The Pearcite-Polybasite Group of silver copper sulphosalts of arsenic and antimony is a complex one, and has been made all the more technical with recent revisions. What was formerly called Arsenpolybasite was split into two polytypes: Arsenpolybasite-221 and Arsenpolybasite-222. These have subsequently been renamed respectively as Pearceite-T2ac and Pearceite-M2a2b2c. The 'Arsenopolybasite' crystals from Uchucchacua mine in Peru are now defined as Pearceite-T2ac. This large miniature specimen is a colossus of Pearceite-T2ac, as an aggregate of enormous (5.9 cm wide) thin pseudohexagonal dark grey crystals alligned parallel to form a much larger hexagonal mass. Embedded within this is a dark red crystal of Proustite. The enormity of this Pearceite-T2ac crystal/crystal aggregate is staggering. The outline of the crystal is remarkably good, considering its huge size, and you would have to visit many major museums to fine a specimen equal in importance to this. Ex Professor Werner Paar collection - from his remarkable rare species suite.
53 x 59 x 39 mm
