Siderite and Sphalerite epimorphs after Calcite

Item Description

These strange looking and most unusual specimens are certainly some of the most facinating pseudomorphs around. This striking piece is from a small find that was brought out at Munich in 2006. The very unusual, barrel-shaped crystals are actually epimorphs, i. e., casts after calcite crystals, 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 piece is very light weight for its size and, in fact, the casts are hollow, as the one broken crystal in the front and more on the back reveal. A very aeshetic small cabinet. It displays well without aid from either side. These come only from recycled collections today.