Galena, Calcite – Bad Bleiberg (AUT)

I was able to acquire some historic specimens from an old family collection in Marseille, gathered up between the late XIXth century and the 1960's by successive generations of collectors (probably city dignitaries). This collection featured hundreds of specimens that were exclusively purchased from Deyrolle, a prominent Parisian naturalist dealer in this period, and had been kept stored in their original box until today, carefully sorted in several custom-made wooden mineral drawer cabinets. The specimens by themselves date back from the early XIXth century up to the first half of the XXth century and consist mostly in European and American classics, as well as rare species and systematics ore samples.

This specimen clearly shows that lead is heavy. You will be surprised that this it weight that much! It consists 90% of crystallized galena, the crystals are several cm large and show a good luster. They are partly covered by beautiful crystallized white to grey calcite, a wonderful contrast. It is in excellent condition and comes with the original label and the original box they were stored in since decades. You have the rare opportunity to get such a historic piece.