Sphalerite (gemmy) (ex Richard Kosnar Collection)

Item Description

When most people think of minerals from Creede, one of the first things that comes to mind are the beautiful and fine quality Sphalerite specimens. These crystals are often very gemmy showing a range of colors from green to yellow to golden-brown. This miniature sized specimen is a great example of said material featuring a group of very good quality, gemmy Sphalerites measuring up to 3.6 cm across which when backlit show a beautiful honey-gold color. Minor grey Galena can be seen on the back. Excellent condition on the front, no major damage, but it's not complete on the back. This material is not easy to find on the market, and this specimen is a great representation of these beautiful Sphalerites from Creede. Keep in mind that Sphalerite, unlike virtually all other sulfides can be transparent, so to have GEMMY crystals like this of a mineral that by all rights should not be gem quality is a big deal. From the collection of Richard A. Kosnar, renowned mineral dealer and collector from Colorado, and the namesake for the phosphate Kosnarite. Valued at $1,250.