Sphalerite

Described on its previous label as the "Trepča Heart", this glorious assemblage of well-crystallized sulphides presents the outline of a heart in its finely crystallized golden Pyrite base. This Pyrite forms a thin bed, but also stands up in 'blades' representing replacements, or pseudomorphs, after bladed Pyrrhotite. Most notable though, are three excellent 'cogwheel' Bournonite crystals, ranging from 2.0 x 1.1 cm, 1.9 x 1.2 cm and 1.6 x 1.0 cm in size and all in superb condition with classic gun-metal grey colour. These sit either upright, or freestanding, allowing their all-round classic shape to be appreciated. The most central Bournonite crystal has one very slight chip to one side, but otherwise these are pristine and extremely showy. Elsewhere, at the 'base' of the heart, an aggregate of 'molten' blue-grey Galena and glossy, triangular-faced dark brown Sphalerite crystals are seen. A very bright and pretty display of the complex sulphide assemblage seen at Trepča Stari Trg mine.