FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Padego]

Hello, retired goldsmith/gemmologist from the west coast of Canada with a question. I came across this specimen in my late father's small collection. I'm curious about the provenance . I'm not sure when he bought this but I believe he got this with a collection of other minerals a few of which I now have. I have read about Carl Bosch but how, if this was part of the Smithsonian collection, did it appear on the open market? Did they sell some of the collection? Anyway, it's interesting that it came with the little tag from a Dr. F. Krantz (the original seller?). Any info you may have would be greatly appreciated. I've been enjoying perusing the site, some really beautiful specimens on view!
Best regards
Padego

[James Catmur]

Museums sometimes exchange 'duplicate' specimens by swapping them for other specimens. It is not uncommon for collections to have specimens from museums. I have them from a variety of museums, but not the Smithsonian.

Great provenance for the specimen and I am sure you will find information on the previous owners.

[James Catmur]

For information on Krantz read this

https://mineralogicalrecord.com/biographies_labels/krantza-and-f/

[James Catmur]

For the history of the 'Bosch' collection you could read this, and you will see that some were sold

https://www.mindat.org/article.php/4423/Richard+Gunter+Catalogue+Millerite

For more information about the mineral visit:

https://www.mindat.org/min-3294.html

For more information about the locality:

https://www.mindat.org/loc-654.html

(fun fact, my ancestors owned mines in that area, but I am not sure which ones)

[Padego]

Thank you so much! Exactly what I was looking for, much appreciated.