Boulangerite on Rhodochrosite with Quartz

Boulangerite is a quite amazing mineral with a delicacy which defies the ravages of geological time.  This cabinet specimen if from the world famous Trepča complex in the District of Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo and forms a rich and dense coverage over a matrix of beautifully crystallised, pale flesh pink Rhodochrosite.  The Rhodochrosite is deposited as two generations, the earlier as micro-crystals and the later as tightly curved blades to a few millimetres.  Boulangerite, a lead sulphosalt, forms dense metallic light grey mats of hair-like acicular crystals, so deep as to completely obscure the Rhodochrosite in many areas.  Stubby crystallised Quartz and black crystals of Sphalerite also occur on this excellent specimen.  If you buy it, just be careful where you place your fingers so as not to cause any damage to the Boulangerite.   It is best to use a finger and thumb, one against either end of its long dimension.