Pyrargyrite with Miagyrite

A gorgeous, classic, old-time display specimen from the historic community of Niederschlema - known for producing superb examples of silver species such as Proustite and Pyrargyrite. This piece features the rare association of Pyrargyrite with Miargyrite in the form of brilliantly splendent, metallic, very sharp, silvery colored crystals that glow a beautiful RED color when backlit - hence the term "Ruby Silver". The largest crystal measures about 6 mm.

Both Pyrargyrite and Miargyrite are part of the "Ruby Silver Group" and to find both species together on the same specimen is quite rare in my experience. The crystals are distinguished optically as Pyrargyrite is trigonal and Miargyrite is monoclinic, but they share a remarkably similar chemistry. The piece is wonderfully balanced as the Pyrargyrite and Miargyrite crystals are scattered among colorless translucent Calcites on bronzy colored Arsenopyrite on host rock matrix. The specimen is essentially damage free on the display side, but it is contacted on the top / back portion, though you can easily display the piece so the damage doesn't show. A wonderful, historic specimen for anybody who collects European classics, sulfosalts, or specifically "Ruby Silver" species. The piece comes with a typed label from an unknown collection.

Specimen # WWMIX111908