Sphalerite with Marcasite, Quartz

specimen number:
2171010

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 spherical shaped crystal groupings of sphalerite to 2.0 cm in diameter are scattered richly throughout this 16.0 x 13.0 x 5.0 cm quartz crystal covered Brett matrix. The quartz in turn is mostly coated with beautiful iridescent crystallized marcasite. Some chipping present to the sphalerite crystals as seen, this very typical of this find. This one is in much better condition than most. Shipping weight: 4.49 pounds.

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