fine Schalenblende nodule (classic locale)

Item Description

Schalenblende is the striking concentric layers with reniform surfaces consisting of alternating bands of sphalerite (brown to yellow), marcasite and galena (grey inclusions). Wurtzite (as often reported to be a component of the Polish Schalenblende) could not be detected by XRD analysis, according to a report. The color variation of the sphalerite is due to grain size and (minor) to the iron content. This is an artistic banded agate-like nodule with a starkly contrasting brown sphalerite core and an outer rind of marcasite. It is regarded as a classic lapidary material. Three more 5 mm slabs of lesser size could be cut from this showy, excellent and classic example from Poland. 334 grams total mass.