Sphalerite (RARE locality specimen) (ex Burnett and Harvard University Collections)

Item Description

The Wolftone Mine in Leadville, Colorado is not known for producing a lot of mineral specimens, and this piece is literally the first and old Sphalerite that we've ever seen from the locality. This small cabinet display specimen features sharp, well-formed crystals of Sphalerite measuring up to 1.0 cm which are associated with minor Galena on Pyrite matrix. The piece is in great condition overall, with only minor roughness. You simply do not see specimens of this material on the market, and considering the mine has been closed for nearly a century, you may never see another specimen of this material on the market again, especially with this great pedigree. Valued at $1,500+ in the inventory for the size, quality and the rare locality. From the collection of Lee B. Burnett of Morrison, Colorado (#LB 534) and accompanied by an old label from Harvard University Mineralogical Museum (#115385) which mentions P. S. Smith, who could have possibly been the donor of the specimen to the museum.