Diaphorite xls; St. Andreasberg, Harz, Germany; Scab; unique piece
Diaphorite crystals from St. Andreasberg, Harz, Germany – small cabinet specimen as unique piece
This small cabinet specimen shows Diaphorite crystals from St. Andreasberg, Harz, Germany. The piece comes from a classic silver deposit and displays a typical association of this rare sulfosalt mineral.
The Diaphorite crystals occur as dark grey to black metallic compact aggregates within the matrix. They are associated with lighter quartz rich areas, creating a strong contrast to the metallic surface. Individual crystals are only partly visible and mostly merge into a massive to finely crystalline structure. Nevertheless, the crystalline character is clearly present and gives the specimen a lively texture.
Geology & Origin
Diaphorite is a rare lead silver sulfosalt that forms in hydrothermal veins. It develops under specific conditions in silver rich ore deposits and commonly occurs together with other sulfosalts as well as quartz.
St. Andreasberg in the Harz Mountains is one of the most important historical silver mining districts in Germany. The hydrothermal veins of this region are well known for their wide variety of rare silver minerals, including Diaphorite.
This table is for general information and orientation, although the sizes of the stones may vary. In addition, this specification is handled differently from region to region.
| Sizes | Description | approx. Sizes in mm/cm | approx. Sizes in INCH | |
| Capsule | Capsule | 0.1–0.5 mm in a transparent hard capsule (approx. 1 cm) | capsule contents 0.1–0.5 mm | capsule contents 0.004–0.02 in |
| TN/mm | Micromount (TN = Thumbnail) | everything fitting in a TN Perky box or a MM box of approx. 1 in | approx. 0.5–2.5 cm | max. 1 in |
| Min | Miniature specimen | will not fit a TN or MM box anymore | approx. 2.5–5 cm | approx. 0.2–1.0 in |
| Scab | small cabinet specimen | approx. one-third to half a hand size | approx. 5–9 cm | approx. 1.0–2.0 in |
| Cab | cabinet specimen | full hand size | approx. 9–15 cm | approx. 2.0–3.5 in |
| large Cab | large cabinet specimen | approx. two hand sizes | approx. 15–30 cm | approx. 3.5–6.0 in |
| very large Cab | very large cabinet specimen | everything larger, no upper limit |
Abbreviations commonly used in mineralogy.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| xl | single crystal, possible with matrix |
| xls | noticeable crystals |
| (xl) | embedded or damaged |
| (xls) | embedded or damaged |
| MASS | massive and/or amorphous pieces |
| TYP | type locality of the original description |
| SWUV | shortwave-UV-reaction |
| UV | ultraviolet reaction |
| SC | self-collected |
| U | unique (single unique piece) |
Usage Instructions
This product is ideal as a collector's item, decorative element, teaching material, or for scientific and exhibition purposes.
Legal Notices
Safety
We accept no liability for damages resulting from improper and/or non-recommended use. Please carefully assess the suitability of the product before any alternative use.
Responsible Provider
Mikon Mineralienkontor GmbH
Steinslieth 11
D-37130 Gleichen OT Klein Lengden
Email: info@mikon-online.com
| shipment-weight, NOT netto weight (kg) | 0.100000 |
|---|