Acanthite crystals from the Rajas Mine, Mexico – small cabinet specimen as unique piece
This unique specimen displays lustrous, black-metallic acanthite crystals in striking contrast to a dense druse of clear quartz crystals. The acanthite crystals are well formed, partly arranged in stepped growth, and stand out clearly from the white matrix with their intense dark color and metallic luster. The interplay between the silvery-grey ore surfaces and the transparent quartz points gives the piece a particularly aesthetic appearance.
The specimen comes from the Rajas Mine in Mexico, a classic locality for silver ores. Acanthite is a silver sulfide that crystallizes in the monoclinic system and is one of the most important silver ore minerals. It typically occurs in massive or crystalline aggregates in hydrothermal deposits and, due to the rarity of well-developed crystals, is highly prized by collectors.
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)
embeddet 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
