Sphalerite with Marcasite, Quartz

specimen number:
2171020

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. Beautiful iridescent micro crystals of marcasite covering both sides of this 9.5 x 6.5 x 2.0 cm crystallized quartz matrix. Spherical shaped crystal groupings of sphalerite to 1.5 cm are scattered throughout both sides. Some chipping to the sphalerite, very typical of the find. Still in very good condition for one of these, this sits perfectly by itself for display. Shipping weight: 0.33 pounds.

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