Tetrahedrite with Chalcopyrite and Galena

Herodsfoot at Lanreath and close to Liskeard is one of Cornwall’s most famous mines because of the discovery of magnificent Bournonite crystals between 1850 and 1875.  This small cabinet specimen is a rich example of the other classic combination of Tetrahedrite with Chalcopyrite and Galena, all sprinkled with characteristic micro Quartz crystals.  The Tetrahedrite forms crystals up to about 1.5 cm and these are usually coated with a fine film of brassy, specular Chalcopyrite.  Between these crystals is a pervasive infilling of dull, lead-grey Galena crystals to about 2 mm of cubic habit yet displaying many modifications.  A Herodsfoot classic with an accompanying collector’s label recording it was bought from Cornish mineral dealer Arnold Fisher.