Galena

Unknown Owner

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Diepenlinchen mine was one of the most important mines in the Aachen-Stolberg Zn-Pb ore district, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The deposit was typified by a thick supergene oxidation zone dominated by Smithsonite beneath which primary Schalenblende dominated. Good specimens of octahedral Galena crystals are known, but are not commonly seen, making this older miniature specimen quite a rarity. On it, the two main octahedral crystals reach 7 mm across, each sat at opposing ends of the display surface. These crystals are undamaged and display a fine historic-looking dark grey patina. Smaller Galena crystals are also present, possibly with a backdrop of Sphalerite or Wurtzite. It is from the superb German collection assembled by the brothers Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021).