Sphalerite with Galena & Quartz - image 1

Sphalerite with Galena & Quartz - image 2

Sphalerite with Galena & Quartz

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A refined specimen of gorgeous red Sphalerite associated with Galena crystals on Quartz from a single classic discovery of the late 1990s at the now defunct Rucheng Mine in Hunan, China. Today, these are almost unavailable on market and are legendary examples of the early Chinese mineral finds. A large, gorgeous, complex, gemmy, rich orange-red, 3.3 cm Sphalerite crystal dominates the center of the specimen, whose color is very reminiscent of the older Spanish material. There are numerous, smaller Sphalerite crystals on the piece, and they look like red-orange gems sprinkled on the glassy, slightly milky, robust Quartz crystals (these vary in size from 5 mm to 2 cm). The larger quartz crystals have more transparent tips. The second largest Sphalerite on the piece measures nearly 2 cm and others are between 2 and 7 mm. Several, small, dull-gray Galena crystals are scattered on the piece as well (they range between 3 and 7 mm). Although common in other worldwide base metal deposits, this Sphalerite-Galena combination is rare in Chinese deposits for some reason. This is just an aesthetic, colorful small cabinet combination specimen that is above average for the material produced from this mine. Most specimens were simply pretty but not refined-aesthetic and balanced, as is this. An old piece Paul acquired in the 1990s. Ex. Paul Stahl collection - 28741.