Siderite and Sphalerite ps. After Calcite

Item Description

A superb and showy specimen from a small find that was brought out at Munich in 2006. These very unusual, barrel-shaped crystals are actually epimorphs, i. e. casts after calcite crystals, which have been dissolved away. The striking large cyrstal is 4.0 cm tall and is complete all-around. The two major crystals are pristine, a RARITY in the lot. 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 on the side reveals. Tap on the major crystal. It sounds hollow when clinked carefully with a fingernail! Interesting, totally unique 2008 find! Valued $750-900 as this is a superb example in the eize range