Tetrahedrite

Silver mining at the Casapalca began in the late 19th century. Tetrahedrites were found in the early 1970’s, but soon thereafter, dried up. In 1998 a significant discovery led to another years supply, then tapering off. The photos do not do this specimen justice. The Tetrahedrites reach over 2cm and are jet black with incredible metallic luster. Some broken crystals at the bottom of the plate indicate the extraction points, otherwise super clean. Minor Quartz in association. Ex Mike Wortham.

Locality: Casapalca Mine, Huarochiri Province, Lima Department Peru

Composition: copper antimony sulfosalt