Quartz on Sphalerite and Galena
stock #8.1-394
Krushev Dol Mine, Madan, Rhodope Mts.
Smolyan Oblast,
Bulgaria
10.9 x 6.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $290
Impressive and lustrous, this is super esthetic! A cluster of very sharp undamaged Sphalerites reaching 2.7 CM are stacked in a very nice arrangement. The real interest are the sprays of delicate needle Quartz that decorate the piece and add lots of contrast. As a bonus there are some good Galenas as well. This can be displayed from several angles. Despite some damage to a few Quartz needles, this is still a a top shelf piece from a very important location that is now closed.
Sphalerite on Quartz with Calcite
stock #6.2-605
Shuikoushan Lead Zinc Mine, Changning, Hengyang Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
8.1 x 7 CM (cabinet)
price: $400
A very fine, large (3.9 CM) sharp and glassy Sphalerite sits on the matrix of Dolomite coated with Quartz and minor Calcite. When back-lit the Sphalerite glows Orange Red. The crystal is complete with no damage. Very esthetic.
Sphalerite on Quartz
stock #7.AE-492
Shuikoushan Lead Zinc Mine, Changning, Hengyang Pref.
Hunan Province,
China
13 x 10.6 (cabinet)
price: $500
Deep red complex crystals of Sphalerite sit on a plate of sparkling reddish Quartz. Some are claiming the Quartz is red due to inclusions of Sphalerite, I am not sure about that. There is Galena here too and the back of the piece is crystalized Calcite. The largest crystal is 3.3 cm and with good backlight it glows a rich red. No damage and great luster, this looks like globs of jelly on matrix. Way above average!!
