STIBNITE "FLOWERS" ON MATRIX. ...

Description

STIBNITE "FLOWERS" ON MATRIX
Nanping, Nandan, Guanxi Province, People's Republic of China
Imagine a black & white negative of a fireworks finale. Or a herd of sea-urchins in a quiet, sandy lagoon. One can even see this sharply defined tableau for what it is: a random grouping of spherical radiating Stibnite crystal groups implanted on cream colored limestone. The number of interpretations possible when viewing this creation is limited only by the imagination of the viewer. The facts of the piece are that it is from an Antimony Mine near Nanping in Guanxi Province, China. Stibnite, the sulfide of Antimony was deposited, by hot Antimony and Sulfur bearing water onto the walls of a limestone fissure, in delicate, needlelike prisms. The luster of the Stibnite is the dark silver tone that this mineral often exhibits and the off-white limestone displays a contrasting matte surface. In fine condition, this visual puzzle promises to enchant beholders for years to come. It measures 11 ½ inches wide by 9 inches high by 2 ½ inches deep.

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