Siderite and Sphalerite ps. After Calcite (superb)

Item Description

This is simply one of the very best and most aesthetic miniatures from a small find that was brought out at Munich in 2006. The two, opposing large crystals are perfectly set on and amongst smaller crystals. These 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 two of the broken crystals at the base reveals. A striking, very showy and totally unique small find from 2008!