Sphalerite ( var. Cleophane ) on Quartz

40 x 30 x 25 mm overall

This is a cute miniature with two gemmy yellowish-green Sphalerite (var. Cleophane) crystals to 18 mm on a matrix of tiny Quartz points. Typically, gemmy crystals are less sharp, but these are well formed. They may also be twinned, but I can’t be certain. They are gemmy even under typical daylight. This was a difficult piece for me to photograph. There is a contact on the top of the larger Sphalerite and very minor chipping that is difficult to see with a 10 x loupe. 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. It is an interesting piece and well priced.