Pyrargyrite and Stephanite with Argentopyrite

This museum grade miniature displays magnificent crystals of Pyrargyrite, a silver-antimony sulphosalt, from the classic and historic mining district around Freiberg in Mittelsachsen, Saxony, Germany.  Pseudo-hexagonal crystals to 1.3 cm high by 1.3 cm wide (between flats) dominate the specimen, with small crystals of lead-grey Stephanite and granular Argentopyrite infilling in between.  The overall appearance of all species is metallic black, however, when held against a strong light source, various edges and areas of the Pyrargyrite transmit its familiar deep translucent claret to cherry red colour.  The Stephanite, another silver-antimony sulphosalt, manifests as heavily striated crystals to a few mm with a dull bronze-gunmetal patina.  A first-class specimen of these rare, typically German sulphosalts, which would elegantly grace any important collection.