Sphalerite (gemmy crystals)

Item Description

Sphalerite is a fairly widespread sulfide, typically seen in dark / opaque crystals, but there are some well-known discoveries globally that have produced notably colorful and GEMMY crystals. The remote Huanggang Mines in Inner Mongolia have produced some of the most amazing gem-quality Sphalerite in the world, largely due to the fact that they are a notably strong yellow color. It is not just yellow like some others are from most other places (meaning a bit of yellow with overtones of orange, green or even brown) it is a true yellow, and the optic clarity of the material makes it all the more desirable. This piece from a discovery in 2010 and features an intergrown group of well-formed, sharp, gemmy crystals, free of matrix. The largest individual Sphalerite measures about 1.5 cm across. If you put a light behind it, the piece glows like a lemon colored piece of glass. A good number of these crystals sadly were faceted into stones, so less exist now than when initially found, and that enticing color is undeniable. Specimen weight is 18.62 grams.