Polybasite-Tac

specimen number:
9302025

location:
Rayas mine, Guanajuato, Mexico

description:

This is outstanding for the species with platy crystals to 2.0 cm in size forming a near matrix less cluster. The specimen is in great condition. Very minor quartz attached. There are several previous labels with the specimen, as well as analytical data, as shown at the end of the video. This was formerly known as antimonpearceite.

The Rayas Mine, also historically referenced as the San Juan de Rayas or Reyes Mine, is located in the legendary Guanajuato mining district of Mexico, with operations formally initiated in 1558. Geologically, the deposit is situated along the famous Mother Lode, or Veta Madre, an epithermal vein system hosted within regional volcanic and metamorphic sequences where hydrothermal solutions deposited immense concentrations of silver and base metal ores. Historically, it became one of the richest and most productive silver mines in colonial Mexico, driving the wealth of the region during the eighteenth century under the direction of figures like the Marquis de San Juan de Rayas. Mineralogically, the mine is renowned for producing exceptional specimens of native silver, acanthite, and various sulfides, as well as distinct secondary minerals that remain highly prized by global collectors.

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