Calcite on Sphalerite

Item Description

A 5.7 cm, beautiful and impressive, gemmy, uniformly colored, rich golden-amber calcite crystal is very aesthetically set on the sculptural large mounded plate of lustrous, rubyjack sphalerite crystals from the famous Elmwood Mine. Most amber calcites from Elmwood have much lighter colored cores, so this is an uncommon and exceptional crystal. The upper termination of the calcite is gently cleaved on the back, but it's hard to tell in the very fine frontal view. The densely intergrown sphalerite crystals appear to be pristine. The exposed underlying silicified limestone matrix is covered with scintillating drusy quartz as a bonus. A highly representative and very showy large calcite and sphalerite combination from the noted locale with a richly colored golden-amber calcite crystal. This is hefty at nearly 3 pounds in weight, and is a dramatic presentation piece. Valued $1500-2500.