Herodsfoot Bournonite on Matrix
Collection
Robert Lavinsky
Description
This specimen, which belonged to Peter Bancroft's competition collection, was once voted the "best small cabinet species" specimen in show-competition at the world famous Tucson Show. This specimen can be viewed from several different angles, depending on the eye of the beholder. The Bournonites from this mine came out between 1850-1870, so one can excuse very minor contact or damage, as it is a true mineralogical classic! They were never found again since in such magnitude. Even the recent finds in China are different, and these Herodsfoot "bournos" remain the standard to which all other Bournonite localities are put to the test. The matrix specimen has a druse of sparkling, off-white Quartz as a natural pedestal upon which are emplaced large crystals of lustrous, "cogwheel-twinned" Bournonite crystals. The largest crystal is over 5.0 cm, or 2 inches, across. This piece, which does have some minor edge wear on some edges, is nevertheless among the most impressive, and despite its size has no repairs. This was formerly in the collection of Dr. John Sinkankas. Also, on pg 44 of the 50th anniversary of Tucson Show issue of The Mineralogical Record, you can see the piece proiminently displayed in Bancroft's case in 1971 next to his famous Sweet Home Rhodochrosite.
Locality
Herodsfoot Mine, Liskeard, Cornwall, England
Dimensions
7.8 x 6.9 x 4.9 cm.
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