Sphalerite (gemmy) with Dolomite and Siderite

Item Description

While the Sphalerites from the Las Manforas Mine in Spain get a lot of attention when it comes to gem quality crystals, the pieces from the Troya Mine in the Basque Country deserve their due as they are not only gemmy, but very well-crystallized to boot. This piece features several razor-sharp, highly lustrous, well-formed, euhedral crystals of Sphalerite measuring up to 4 mm which range in color from a nearly black opaque hue to various shades of orange, red, amber, etc. The Sphalerites are gemmy when backlit, and the smaller crystals are nearly 100% transparent. Associated cream colored vitreous Dolomite groups along with greenish-brown colored Siderite rhombs measuring up to 7 mm make for a perfect balance of contrast and crystal forms. Very little damage on the display side and quite fun to view under magnification. If you're a fan of Spanish / European minerals or if you collect sulfides or carbonates, do not miss out on this one, as specimens from the Troya Mine are rarely available on the market today.