Sphalerite-
stock #4.2-391
Shuikoushan Lead Zinc Mine, Changning, Hengyang Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
6 x 4.1 x 3.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $325
Pre Holiday 2017
Perfect Sphalerite crystal perched atop a rolling matrix of druzy quartz and a few Galenas. Bright translucent to transparent crystal that can glow red with backlighting. Older specimen from 2003 finds at Shuikoushan, this one is especially choice, three dimensional and esthetic. The bottom and back are sawn from when this was being removed from the host rock. Sits well for display at several angles. No damage.
An attractive Sphalerite crystal cluster that has flower-like form is perched on a contrasting matrix. The color looks black at first glance but with strong lighting it is a translucent dark red-brown (ruby-jack) color. The luster is extra glassy bright and the quality is fine. The front of the specimen is in excellent shape damage-wise, the back and one edge is contacted which is not seen from the display side.
Sphalerite specimens from Elmwood are common, but esthetic specimens of this caliber are quite rare to find. A lot of display impact for the size.
Sphalerite with Dolomite, Galena
stock #AX-18-034
Huaron Mines, Huaron Mining District, San jose de Huayllay District
Pasco Department,
Peru
5.9 x 5.5 x 3.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $380
pre Tucson 2015 update
Dark orange Sphalerite in well-formed crystals perched on a contrasting Dolomite in an esthetic arrangement. This comes from a small find in the late 70's at Huaron that was unique. The crystals are translucent and glow with backlighting, but in normal light this still displays very well as seen here. A good example of this old find that is very rare on the market.
Exceptional bright luster and contrast on this esthetic specimen from the Madan area. The condition is excellent, this is clearly not a typical piece and displays very well. Black Sphalerite is not normally an eye-catching mineral, but this one is mirror bright and well-composed. The Calcite adds a fine contrast.
Sphalerite (ruby-jack and black jack)
stock #0018-JM-1303
Pitcher Field, Tri State District, Ottawa County
Oklahoma,
United States
8x 5.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $150
A much better than average tri-state classic, ex John Marshall collection. Crystals to 3.6 CM on a thin matrix plate range in color from translucent ruby-red to black. Pitcher Field produced huge numbers of Sphalerites 40+ years ago, it is now rare to see good ones. In fine condition, well-composed and far more attractive than is typical.
Sphalerite
stock #AC-017
Joplin Field, Tri State District, Jasper County
Missouri,
United States
8.6 x 5.4 x 3.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $325
A brilliant and pristine red Sphalerite from the classic Tri State district. Even though this was once easilly available it was not usually as attractive as this piece. The mines have been closed for decades now and is now quite uncommon to find any good USA "ruby jack". A sizable vug of 7.5 Cm across is packed with lusterous sparkling Ruby color crystals that reach 1.1 CM however most are smaller. No damage, great esthetics and all crystals are translucent. There are some saddle shape Dolomites and a sprinkling of Chalcopyrite as well for a nice contrast. The back of the matrix block has a nice display of Sphalerite as well (6 CM across), and would be an excellent piece on its own. Very classy color and great eye appeal as well as being an affordable classic US piece!
Sphalerite (Cleiophane) with Galena
stock #9.1-154
Krushev Dol Mine, Madan, Rhodope Mts.
Smolyan Oblast,
Bulgaria
6.7 x 4.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $350
A big (2.9 CM) yellow-green Sphalerite compound crystal sits perfectly on a matrix of galena and some quartz.. Outstanding condition, this is rare older Madan material that is not often available.
Sphalerite with Chalcopyrite
stock #7.AE-578
Tri State District, Ottawa County
Oklahoma,
United States
15 x 9.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $500
A very old and very fine Tri-state classic! Ex collection of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, This is a true top shelf specimen. Sphalerites here reach to 4 CM and are exceptionally well-formed. The smaller crystals are a fine ruby red (ruby-jack) while the larger ones are darker and coated with Chalcopyrite. Some faces are noticeably iridescent and over all the luster is outstanding. The only damage is at the outer edges where it would be expected, the display face is pristine, three dimensional and very esthetic. The old Tri-state area produced a lot of materials in its time, but this quality was excellent even in its heyday.
.jpg)
