Description/Interesting Notes:
A rare, old time example of native tellurium from this historic Colorado locality!!! This specimen hosts a rich showing of
brilliant, silvery metallic crystals of native tellurium in matrix!!! In person one can see that there
are crystals scattered all across the broad face of this specimen!!! The crystals range in size to well over 1cm!!!
This locality was referenced in several old publications with regard to its fine native tellurium crystals, however they are
extremely scarce today!!! The Scientific American reported in a suppliment (no.24) dated June 10th, 1876, that the discovery
of native tellurium "considerable excitement has been raised by certain interior papers of this State by the announcement of the discovery of
tellurium, and the statement that it was worth $3000 per pound. In several counties in the interior this has set a number of
prospectors at work with the expectation of making a fortune in a very short space of time, before the supply should be so
increased as to reduce the price"!!! While this incredible sum was known to be erroneous and dramatically inflated, it was
still quite valuable and what limited supplies were found were quickly consumed - making these old time specimens very scarce today!!!
This historic specimen dates to the late 19th century and retains an old label from the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum!!!
The pics hardly do it justice!!! Must be seen in person to be fully appreciated!!!
Good luck and be sure to check out my other exciting mineral auctions on ebay!!! STAY TUNED!!! MORE AUCTIONS WILL BE ADDED MONDAY NIGHT FOR A SPECIAL 3-DAY AUCTION, ENDING THURSDAY APRIL 19th!!!
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