Sphalerite

specimen number:
2057131

location:
Picher Field, Tri-State District, Oklahoma/Kansas, USA

description:
Old time specimen with lustrous black crystals of sphalerite measuring to 1.2 cm in size across both sides of matrix. Damage present as seen. he Picher mining field in northeastern Oklahoma and southeastern Kansas was part of the Tri State Mining District, one of the largest lead and zinc producing regions in the world from the late 19th century through the mid 20th century. Mining began in the 1890s and expanded rapidly with the development of underground shaft and room and pillar operations that extracted sphalerite and galena from Mississippi Valley type deposits hosted in limestone. The town of Picher, Oklahoma became a major center of zinc production, especially during World War I and World War II. After mining declined in the 1950s and 1960s, the area faced severe environmental impacts from chat piles and tailings, and Picher was eventually abandoned and largely relocated due to contamination concerns.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.