Sphalerite (old classic)

Item Description

Lustrous, jet-black twinned sphalerite crystals cover this old-time, sculptural, large, very rich mounded plate from the historic old lead mines at Alston Moor. Zinc ores (mainly sphalerite) did not become economically important until discoveries were made for the use of zinc in the 1800s. From an East Coast collection and comes with a faded century-old label. Classic, large, showy and rich Alston Moor zinc ore.