Sphalerite (GEMMY crystals) with Quartz and Chalcopyrite

Item Description

Here we have a fantastic cabinet sized specimen featuring many superb quality, fiery red color, "Ruby Jack" crystals of Sphalerite measuring up to 2.0 cm, which are beautifully intermixed with colorless prismatic hexagonal crystals of Quartz on matrix. If you look closely, you'll see some brassy metallic Chalcopyrite crystals on the specimen, which may not be considered a rare mineral, but this particular association from the Shuikoushan Mine is HARD TO FIND in my experience. The Sphalerite crystals are all lustrous, sharp and well-formed, and they just GLOW with color when backlit. I personally love gem quality Sphalerite crystals, not just for the fact that they're beautiful, but Sphalerite is one of the few transparent sulfide minerals in nature (compare Pyrite, Galena, Tetrahedrite, etc. which are all complete opaque), and it's found in a wide range of colors. To have such a well-balance display specimen like this with top-notch crystals of an alluring color with excellent internal gemminess is not easy to find from most localities, and you'll note that the Shuikoushan Mine has not produced these specimens in a few years, so if you missed out on these when they first hit the market, don't pass up the chance to get your hands on this one now for a great price. Excellent condition all around, very little damage. I value this one in the $3,500-$4,500 range. From the personal collection of Brian Kosnar, mineral dealer and collector from Colorado.