Reviews
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5.6" Sphalerite with Marcasite & Chalcopyrite - Missouri
This nice specimen of semi-transparent sphalerite is covered in epitactic chalcopyrite and small shards of marcasite. Around the edges of the specimen, when a light source is placed behind, a red/brown color will become apparent, likely from the iron impurities of the sphalerite mineral. Tetrahedral chalcopyrite crystals enshroud the entire specimen as well as a variety of marcasite formations scattered around the chunk of sphalerite.
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.
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.
SPECIES
Sphalerite, Marcasite and Chalcopyrite
LOCATION
Tri-State Lead-Zinc Mining District, Jasper County, Missouri
SIZE
5.6" long, 5.0" wide, 2.4" tall
CATEGORY
ITEM
#40587
