A very unusual looking specimen of Sphalerite with some bright red and darker crystals perched on a thin shard of Chert matrix. Ex Wallace Gould Levison collection, he obtained this piece in 1909 from the "northeast corner of the Quaparo Indian Territory, A zinc mine there" his notes give the source as George R. Osborn who was located in Kansas City, MO. This area we know today as the Quapaw territory of Ottawa County, Oklahoma. Mining had begun on the Indian territories in 1908 so this is a very early specimen. The area became a very important Lead Zinc supplier though the Indians were not compensated as agreed. Mining ended in 1950 but for a while this was the world's largest Pb Zn source. The specimen has well-formed crystals with the largest 2.3 CM. Smaller crystals are translucent to transparent and this is quite esthetic in person. We include a photocopy of Levison's original collection ledger page with this specimen. A very nice quality Tri-state classic specimen with unusual early provenance from an important US collection.
Sphalerite var. Schalenblende
stock #AX-35-108
Eagle Mine, Gilman District, Eagle Co.
Colorado,
United States
5.8 x 3.6 x 2 CM (cabinet)
price: $240
new year 2021
An oddity from Colorado, this unusual botryoidal Sphalerite is a complete floater, with a dark yellow-green color. This variety (Schalenblende) of Sphalerite is known in a very few other specimens from the Eagle Mine; most Sphalerite from there was the more normal lustrous black crystals. In fine condition, from the collection of Skylar Alverson obtained by him from Charlie Bowman in 1984. Excellent for a Colorado collection and a very rare Sphalerite from any place in the USA.
Super lustrous black Sphalerite crystals on contrasting crystals of Siderite. This piece is from the noted Cornish collection of Lewis Barton (his label is included), and is a superb Sphalerite from anyplace in Cornwall and likely the best known from the Ale and Cakes Mine (which is a great name for a mine)! Despite a few edge nicks and contacts the overall quality and condition is really fine. A choice addition for any good Cornish or UK suite.
Sphalerite on Dolomite -Classic USA
stock #19.1-809
Pelican Mine, Picher, Tri-State District, Ottawa County
Missouri,
United States
6.6 x 5.2 x 4.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $450
Spring 2020
An old Tri-state USA Sphalerite with complex twinned crystals in an intricate cluster. No damage at all, the Sphalerites are complete on all sides (which is rare) and have many distinct penetration notches and ridges. Super presentation and esthetics ex. John Buckley collection, this is far from being a "black ugly" the form is incredible.
Sphalerite - classic USA
stock #19.1-375
Joplin Field, Tri State District, Jasper County
Missouri,
United States
11.3 x 9 x 4.8 CM (cabinet)
price: $1600
Large, esthetic and in perfect condition, this is an exemplary old Tri-state Sphalerite, mined before 1940. The Joplin field was at one time a seemingly endless source of mineral specimens, though really fine, undamaged pieces were very rare. The last of these mines have all been closed for more than 50 years, and the best specimens came out long before then. This is a superb Sphalerite with large distinct crystals that stand out from the matrix. Crystal faces show complex striations, etchings and some twinning, these have a choice silky luster that shows these structures well. This is incredible in person and very much a superb piece from this now legendary area.
Sphalerite -gemmy red on Quartz
stock #4.2-325
Shuikoushan Lead Zinc Mine, Changning, Hengyang Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
5.6 x 3.4 x 2.5 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $300
Spring 2019
Perfect Sphalerite crystal is esthetically displayed on contrasting druzy Quartz. No damage, this is bright, sharp and far better in person, this crystal glows a rich ruby-red with backlighting, yet still looks fine under normal conditions. An older Shuikoushan specimen with outstanding luster and presence. Excellent value for a clean small cabinet specimen with character.
Sphalerite on Quartz
stock #18.1-625
Clinton, Onieda County
New York,
United States
3.5 x 2.7 x 2 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $110
A bright lustrous Sphalerite crystal perched above a sparkling Quartz matrix. From an important 1987 find in Clinton, NY. this is an excellent clean example. The Sphalerite shows the complex form that is typical with multiple twinning and is translucent, light passing through gives a rich yellow to rootbeer color. Can be trimmed to a thumbnail if desired. A modern classic from the Northeastern USA not often available.
Sphalerite and Calcite
stock #18.AX-353
ZCA Corp./Hyatt Mine, Talcville, St. Lawrence Co.
New York,
United States
3 x 2.4 x 1.7 CM (thumbnail)
price: $320
Late Summer 2018
Gem clear crystals of honey colored Sphalerite with a few small white Calcites as accent on massive matrix. Very fine large thumbnail with fine bright luster. Better in person, these are now a modern US classic, but not often available. Ex. Hladysz collection, several crystals show pronounced smooth curved faces.
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