Cassiterite pseud. after Orthoclase (Ref: 5909)

This is a superb pseudomorph of Cassiterite after Orthocalse from Wheal Coates in the classic St. Agnes mining district in Cornwall, UK. Most of the specimens of this kind were found around 1828 and are now heavily sought-after classics. Good examples of these incredible pseudomorphs, such as this one are rare and as a matter of fact, fakes were produced already back in the 19th century. However, this specimen is undoubtedly genuine (although historic fakes can be pricey) and displays a beautiful cluster of anthracite-colored, elongated, somewhat tabular and partly doubly terminated crystals with a typical grainy surface. The main crystal measures 3.7 cm. As I said, extremely coveted material, and hard to find on the market.