A single perfectly formed crystal of bright metallic silvery Sperrylite measuring to 5 mm across sits slightly proud of a matrix of metallic yellow Chalcopyrite and black Magnetite. If one went solely on the number of known occurrences reported for this platinum arsenide you might think it not rare at all, but most records are based around high magnification polished sections, and not freestanding crystals visible to the naked eye. These crystals are now exceptionally rare, and so difficult to obtain because the few source mines are either closed or no longer accessible. This high quality large miniature matrix-hosted specimen is from the classic Russian locality at Noril'sk in Eastern-Siberian Region, likely from the Talnakh Cu-Ni Deposit. Ex Professor Werner Paar Collection.
