Sphalerite ( var. Cleophane ) on Galena

45 x 35 x 25 mm overall

Even under typical light, these sharp, lustrous, well-formed Sphalerites to 16 mm are gemmy with a dark amber color. Under strong light, a honey color becomes apparent and the crystals just glow! They are perched on a bed of gray Galena cubes to 4 mm. Typically, gemmy crystals are less sharp, but these are well formed. Most of the Cleophanes were mined from the 9th of September mine back in the '90s, and they were present on the market for a short time. These Cleophane were held in very high regard by the miners and local collectors because of their rarity and translucent olive green color. This is the last of my stock. These photographs really don’t do this piece justice—it needs to be seen. There is only peripheral damage where it was removed, and it displays very nicely.