1.7" Polished Schalenblende Section - Poland

This 1.7" wide specimen was mined near Olkusz, Poland and contains a beautiful combination of sphalerite, galena and marcasite. It has been cut flat and polished to a glossy finish on one side.

Schalenblende is a compact mass of sulfides that can consist of galena, pyrite, wurtzite, marcasite, and even sphalerite. It forms in concentric layers, and is believed to have formed by means of crystallization from a sulfide gel.

Galena is a lead-based mineral and the primary ore of lead: it has been used for its lead content for thousands of years. Galena typically displays a gray metallic luster and forms cubes or octahedral crystals. The chemical composition of galena is PbS.

While galena will not pose a health hazard by sitting on the shelf, or even from casual handling, we suggest washing hands following handling due to the lead content of the mineral.

About Marcasite

Marcasite is an iron sulfide mineral with the chemical formula FeS2. It is similar to pyrite in both its chemical composition and appearance, but it forms an entirely different crystal structure and is much more reactive to humidity. It is often found within sedimentary rock and hydrothermal deposits, and at one point was used for its sulfur content.

About Galena

Galena is a lead-based mineral and the primary ore of lead, and has been used for its lead content for thousands of years. Galena typically displays a gray metallic luster and forms cubes or octahedral crystals. The chemical composition of galena is PbS.

While galena will not pose a health hazard by sitting on the shelf or even from casual handling, we suggest washing hands following handling due to the mineral's lead content.

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
Marcasite, Galena & Sphalerite
LOCATION
Olkusz, Poland
SIZE
1.7 x 1.4"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#154587