Galena with Rubyjack Sphalerite (classic locale)

Item Description

Classic and impressive large 2-sided combination galena and sphalerite from one of the historic mines of the famous Tri-State Mining District of Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. Striking and very interesting etched, lustrous metallic-gray, galena cubes, to 4.2 cm, are attractively scattered on both sides of the sculptural, 3-dimensional matrix. Two generations of sphalerite crystals are festooned on the thin matrix crust. Larger 1st generation single sphalerite crystals reach 2.3 cm and the large compound crystal on one side is 3.8 cm across. These twinned crystals are lustrous and are mostly jet-black. Beautiful, gemmy and classic, smaller 1st generation rubyjack sphalerites abound on the piece. The tiny vug on one side with gemmy crystals 1.2 cm wide. The cherry-red colors and gemminess of some of the small crystals are a joy to behold and compare in gemminess and rich red color favorably to the famous sphalerites of the Aliva Mine of Spain. High praise. 2837 grams or 6.2 pounds mass. See the 2017 Mineralogical Record Tri-State issue, Vol. 48, No. 2. An outstanding and dramatic large, old-time combination from the Tri-State District. We believe it may be from the Kansas portion of District although it is hard to say definitely and many specimens got mixed up in those days. It IS a classic style of the zone!