During bulk sampling operations in 2011 a world class discovery of exceptional sperrylite crystals was made at the Broken Hammer prospect near Sudbury, Ontario. The crystals were found in a mineralized breccia containing chalcopyrite, millerite, epidote, and quartz that comprise most of the matrix for the sperrylite crystals. Many loose crystals were found, but we concentrated on purchasing the best matrix specimens we could get our hands on, and finally, after two years, export permits were granted for the best pieces and we were confident that we had the best lot that was released from Canada. The biggest problem with the specimens is that the breccia commonly fractured the larger crystals. Also, several specimens are repaired because as the crystals were exposed from the encasing matrix, some had a tendency to pop off and needed to be reattached to the matrix.

If this crystal had been perfect this may have been the best piece in the find. A stunning 12 x 12 x 10 mm crystal perched atop a gossan matrix. This one was in an open cavity and didn’t need to be removed from encasing matrix. The crystal has been re-attached and has a rather obvious chip off one corner, but it is still one of the best in the lot. The base of the matrix has been sawed so it can stand without assistance.