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Comstock High-Grade Ore, 55-pound Specimen [159494]

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Rocks, Fossils & Minerals Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Comstock High-Grade Ore, 55-pound Specimen [159494]
SOLD
3,500.00USD+ (875.00) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2023 Apr 02 @ 10:36UTC-7 : PDT/MST
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This 55-pound boulder of Comstock silver-gold ore was reportedly found in the basement of the Virginia City Bonanza Club in the 1980's by Spencer Hobson, nephew of long-time Reno resident and casino owner Pick Hobson. Family lore tells that the boulder originated from the 600-foot level of a Comstock silver mine, but we do not know which one. The specimen shows extensive fracturing and mineralization with sparkling druzy quartz crystals throughout. Crystals of shiny yellow pyrite, brassy chalcopyrite, and possibly sphalerite appear with dark grey, silvery crystals, probably acanthite. All of the quartz is dark grey like other quartz found at the Comstock, likely because of included silver sulfides. This is a sizable display specimen at 16 x 13 x 10 inches, and it is attractive from practically every viewpoint. It's historical significance is potentially as high or higher than its metal value.

Date:
Country (if not USA):
State: Nevada
City: Virginia City
Provenance: