Sphalerite with Chalcopyrite

Unknown Owner

Classic specimen for this area, large sphalerite crystals in a cluster hosting golden crystals of chalcopyrite and marcasite. Minimal micro-damage present, this is in good condition. The Swalley Mine in Cherokee County, Kansas was part of the Tri State Mining District of Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, a major producer of lead and zinc from the late 19th century through the mid 20th century. Mining in the area focused on Mississippi Valley type deposits hosted in limestone, with ore consisting mainly of sphalerite and galena along with associated minerals such as calcite and barite. Operations at mines like Swalley used shaft and room and pillar methods to extract shallow ore bodies that helped make southeastern Kansas an important center of zinc production. Activity declined after World War II as richer deposits were exhausted and economic conditions changed, leaving behind chat piles and other historic mining features.