful to most people but it is rare, old and something special for Sulfide lovers.
