Sphalerite on Dolomite (classic locale) Kidwell Coll.

Item Description

Classic, sculptural and pristine large old sphalerite and dolomite combination from the historic Joplin Field of the Tri-State District from the mid 1900s. Lustrous brownish-black sphalerite twins are aesthetically clustered on the undulating matrix covered with frosted saddle-shaped dolomite crystals. The impressive large compound crystal cluster on one end is 7.0 cm across and the fine sharp twin on the other end is 4.7 cm across. The dolomite crystals are richly peppered with tiny sharp chalcopyrite sphenoids and gemmy rubyjack sphalerite crystals, typical accessories adding character. The back hosts brecciated chert fragments, a classic matrix of Tri-State specimens. Ex Al Kidwell Collection and acquired from well-known Tri-State mineral dealer, Chink Enders, in 1964 before the mines closed. See the 2017 Mineralogical Record Tri-State District! Special Issue in Vol. 48, No. 2. From the worldwide mineral collection of Albert Lewis Kidwell (January 1, 1919 - August 16, 2008). Al was a well-known mineral collector and research geologist with Carter Oil Company and later Exxon Oil Company in Houston, Texas. The phosphate species Kidwellite was named in his honor in 1974. A fine large sphalerite and dolomite example with accessories from the District.