Sphalerite with Dolomite

specimen number:
9507092

location:
Aliva Mine, Camaleno, Cantabria, Spain

description:
An outstanding example for the species, this a lustrous and gem orange red crystal grouping of sphalerite with lustrous white rhombohedral dolomite crystals for an accent. When backlit it is obvious that this is gem quality throughout. Completely damage free, this is of the best quality.

The Aliva Mine, located in Camaleno within the Picos de Europa region of Cantabria, Spain, is world famous among mineral collectors for producing some of the finest, largest, and most transparent gem-quality sphalerite specimens ever discovered. Operating in a high mountain environment, the deposit yielded exceptional crystals renowned for their striking amber, orange, and deep red colors, often exhibiting a brilliant luster and high dispersion that made them prized showpieces in museums and private collections worldwide. Although mining operations ceased decades ago and the area later became part of a national park, vintage specimens from this locality remain the gold standard for the species.

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