Sphalerite and Galena on Quartz - image 1

Sphalerite and Galena on Quartz - image 2

Sphalerite and Galena on Quartz - image 3

Sphalerite and Galena on Quartz

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This beautiful, gemmy, 1.8 cm, wine-red Sphalerite crystal is a splendid example of the Shuikoushan ore field discovery that caused such a stir a number of years ago. Along with a series of Galena crystals, this single Sphalerite rests atop, and among, a series of Quartz crystals. The Galenas range up to 1.4 cm, are highly modified, and they have an attractive, metallic luster. The gemmy and glassy Quartz crystals range from several mm all the way up to 2 cm, which is exceptionally large for these combinations as well as the locality. These Chinese Sphalerites are certainly some of the most impressive ever found for the species, and overall this is an aesthetic and choice small cab. They were snapped up very quickly when they first came out, understandably so (back in the early 2000's, as I recall). Galena crystals are VERY RARE for China, for some reason, and this famous find is still among the best produced there.