$225Median
614Sold (12 mo)
$250Last sale
Sphalerite from Mid-Continent Mine, Kansas, USA
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A good sharp example from this once prolific locality. Sharp twinned lustrous crystals of sphalerite to 2.7 cm in size aesthetically arranged across the top of a brecciated chert matrix. This is in great condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark.Situated in Cherokee County in southeastern Kansas, the Mid-Continent Mine was part of the famous Tri-State Mining District, a world-class Mississippi Valley-type ore deposit hosted within Paleozoic cherty limestones. Active during the peak era of lead and zinc extraction in the early to mid-twentieth century, the underground mine produced large volumes of sphalerite and galena ore alongside impressive associate minerals such as chalcopyrite, marcasite, dolomite, and gemmy calcite crystals. Mining operations generated massive chat piles and eventually led to severe environmental degradation, resulting in the abandonment of Treece and its designation as part of the Tar Creek Superfund site. Despite safety restrictions and subsequent environmental remediation projects, specimens collected from the Mid-Continent Mine remain celebrated by mineral collectors for their spectacular crystal habits and historical importance to American mining heritage.
Product details
SpeciesSphalerite
SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions7.0 x 5.0 x 2.5 cm
Added on10/24/2026
LocalityUSA, Kansas, Mid-Continent Mine
Current owner
Unknown Owner
- Acquired
- Oct 2026
- Price paid
- $350.00
Previous owners
| Date | Collector | Acquisition price |
|---|---|---|
| — | Weinrich Minerals | Not disclosed |
Learn more
Mineral guide
Learn about Sphalerite
a spectrum of colors and crystal forms, resinous to adamantine luster, gemmy on matrix; prized by collectors for iconic localities and displays.Regional guide
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