Acanthite

specimen number:
2262135

location:
Las Chispas Mine, Arizpe, Sonora, Mexico

description:
A wonderful classic Mexican specimen with bright lustrous skeletal metallic acanthite crystals in a cluster without matrix. This is in super condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from dealer Larry Conklin as shown at the end of the video. This is really choice.

The Las Chispas Mine, situated near Arizpe in the state of Sonora, Mexico, is a legendary silver-gold deposit famous for producing some of the world's finest crystallized silver sulfides. Geologically, the site is a low-sulfidation epithermal vein system hosted within Tertiary volcanic rocks, primarily rhyolitic tuffs and andesites, where precious metals were deposited in quartz-calcite veins. Acanthite, the low-temperature form of silver sulfide, is the primary ore mineral here and is celebrated by collectors for forming large, sharp, and highly lustrous cubic or octahedral crystals, often found in spectacular clusters. Historically, mining and quarrying at Las Chispas began in the late 1800s, with the most productive era occurring between 1880 and 1930 under various American and Mexican interests. During this period, the mine was one of the highest-grade silver producers in Mexico before a combination of the Mexican Revolution and falling metal prices led to its eventual abandonment and flooding. After decades of inactivity, the district saw a significant revival in the 2010s as modern exploration identified substantial remaining resources, leading to the commencement of new underground development and production.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.