Galena with Calcite and Sphalerite - image 1

Galena with Calcite and Sphalerite

Unknown Owner

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Galena is one of the species for which Dalnegorsk at Kavalerovo in Far-Eastern Region, Russia is famous for. This is because there it forms unusually complex modifications of the usually cubic crystal form. This dense, fairly pure aggregate of Galena crystals probably dates from the 1980s or 1990s as after that the supply of material from this important mining region dried up on the international scene. In some respects, these complex crystal forms are similar to those found a little later in Bulgaria. This charming piece is in very good condition, with the main Galena crystals all intact and showing octahedral corner modifications and peculiar stepped, and undulating surface features. The largest Galena crystal reaches 3.3 cm on edge. A few small (1 cm) white lenticular to platy Calcite crystals are scattered upon the surface and the underside of the specimen has a core of tarnished Chalcopyrite. Ex Nick Hawes collection.