NATIVE SILVER

SPECIMEN DESCRIPTION

This is a remarkable, rarely seen wire Native Silver specimen from the Marienberg District, Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany. Not only is a specimen of this sort rare, it is large miniature in size too, so very much displayable. The intricacy of the wires forming a 'nest' is wonderful, as is the contrast in surface tarnish, or patina, from dull grey to bright pinkish metallic. A couple of small pieces of matrix are incorporated within the wires, adding interest, but just zooming in on the detail of the wires takes you away to a happy place. The Marienberg District can trace its mining heritage back to the 12th century with the veins having been exploited for iron, silver and tin ores, and in more recent times Fluorite and uranium. Mining there ceased in 1958 but its legacy continues with the wonderful mineral specimens preserved in historic collections. This specimen was most recently part of the superb collection assembled by brothers Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021).