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The explosive economic growth in China resulted in a commensurate expansion in mineral exploration and mining. Demand for Antimony led to various deposits being exploited, many of which had open caverns and fissures where "swords" of Stibnite emerged from the walls of the mine. Fortunately, the miners at Wuning knew to preserve the specimen examples they encountered, respecting that those were worth much more than their inherent value as simple ore.
Comprised of 15 or so primary crystals and a whole host of smaller ones, radiating from a common point, this world-class mineral represents the finest in metallic luster over its terminated crystals.
The majestic "spray" of striated, elongated crystals represents a consummate collector specimen with a rare combination of quality, condition, size, luster, and balance. This is simply a spectacular example of the iconic Chinese mineral from a classic locality for the type which is still considered to be the best pocket for the species ever discovered for collector grade material.
Stibnite
Wuning Mine (Wuling Mine; Qingjiang Mine)
Qingjiang, Wuning Co., Jiujiang
Jiangxi
China
September 2 Treasures of China Fine Minerals Signature Event, No. 8067
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