Sphalerite on Quartz

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Exceptional aesthetic specimen OF A COMMON ENOUGH SPECIES that is, tragically, often not regarded with proper respect among collectors! Especially as a TN, it might be hard to find a truly outstanding sphalerite that stands out. This matrix specimen with a sharp crystal amidst contrasting quartz, has always been one of my favorites (as well as of many others). It has amazing luster, for a start. A 1.2 x 2.1 cm of highly lustrous acicular black sphalerite with razor sharp edges forms a pyramid offset by small, terminated quartz. Stunning contrast! Featured in the recent book on thumbnail collecting, Refined Elegance (Mineralogical Record, Nov. 2022) on page 108. For our tastes, an exceptional and memorable thumbnail of ANY species, but particularly for a sphalerite.