Sphalerite with Chalcopyrite

Unknown Owner

Classic Midwest specimen with large lustrous crystals of sphalerite measuring to 4.5 cm in size in a cluster with sharp golden crystals of chalcopyrite to 0.5 cm in size. This is in really good condition. At one time this was part of the collection of Louis Lafayette. Certainly collected in the 1960s, if not earlier.Mining in the Picher Field of the Tri State District began in the late 19th century and focused on rich lead and zinc deposits located in northeastern Oklahoma, southeastern Kansas, and southwestern Missouri. The district became one of the most productive sources of zinc and lead in the world during the early 20th century, with underground mines extracting sphalerite and galena from Mississippi Valley type deposits hosted in limestone. Towns such as Picher grew rapidly to support the mining industry and related smelting operations. Mining declined after the mid 20th century, leaving large chat piles and environmental impacts that later led to the relocation of much of the local population.