Polybasite

specimen number:
2063142

location:
San Juan de Rayas Mine, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico

description:
A grouping of semi lustrous sharp polybasite crystal almost 1.0 cm across coming off of crystallized acanthite. In great condition.

The San Juan de Rayas Mine, established in 1550 after a muleteer named Juan Rayas discovered rich ore along a trail, sits directly on the famous Mother Vein (Veta Madre) of Guanajuato, Mexico. Geologically, the deposit is a hydrothermal vein system hosted within a rugged volcanic terrain comprising rhyolites,andesites, and ignimbrites, where precious metals precipitated alongside quartz and carbonate gangue. Historically, Rayas operated as one of the most prolific and deep colonial silver mines in the Americas, fueling the Spanish Empire and later supporting a vibrant trade in fine crystal specimens for collectors, particularly known for classic dark silver-bearing species.

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