Sphalerite (large crystals)

Item Description

A wonderful classic specimen from Creede, one of the great silver mining districts in Colorado history. The Sphalerite specimens from Creede are among the best-known examples from not only any mine in the state, but most of the western US. This piece features a sharp, well-formed, group of Sphalerite crystals measuring a whopping 4.3 cm across, showing a very dark honey-gold color internally when backlit, sitting on additional Sphalerite matrix. I have to say that this is one of the single largest crystal aggregates of Sphalerite I've seen from Creede, as most are in the 1-2 cm range. The piece is in fairly good condition, but it's contacted around the edges, presumably where it was removed from the pocket wall. A very attractive piece with a big showy crystal group from this historic locality.
Ex Richard ("Rich") Andrew Kosnar (1946-2007) collection, the well-known mineral dealer and collector from Colorado, who was the namesake for the phosphate species Kosnarite.