Smithsonite ps Calcite, on Fluorite with Sphalerite

Item Description

From the San Antonio Mine in the famous Santa Eulalia District, this is an excellent, highly visual specimen in which the combination makes the piece so special: sharp, dogtooth Calcite scalenohedrons have been pseudomorphed by dull-colored Smithsonite, which has a matte finish that contrasts sharply to the glassy fluorites and accents the gemminess all the more. The pseudomorphs reach up to 4 mm, and their individual form and spray-like clusters are both outstanding. Several of the broken crystals reveal that these are Smithsonite epimorphs (or shells), with some remaining Calcite visible. They rest on crystals of Fluorite up to 1.3 cm, which interestingly are infused with thousands of microflecks of shiny sphalerite xls. This old classic is really an AESTHETIC Santa Eulalia miniature, beautifully constructed, and sculptural. Valued $900-1200. ex Gary Weaver Coll