Sphalerite ( var. Cleophane ) and Galena on Quartz

123 × 97 × 65 mm overall

This plate hosts several clusters of Sphalerite (var. Cleophane) up to 22 mm across, perched on a bed of translucent- white Quartz points to 12 mm long. These Sphalerite are honey-colored with backlighting (my photos can't capture it), are very large for the locality, sharply formed, and have good luster. Several mirror-bright Galena cubes to 14 mm, some embedded with bright, brassy Chalcopyrite, provide a nice accent. Most of the Cleophanes were mined from the 9th of September mine back in the '90s, and they were present on the market for a short time. These Cleophane were held in very high regard by the miners and local collectors because of their rarity and translucent rich color. This is the largest piece in my inventory. The overall aesthetics of this specimen are great, and it is in excellent condition.