Sphalerite on Galena on matrix (ex Kurt Hefendehl Collection)

Item Description

There are many fine quality sulfide specimens from Dalnegorsk out there, but rarely do we encounter a piece like this with such beautiful composition. A solitary, sharp, well-formed, jet-black crystal of Sphalerite measuring 1.2 cm, is aesthetically perched atop a metallic, highly lustrous, group of slightly skeletal / "built up" Galena crystals measuring 2.2 cm, beautifully sitting on matrix. Small Quartz prisms and tan Siderite rhombs can be seen on the matrix, which makes for a great balance against the wonderful Sphalerite/Galena combo atop the specimen. While neither Sphalerite nor Galena are rare minerals, to find them in such an eye-catching orientation is certainly attention-grabbing. You can't ask for better aesthetics, and if you're a fan of sulfides or minerals of Dalnegorsk, this is a must-have piece for your collection. Valued at $2,000-$2,500 retail. From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl, a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection over the next two to three years through our various platforms.