Galena with Sphalerite, Dolomite and Marcasite (1,857 grams)

Item Description

Galena specimens from the famous Sweetwater Mine are some of the most iconic representations of the species, especially from the United States. This hefty cabinet sized specimen is loaded with dozens of sharp, well-formed, gun metal grey colored Galena crystals measuring up to 1.3 cm across, which are predominantly octahedral in habit, with small cubic modifications. It is important to note that octahedral Galena is typically rare in nature, as a higher temperature and pressure is required for them to form. The Galenas are associated with spherical "balls" of pastel golden metallic Marcasite, which has a darkened patina on the top / display side of the specimen, but if you flip the piece over, you will see the untarnished hue underneath, as the matrix is solid Marcasite. Small, very dark (virtually black) crystals of almost drusy Sphalerite, along with off-white colored rhombs of Dolomite, are sitting on and underneath the Galena crystals, making for a great contrast. Overall, the piece is in fine condition, with very little damage, and displays quite well, as you can see from the photos. It's certainly a robust and three-dimensional specimen, and would make a fine addition to any collection of sulfides or Tri-State mineral specimens. A classic display specimen of this well-known, and now largely hard to find, material from Missouri. PLEASE NOTE: This specimen is heavy, weighing at 1,857 grams (over 4 pounds) so an additional shipping cost will be required, please keep this in mind when bidding and feel free to ask us any questions ahead of time.