Sphalerite on Quartz

$2,400.00

$40.00 shipping
Seller offers an extended return window of up to 30 days
Ships from USA

Crystal ClassicsFeatured

Tucson, Arizona, USA

7,579 for sale·132 sold

A showy, large cabinet specimen of black Sphalerite crystals, richly coating an architecturally complex matrix of micro-crystallised milky white Quartz from Smallcleugh mine at Nenthead, Alston Moor, Cumbria. The Sphalerite crystals average 2 to 4 mm and are well developed with a subdued metallic lustre. When viewed from a normal distance, even just, say, twelve inches, the Sphalerites appear none reflective with a matt (or flat) lustre. Smallcleugh mine began in about 1770, eventually closing in the early 1900s. Since the late 1960s it has been the subject of much amateur investigation, including the recovery of many very fine specimens. A paper label is glued to the base of the specimen reading "Blend and Quartz, Alston, Cumberland" plus a separate glued on number "56/28".