A huge size group of interpenetrated crystals of hexagonal shape, with a dark gray metallic color and brilliant luster. Crystals of this specimen remind wurtzite for its complex hexagonal shape and dipyramids observed. Many similar samples from this mine has been classified as wurtzite. For this reason we heve proceeded to analyze them. The results indicate that this is a really amazing and interesting pseudomorphosis of sphalerite after wurtzite. A great opportunity for psedomorph and Bolivian mineral collectors.
Studies were carried on by X-ray diffraction of the matrix and hexagonal crystals. They have shown that it is sphalerite. Also, the Raman spectra shows that in the innermost areas of the crystals wurtzite presence has been detected, the rest is sphalerite. SEM-EDS yield a composition:  (Zn1.05,Fe0.09)Σ=1.14S1.00.
Specimens of well developed wurtzite are unusual. This hexagonal zinc sulphide, with some iron, presents dimorphism with sphalerite. It is known that wurtzite is stable at high temperatures, low temperatures being the most stable phase sphalerite. This Bolivian mine is the type locality for the wurtzite. We will send the analysis reports to the specimen buyer.

Size: 5.7 x 4.2 x 3 cm.
Main crystal: 15 mm.

Analyzed specimen with report

A huge size group of interpenetrated crystals of hexagonal shape, with a dark gray metallic color and brilliant luster. Crystals of this specimen remind wurtzite for its complex hexagonal shape and dipyramids observed. Many similar samples from this mine has been classified as wurtzite. For this reason we heve proceeded to analyze them. The results indicate that this is a really amazing and interesting pseudomorphosis of sphalerite after wurtzite. A great opportunity for psedomorph and Bolivian mineral collectors.

Studies were carried on by X-ray diffraction of the matrix and hexagonal crystals. They have shown that it is sphalerite. Also, the Raman spectra shows that in the innermost areas of the crystals wurtzite presence has been detected, the rest is sphalerite. SEM-EDS yield a composition:  (Zn1.05,Fe0.09)Σ=1.14S1.00.

Specimens of well developed wurtzite are unusual. This hexagonal zinc sulphide, with some iron, presents dimorphism with sphalerite. It is known that wurtzite is stable at high temperatures, low temperatures being the most stable phase sphalerite. This Bolivian mine is the type locality for the wurtzite. We will send the analysis reports to the specimen buyer.

Size: 9.6 x 8.9 x 4.8 cm.
Main crystal: 28 x 25 mm.

Analyzed specimen with report

Group of interpenetrated crystals of hexagonal shape, with a dark gray metallic color and brilliant luster. Crystals of this specimen remind wurtzite for its hexagonal shape and dipyramids observed. Many similar samples from this mine has been classified as wurtzite. For this reason we heve proceeded to analyze them. The results indicate that this is a really amazing and interesting pseudomorphosis of sphalerite after wurtzite. Accompanied by nice brilliant franckeite globular crystal aggregates and small hexagonal prism of plumbogummite (also a pseudomorph). A great opportunity for psedomorph and Bolivian mineral collectors.

Studies were carried on by X-ray diffraction of the matrix and hexagonal crystals. They have shown that it is sphalerite. Also, the Raman spectra shows that in the innermost areas of the crystals wurtzite presence has been detected, the rest is sphalerite. SEM-EDS yield a composition:  (Zn1.05,Fe0.09)Σ=1.14S1.00.

Specimens of well developed wurtzite are unusual. This hexagonal zinc sulphide, with some iron, presents dimorphism with sphalerite. It is known that wurtzite is stable at high temperatures, low temperatures being the most stable phase sphalerite. This Bolivian mine is the type locality for the wurtzite. We will send the analysis reports to the specimen buyer.

Size: 7.3 x 5.2 x 3.6 cm.
Main crystal: 18 x 16 mm.

Analyzed specimen with report

A very rich specimen of this rare sulphosalt showing brilliant and sharp franckeite lanceolate crystals forming globular aggregates. They are accompanied by delicate and shiny needles of jamesonite and idiomorphic crystals stannite with a brown color and dull. This combination makes these samples pieces very interesting for systematic mineral collectors. We have analized each species and we will send analysis to the buyer.

Specimens from this mine are hard to distinguish from those of the neighboring San Jose mine and, since the administrative office for both mines was at San Jose, most Itos mine specimens in foreign collections ended up labelled "San Jose mine".

Size: 5,0 x 4,5 x 3.0 cm.
Main crystal: 4 x 3 mm. stannite

Mineral analizado / Analyzed species.