Chalcopyrite 'towers' with Sphalerite and Quartz

Item Description

A very unusual combination piece that is dominated by lustrous (metallic) brass yellow to iridescent towers or mountains of Chalcopyrite made up of countless tetragonal crystals up to 8mm. At the base of the towers are 3 translucent, resinous lustered, red-yellow-amber colored gemmy Sphalerites. The largest measuring 3.3 cm. Late stage calcites and calcite druze add a pleasing accent to the Chalcopyrites. These Calcites also have a strong orange fluorescence. Small amount of contacting on the left side; and so it is nearly complete all around 360 degrees. A very enchanting 'natural landscape' with the largest golden peak rising above all others in the center. This is a rare specimen of dominant chalcopyrite with sphalerite from the Shuikoushan Ore fields out of the Kurt Hefendehl collection. It would date to the late 1990s, maybe the early 2000s. It is a very significant example of the find. Valued $2500-4500.