Sphalerite on matrix

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Here is a classic old Elmwood sphalerite so lustrous and gorgeous, that it almost looks like a Chinese cassiterite! This style is from the 1990s finds here, although we seldom saw such a complete and perfect aggregate of crystals, 360 degrees all around and perched upon contrasting matrix. It is that stark contrast and isolation that makes this special! Not uncommon in principle, this is about the special aesthetic of a particular style of refined combination, and it stands out to my eye. A number of the pieces in the private collection of Elmwood miner Mark Kielbaso were such superb sphalerites, collected and kept at a time when most people only kept calcites. We actually obtained the collection over a decade ago and have stored it to sell later, and so this has never been seen in many years. Perfection!