Stolzite

This specimen is Stolzite from the Block 14 Open Cut, Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia, measuring 65 x 55 x 18 mm and weighing 101 g. It is recorded with the David Vince Collection. Stolzite is a lead tungstate, part of the same mineral family as Wulfenite, and typically forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidised zone of lead-bearing ore deposits where tungsten is also present in the local geology. Broken Hill's immense lead-zinc-silver orebody has produced a wide range of secondary minerals in its oxidised upper levels, and Stolzite is one of the more sought-after of these, reflecting the particular combination of lead and tungsten chemistry present at Block 14. At 65 x 55 x 18 mm, the specimen is a good display size for the species, which is often found in smaller crystals. Stolzite is a relatively soft, dense mineral and benefits from secure, careful handling. The specimen's documented provenance is the David Vince Collection.