DT Siderite and Sphalerite Epimorph after Calcite

Item Description

A dramatic and excellent miniature specimen from a small find that was brought out at Munich in 2006. This very unusual, doubly terminated, barrel-shaped crystal is actually an epimorph, i. e. a cast after a calcite crystal, which have been dissolved away. Microprobe analysis in South Africa by Bruce Cairncross and others shows that the shimmering, metallic-like coating is a mixture of siderite and sphalerite. The matrix really adds character. The piece is very light weight for its size and you can feel that it is hollow. It looks great from three sides!