Sphalerite with Quartz
Rucheng Mine, Caojia, Nuanshui, Chenzhou
Hunan Province, China
6.2 x 5.1 x 4.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $280
Post Tucson 2022
A large, complex crystal of Sphalerite with a "crown" of clear Quartz crystals. This is a rather old specimen from a find in China in 2003 at the Rucheng Mine which is very close to the larger Shuikoushan operation and I am told may now be linked to it underground. The Sphalerites found at both these localities are of great importance and are impressive. The Rucheng area was noted for larger and often complex crystals like this with sizable Quartz where the Shuikoushan operations had smaller Sphalerites, lighter red color and druzy Quartz. This Sphalerite is dense and opaque except at the very outer thin edge. It is a deep brown color with some red and yellow highlights in spots and a small amount of Chalcopyrite as well. In good condition, there is no obvious damage but a few small rub points can be found, the Quartz is contacted in the back. We've seen nothing new from this locality for a few years and the mine has been idle for a while.
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Sphalerite with Quartz
Rucheng Mine, Caojia, Nuanshui, Chenzhou
Hunan Province, China
6.2 x 5.1 x 4.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $280
Post Tucson 2022
A large, complex crystal of Sphalerite with a "crown" of clear Quartz crystals. This is a rather old specimen from a find in China in 2003 at the Rucheng Mine which is very close to the larger Shuikoushan operation and I am told may now be linked to it underground. The Sphalerites found at both these localities are of great importance and are impressive. The Rucheng area was noted for larger and often complex crystals like this with sizable Quartz where the Shuikoushan operations had smaller Sphalerites, lighter red color and druzy Quartz. This Sphalerite is dense and opaque except at the very outer thin edge. It is a deep brown color with some red and yellow highlights in spots and a small amount of Chalcopyrite as well. In good condition, there is no obvious damage but a few small rub points can be found, the Quartz is contacted in the back. We've seen nothing new from this locality for a few years and the mine has been idle for a while.
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