Sphalerite with Chalcopyrite overgrowths plus Galena

Item Description

A beautiful sulfide association specimen from this well-known Peruvian mine featuring a group of superbly well-formed, sharp, textbook crystals of jet-black Sphalerite (some of which are twinned), which are partially colored a metallic golden hue due to overgrowths or a selective deposition of Chalcopyrite, along with actual crystals of Chalcopyrite, plus silvery metallic Galena crystals, and even some white spherical groups of Calcite. I've only seen a few of these over the years, I have to believe they all came from a single pocket. I can't remember another Peruvian mine that produced specimens like this, as it's quite rare to find this kind of "gilding" on Sphalerite, but the effect is mesmerizing. The largest Sphalerite measures 1.2 cm, and for the most part, the piece is in excellent condition, save the base / back where it was removed from the pocket. A very attractive and certainly distinctive piece that would make a great addition to worldwide sulfide suite or a collection of Peruvian minerals. From the collection of Colin Manlove.