Sphalerite with Marcasite, Quartz

specimen number:
2171009

location:
Washington Co., Missouri, USA

description:
Mining in this Missouri county first commenced in the early to mid 1700s. Most underground mining was finished by the late 1800s to early 1900s. The area was mined for lead. In later days surface deposits were mined some for lead but mainly for barite to be used in the oil industry. The specimen is from a new find. The collectors at this time will not divulge the exact locality, however I'm quite sure that this is coming from an old underground mine. In 40 years of collecting minerals in this state, I have not seen anything quite like this. Sparkling black to almost deep red crystal groupings of sphalerite to 2.0 cm in diameter are scattered over the front side of this quartz crystal coated matrix measuring 13.0 x 11.0 x 7.5 cm in size. Very minimal micro-chipping present, very typical of this find, still this one is in very good condition. The quartz is mostly coated by somewhat iridescent micro marcasite crystals. Sits perfectly by itself for display on a sawn base. Shipping weight: 2.79 pounds.

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