Galena

specimen number:
8311416

location:
Sweetwater Mine, Reynolds Co., Missouri, USA

description:
Lustrous compound grouping of cubic galena crystals to 7.0 cm on edge on a small amount of breccia matrix with smaller cube octahedral crystals of galena and minor pyrite. Slight micro-damage present along some edges, still in good condition all around.

The Sweetwater Mine, located in the Viburnum Trend of Reynolds County, Missouri, is a major underground operation within one of the world's premier lead-producing districts. Geologically, the deposit is a classic Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) occurrence, where mineralizing fluids replaced the Cambrian-aged Bonneterre Dolomite along ancient reef structures. The mine is famous for producing exceptional galena cubes, which are characterized by their sharp geometric form, high metallic luster, and frequent association with golden chalcopyrite and translucent calcite. Historically, the Sweetwater Mine, originally known as the Milliken Mine, began production in 1968 and has operated consistently for over five decades under various owners, including Ozark Lead and later the Doe Run Company. While the primary industrial focus remains the extraction of lead and zinc ores, the mine has been a steady source of world-class mineral specimens throughout its history. As of 2026, the Sweetwater Mine continues to be an active and vital contributor to the global lead supply while remaining a legendary name among mineral collectors for its iconic cubic galena specimens.

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