1.2" Sphalerite "Flower", Marcasite & Barite Association - Missouri

This beautiful specimen contains an association of a deep red sphalerite "flower", marcasite crystals and white barite. It comes from the Washington County Aggregates Quarry in the Potosi Barite District of Missouri.

Barite sometimes spelled Baryte (Barium sulfate) is well-known for its great range of colors and varied crystal habits. It is easily identifiable by its heavy weight, since most similar minerals are much lighter. It occurs in a large number of depositional environments, and is deposited through a large number of processes including biogenic, hydrothermal, and evaporation, among others

About Sphalerite

Sphalerite is the most important ore of zinc and a striking mineral prized for its brilliant luster and wide range of colors. Composed of zinc sulfide (ZnS), it commonly forms in cubic or tetrahedral crystals and is found in hydrothermal veins, sedimentary deposits, and metamorphic environments around the world.

Although often brown to black, sphalerite can also occur in shades of honey-yellow, red, orange, and even green. Lighter-colored varieties are sometimes transparent to translucent and can display exceptional dispersion—meaning they separate light into spectral colors more intensely than diamond—giving well-cut specimens a fiery, eye-catching sparkle. Darker specimens are typically opaque with a resinous to submetallic luster.

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DETAILS
SPECIES
Sphalerite, Marcasite and Barite
LOCATION
Washington County Aggregates Quarry, Potosi Barite District, Washington County, Missouri
SIZE
1.2 x 1.1"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#96359