Sphalerite

specimen number:
2312297

location:
Joplin, Missouri, USA

description:
A beautiful example of what is known as Ruby Jack sphalerite, this with deep red translucent crystals measuring to 1.8 cm in size across the front of matrix with dolomite. In great condition, these are large crystals for the species and color for this old mining district. The specimen comes with several antique labels as shown at the end of the video.

Joplin, Missouri, sits within the famous Tri-State Mining District, which spans southwestern Missouri, southeastern Kansas, and northeastern Oklahoma. Geologically, the ore deposits are hosted primarily within Mississippian-age cherty limestones and dolomites, where hydrothermal fluids deposited lead and zinc ores—specifically galena and sphalerite—along solution channels, fractures, and breccia zones. The mining history of the area began around 1848 to 1850 with the initial discovery of surface lead, leading to a massive economic boom following major strikes in 1870. Production peaked during the early decades of the twentieth century, particularly around World War I, before declining due to ore depletion and falling metal prices. Local mining operations steadily wound down over the subsequent decades, with the final commercial mines in southwest Missouri closing around 1957.

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